Frequency of Pendulum on Moon: 1.18 Hz

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the frequency of a pendulum on the Moon, specifically one with a mass of 0.070 kg and a length derived from its oscillation period on Earth. The initial calculation yielded a frequency of 1.42 Hz based on a period of 0.704 s. However, the user encountered difficulties when calculating the pendulum's period on the Moon, where gravitational acceleration is 1.67 m/s². The correct length of the pendulum was determined to be approximately 12.3 cm, leading to a revised period calculation.

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  • Understanding of pendulum mechanics
  • Knowledge of gravitational acceleration values (Earth vs. Moon)
  • Familiarity with the formula for pendulum period: T = 2π√(L/g)
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
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  • Research the effects of gravitational differences on pendulum motion
  • Learn about the derivation of the pendulum period formula
  • Explore practical applications of pendulum frequency in various environments
  • Investigate the impact of air resistance on pendulum oscillations
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Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in the dynamics of pendulum motion under varying gravitational conditions.

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A pendulum consists of a mass m = 0.070 kg hanging from a flexible string of length L. The string is very thin, very light, and doesn't stretch much. It makes small oscillations, with a period of 0.704 s. Find the oscillation frequency of the pendulum. Neglect any air resistance.
I got this part ok.. the answer was 1.42 Hz.
The next part says.. Find the period of the same pendulum on the moon's surface. The gravitational acceleration of the moon is 1.67 m/s^2.
I used the equation
[tex]T= 2\pi \sqrt L/g[/tex]
[tex].704 = 2\pi \sqrt L/9.8[/tex]
Solving for L gave me 12.1 m
I then used this equation for the period on the moon
[tex]T= 2\pi \sqrt 12.1/1.67[/tex]
T= 16.9 s, which wasn't right.
Can someone help? Thanks.
 
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The length is wrong.
I get about 12.3 cm

Remember, the g-value is under the square-root sign
 
Ok I got it.. thanks!
 

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