How does the period of a pendulum affect its time measurement?

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In summary, a pendulum clock will measure the time Nt in a time D if its period becomes T, and this is calculated by multiplying the number of oscillations N by the constant time t which is equal to the original period T0.
  • #1
DorelXD
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Homework Statement



A pendulum clock measures the time exactly if its period is [itex] T_0 [/itex]. What time does the pendulum record in a time [itex] D [/itex] , if its period becomes [itex] T [/itex] ?

Homework Equations



I know that the number of oscilations of the pendulum in the time D is : N=D/T

The Attempt at a Solution



Well I don't know how to use the informations that the probelm gives me.
P.S. : SORRY FOR THE SPELLING IN THE TITLE
 
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  • #2
Each period of the pendulum, the display of the clock goes forwards by T0.
After N periods, what does the clock show?
 
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  • #3
mfb said:
Each period of the pendulum, the display of the clock goes forwards by T0.
After N periods, what does the clock show?

Ohhhhh I get it now. I looked more closely in the mechanism of the pendulum. From what I understood, each time an oscillation is completed the pendulum records a certain time. Let this time be [itex] t [/itex]. This [itex] t [/itex] is constant, and its typical for every pendulum, right ?

In our problem the period , i.e. the time needed for an oscillation to be completed , is modified. But, because our [itex] t [/itex] is a constat, the pendulum will record the same time for each oscilation, even if the number of oscilations increases or decreases.

In our problem:

In a time D, the pendulum swings : [itex] N=\frac{D}{T} [/itex] times => the pendulum measures the time [itex] Nt [/itex] .

Who is [itex] t [/itex] ? Well we know, from the hypothesis that [itex] \frac{D}{T_0}t=D [/itex], that is , if the period is [itex] T_0 [/itex] then the time measured by the pendulum is D. Solving for t, we obtain: [itex] t = T_0 [/itex] .

So, [itex] Nt = NT_0=\frac{D}{T}T_0 [/itex]. This is the time the pendulum measures.

Please, help me, and tell me if my judgement is correct. I believe that what confused me before was that I wasn't fully aware that the mechanism of a pendulum allows it to record the same amount of time, and that this time ( [itex] t [/itex] ) doesn't depend on the number of oscilations.
 
  • #4
DorelXD said:
Ohhhhh I get it now. I looked more closely in the mechanism of the pendulum. From what I understood, each time an oscillation is completed the pendulum records a certain time. Let this time be [itex] t [/itex]. This [itex] t [/itex] is constant, and its typical for every pendulum, right ?

In our problem the period , i.e. the time needed for an oscillation to be completed , is modified. But, because our [itex] t [/itex] is a constat, the pendulum will record the same time for each oscilation, even if the number of oscilations increases or decreases.
Right.

In our problem:

In a time D, the pendulum swings : [itex] N=\frac{D}{T} [/itex] times => the pendulum measures the time [itex] Nt [/itex] .

Who is [itex] t [/itex] ? Well we know, from the hypothesis that [itex] \frac{D}{T_0}t=D [/itex], that is , if the period is [itex] T_0 [/itex] then the time measured by the pendulum is D. Solving for t, we obtain: [itex] t = T_0 [/itex] .

So, [itex] Nt = NT_0=\frac{D}{T}T_0 [/itex]. This is the time the pendulum measures.
Correct.
 
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  • #5
Thank you very much!
 

1. What is a pendulum?

A pendulum is a weight suspended from a pivot point that is able to swing back and forth due to the force of gravity and the laws of motion.

2. How does a pendulum work?

A pendulum works by converting potential energy into kinetic energy as it swings back and forth. The pivot point allows the pendulum to swing freely without friction, and the force of gravity keeps it moving.

3. What is the period of a pendulum?

The period of a pendulum is the time it takes for one complete swing, from one side to the other and back again. It is affected by the length of the pendulum and the force of gravity.

4. What factors can affect the accuracy of a pendulum?

The accuracy of a pendulum can be affected by factors such as the length of the pendulum, the force of gravity, air resistance, and the angle of release. These factors can all impact the period and amplitude of the pendulum's swing.

5. How can a pendulum be used in experiments?

Pendulums can be used in experiments to study and demonstrate concepts such as gravity, energy, and motion. They can also be used to measure time, as the period of a pendulum remains constant as long as the length and force of gravity remain constant.

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