Forces Acting on Pendulum at Point P

In summary, a pendulum with a small heavy ball of mass m at the end of a string of length L is released from a horizontal position and reaches point P where the string forms a 30 degree angle with the horizontal. The forces acting on the ball are the centripetal force and the force of gravity pointing downward. To determine the speed of the ball at P, conservation of energy can be used by considering the potential energy when the ball is raised to the horizontal position and the kinetic energy when it is released. The tension in the string at P can be determined by considering the centripetal force and the tangential acceleration of the ball at P can also be determined.
  • #1
harmonicmotion
51
0
A pendulum consisting of a small heavy ball of mass m at the end of a string at length L is released from a horizontal position. When the ball is at point P, the string forms an angle of 30 degrees with the horizontal.
a.) what are the forces acting on the ball and their directions
b.)Determine the speed of the ball at P.
c.)Determine the tension in the string at P.
d.)Determine the tangential acceleration of the ball at P


I think the cetripetal force acts diagonally to the right and the force of gravity points downward

I am confused on what to do for b c and d
 
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  • #2
i would really appreciate some help
 
  • #3
....
 
  • #4
You haven't shown much work here. You should try to at least show some equations or something!

For (b) you could use conservation of energy. If you take the potential energy to be zero at P, what is the potential energy when the ball is raised to the horizontal position? What does that tell you about the kinetic energy of the ball when it is at P after being released?
 

1. What is a pendulum?

A pendulum is a simple device that consists of a mass, called a bob, suspended from a fixed point by a string or rod. When pulled to one side and released, the pendulum will swing back and forth in a regular motion.

2. What are the forces acting on a pendulum at point P?

The forces acting on a pendulum at point P are the tension force from the string or rod and the force of gravity pulling the bob downwards. These forces work together to keep the pendulum in motion.

3. How does the length of the pendulum affect the forces at point P?

The length of the pendulum affects the forces at point P by changing the period of the pendulum's motion. A longer pendulum will have a longer period and therefore experience a smaller force of gravity at point P compared to a shorter pendulum with a shorter period and a larger force of gravity at point P.

4. What is the relationship between the forces at point P and the amplitude of the pendulum's swing?

The forces at point P are directly related to the amplitude, or maximum angle of swing, of the pendulum. As the amplitude increases, so does the force of gravity pulling the bob downwards, resulting in a larger force at point P.

5. How does the force of gravity change as the pendulum swings?

The force of gravity remains constant as the pendulum swings. However, the direction of the force changes as the pendulum swings back and forth, always acting towards the center of the Earth.

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