How Does a Cuckoo Clock Calculate Its Quality Factor and Battery Life?

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AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the quality factor (Q) of a cuckoo clock and estimating its battery life. The quality factor is determined using the pendulum's period of oscillation and the mass of the pendulum. The energy added by the falling weight is crucial for understanding the clock's operation, as it provides energy to the pendulum through a gear train. Participants express uncertainty about energy loss per cycle and the role of the falling weight in the pendulum's motion. Overall, the calculations involve understanding the clock's mechanics and energy dynamics for accurate assessments.
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Homework Statement


Consider a small cuckoo clock in which the length of the pendulum is L, suspending a mass m with a period of oscillation T. The clock is powered by a falling weight (mass = M) which falls 2 m between the daily windings. The amplitude of the swing is 0.2 radians.
(A) Determine the quality factor Q of the clock.
Data: m = 54 g; T = 1.0 s; M = 949 g.

(B) How many days would the clock run if it were powered by a 1.5 volt battery with charge capacity equal to 1800 mAh


Homework Equations



T=2pi(L/g)1/2

The Attempt at a Solution



E0=(m+M)gL(1-cos\Theta)

I am unsure of how to find the amount of energy loss per cycle.
Or if the masses in the Energy equation are correct
 
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The clock's falling weight does not participate in the pendulum motion -- it adds energy to the pendulum via a gear train and escapement mechanism.

How many "ticks" in a 24 hour period? How much energy is added by the falling weight in that time?
 
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