Finding the Velocty of A swinging Object

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the maximum velocity of an object swinging from a string after being displaced at an angle of 60 degrees from the vertical. The context includes concepts of potential and kinetic energy in a mechanical system.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the conservation of energy principle, equating potential energy at the starting position to kinetic energy at the lowest point. They express uncertainty about calculating the height (H) involved in the energy equation.
  • Some participants suggest using trigonometric functions to determine the height based on the angle and length of the string, indicating a geometric approach to the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing suggestions for visualizing the problem and methods for calculating the height. There is no explicit consensus yet, but guidance has been offered regarding the use of trigonometry and geometry to find the necessary height.

Contextual Notes

Participants are exploring the relationship between the angle of displacement and the resulting height, with some noting the need for a diagram to clarify the setup. The original poster's approach to energy conservation is acknowledged, but further clarification on height measurement is required.

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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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?
 
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.
 
i see, clever. Thanks
 

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