How Does Acceleration Affect the Period of a Simple Pendulum?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on how acceleration affects the period of a simple pendulum, specifically in two scenarios: an upward-accelerating elevator and a horizontally-accelerating truck. For the pendulum in the elevator, the effective gravitational acceleration increases, leading to a modified period formula: T = 2π√(L/(g + a)). In the case of the truck, the effective acceleration is calculated using the Pythagorean theorem, resulting in T = 2π√(L/√(g² + a²)). Additionally, a separate problem involving a block on a frictionless surface explores the maximum amplitude of oscillation to prevent slipping, emphasizing the role of static friction. The thread highlights the importance of understanding how different types of acceleration influence simple harmonic motion.
cissablecat23
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1a)A simple pendulum is 4.35 m long. What is the period of simple harmonic motion for this pendulum if it is hanging in an elevator that is accelerating upward at 5.90 m/s2?


b)What is the period of simple harmonic motion for this pendulum if it is placed in a truck that is accelerating horizontally at 5.90 m/s2?

2) A large block P executes horizontal simple harmonic motion as it slides across a frictionless surface with a frequency of f = 1.52 Hz. Block B rests on it, as shown in the figure below, and the coefficient of static friction between the two is μs = 0.630.

What maximum amplitude of oscillation can the system have if block B is not to slip?

1)l=4.35 m
a= 5.90 m/s/s

w^2=g/l
w^2=9.80/4.35
w^2= 2.252873563

then i have to find T.. but i don't know what formula to use...

2) w=2(pie)f
w-2(pie)(1.52 Hz)
w= 9.5504
and i don't know what else to do
 
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1)

T= 2pi * sqrt(L/g)
T= 2pi* sqrt(4.35 m/ [9.8m/s^2-5.90m/s^2])

2)

"as shown in the figure below" <- picture?
 
it was a picture with a big block on the bottom.. a small block on the top.. with a spring attached to it..

i got the first part of the question.. it was T=2pi sqrt(l/g+a)

but i cannot get the second part of it... with it acclerating horizontally..
 
springs? I thought we were talking about pendulums?! I can't visualize #2
 
#2 is different from #1... it's.. a small block on a big block.. and the big block has a spring attached to it.. the coefficient of static friction was..0.630.. they want to know what's the maximum amplitude of the oscillation so that the little block doesn't slip..

f= 1.52 Hz

AND for #1.. if they change the a from upward.. to horizontal.. how does that change the answer...
 
spring attached to it where? On the bottom? sides? Need to be specific

I don't think the answer for #1 changes
 
i've got it.. thanks.. :)
 
Are you sure it's 2 pi ( sqrt ( L / (g - a ) ) ? Or is it g + a?
 
cissablecat23 said:
1a)A simple pendulum is 4.35 m long. What is the period of simple harmonic motion for this pendulum if it is hanging in an elevator that is accelerating upward at 5.90 m/s2?


b)What is the period of simple harmonic motion for this pendulum if it is placed in a truck that is accelerating horizontally at 5.90 m/s2?
In a non-accelerating frame, the period of a simple pendulum is:
T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{l}{g}}
In an accelerating frame, the effective "g" is different.

For case (a), the apparent acceleration is -g\hat{y} -a\hat{y} = -(g+a)\hat{y}, so g_{eff} = g + a.

For case (b), the apparent acceleration is -g\hat{y} -a\hat{x}, so g_{eff} = \sqrt{g^2 + a^2}.
 
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