Finding the Velocty of A swinging Object

  • Thread starter MRGE
  • Start date
In summary, the conversation discusses the maximum velocity of an object attached to a string that is moved back at a 60 degree angle to the left. The speaker suggests using the equation Potential Energy = Kinetic Energy to solve for the velocity, using the known variables of mass, gravity, and height. The other speaker offers advice on finding the height by using a trigonometric function or the Pythagorean theorem.
  • #1
MRGE
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Homework Statement


An object is attached to a string L long and starting perpendicular to the ground, was moved back 60 degrees to the left. What is maximum velocity of the object achieved?

I used Potential Energy = Kinetic Energy from the top to the bottom since it starts with having potential energy from the beginning and converts it all to kinetic at the bottom so:

So i tried Mass(Gravity)Height = 1/2Mass(Velocity^2)

Solved for Velocity which equals

Square root of plus or minus 2gh

I'm stuck on finding H.

Does everything look aright?
 
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  • #2
Make a drawing. Put in your string at an angle.

What is the length projected along where the string hangs vertically?

Isn't your height then L minus that projected length that you can get by a trig function of the angle?
 
  • #3
To find the height, use the triangle created when it is pulled back 60 degree. Measure the vertical height from the object to ceiling(or whatever the top is) and then just use some basic trig or the Pythagorean theorem.
 
  • #4
i see, clever. Thanks
 

1. How do you determine the velocity of a swinging object?

The velocity of a swinging object can be determined by measuring the distance it travels over a certain time period. This can be done using a stopwatch and marking the starting and ending points of the object's swing. Then, using the formula velocity = distance/time, the velocity can be calculated.

2. How does the length of the string affect the velocity of a swinging object?

The length of the string does not directly affect the velocity of a swinging object. However, a longer string will result in a longer distance traveled, which may affect the calculated velocity. Other factors such as the weight of the object and the angle of swing will also impact the velocity.

3. Can the velocity of a swinging object change during its swing?

Yes, the velocity of a swinging object can change during its swing. This is because the velocity is affected by external forces such as air resistance and gravity. As the object swings, these forces may cause the velocity to increase or decrease.

4. How is the velocity of a swinging object related to its potential and kinetic energy?

The velocity of a swinging object is directly related to its potential and kinetic energy. As the object reaches the highest point of its swing, it has maximum potential energy and zero kinetic energy. As it swings down, the potential energy decreases and the kinetic energy increases until it reaches the bottom of its swing, where the potential energy is zero and the kinetic energy is at its maximum.

5. Can the velocity of a swinging object be affected by changing its mass?

Yes, the velocity of a swinging object can be affected by changing its mass. An object with a greater mass will require more force to swing, resulting in a lower velocity. Conversely, a lighter object will require less force and have a higher velocity. However, other factors such as air resistance and the angle of swing will also impact the velocity.

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