Is This Free Body Diagram of a Pendulum Correct?

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Homework Help Overview

The original poster attempts to create a free body diagram of a pendulum at its maximum amplitude of 30 degrees. The discussion revolves around the interpretation of the diagram and the concepts of amplitude and period in the context of pendulum motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the meaning of amplitude and its representation in the diagram. Questions arise regarding the correctness of the angle depicted and the definition of the period of the pendulum's motion.

Discussion Status

Some participants provide feedback on the diagram, with one confirming its correctness after reviewing the image. There is an ongoing exploration of the definitions related to amplitude and period, with multiple interpretations being considered.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential confusion regarding the angle representation and the definition of amplitude, indicating a need for clarity on these concepts. The original poster's homework constraints are not explicitly detailed.

-EquinoX-
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Homework Statement


I am asked to draw a free body diagram of a pendulum and a bob with it's maximum
amplitude of 30 degrees. Below is my attempt, I just forgot to say that theta is equal to
30 degrees, other than that is it right?

Homework Equations


none

The Attempt at a Solution


attached as a picture

http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/7276/pendulumqa2.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Looks good to me.
 
reason I am not so sure is because of the amplitude of 30 degrees, what does that mean?
 
The amplitude is just a measure of how far the pendulum bob swings away from equilibrium (the vertical). An amplitude of 30 degrees means that the pendulum swings until it's 30 degrees from the vertical before swinging back.

You've reflected the angle in your diagram, so you're OK.
 
ok, and the period of this pendulum is basically the time it takes the position I move the pendulum 30 degrees away from the equilibrium then I release it and it goes back again to the same position right?
 
I think your theta should be flipped to the bottom. Currently, your amplitude is 150^{o}.
 
Last edited:
-EquinoX- said:
ok, and the period of this pendulum is basically the time it takes the position I move the pendulum 30 degrees away from the equilibrium then I release it and it goes back again to the same position right?
Right. The period is the time it takes for one complete cycle. If it starts out to the right at 30 degrees at t=0, then in one period it will have gone to equilibrium, moved to the left at 30 degrees, come back to equilibrium and then back to the starting point at 30 degrees to the right.
 
kevtimc said:
I think your theta should be flipped to the bottom. Currently, your amplitude is 150^{o}.
No, the angle shown is the correct amplitude.
 
Doc Al said:
Right. The period is the time it takes for one complete cycle. If it starts out to the right at 30 degrees at t=0, then in one period it will have gone to equilibrium, moved to the left at 30 degrees, come back to equilibrium and then back to the starting point at 30 degrees to the right.

ok, thanks that helped a lot... so in one period it passes the equilibrium point twice then
 
  • #10
Doc Al said:
No, the angle shown is the correct amplitude.

EDIT: Nevermind, I see the image now, and I missed the T part. It's correct.
 

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