Help on Pendulum Homework: A1, A2, & Work Done

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a pendulum physics problem involving a 1-meter pendulum with a 1 kg mass pulled back at an angle of 12.7 degrees. The user seeks to calculate two types of acceleration: a1, the acceleration along the curve of the swing, and a2, the centripetal acceleration. The user also inquires about calculating the work done in pulling the pendulum back, utilizing the potential energy formula PE = mgh and the height derived from L(1 - cos(theta)). The calculations presented yield a1 and a2 both as 2.2 m/sec², prompting the user to question the validity of their results.

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Homework Statement


1) A pendulum 1 meter in length is pulled back 12.7 degress and the bob has a mass of 1kg. At the moment the bob is released, a)what's the acceleration in m/sec^2 of the bob along the curve of its swing and b)what is the acceleration toward the center of the bob's rotation?

2) For the pendulum in problem 1, how much work was done to pull the pendulum back 12.7 degrees?


Homework Equations


i think... to get the acceleration of bob along the curve of its swing...you use:
equationa1.jpg


and
equationa2.jpg


and a^2+b^2=c^2

The Attempt at a Solution


First, i drew the pendulum/free body diagram:
pendulum.jpg

My teacher said to just get a1, which is the acceleration of the bob along the curve of its swing, and a2, the other acceleration.

a)so...
a1=sin(77.3)=opposite/10
.9755=opposite/10
opposite=9.755

9.755^2+b^2=10^2
b^2=4.84
b=2.2
so a1=2.2m/sec^2

b)a2=cos(12.7)=adjacent/10
.9755=adjacent/10
adjacent=9.755

9.755^2+b^2=10^2
b^2=4.84
b=2.2
soa2=2.2m/sec^2

1) i don't think this is right since I get the same accelerations. please help?? Did i do it all right or can you help me solve this problem??

2) All I know is that I need to use the equation PE=mgh and where m is mass, g is gravitational acceleration, and h is the height and height=L((1-cos(theta)). The only thing I really know how to do is get h sine I'm not sure what is L. How do I get that??[/b] HELP ME!

THANK YOU!
 
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