Linearising compound pendulum equation

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the linearization of the compound pendulum equation T=2π√((K^2 + h^2)/(gh)), where K is a known constant. The original poster seeks to plot variables T and h to determine the value of g from the gradient of the resulting graph.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore methods to linearize the equation, with suggestions to manipulate the axes and consider Taylor approximations. There is discussion about the implications of K being a known constant and the challenges of measuring the pendulum's mass.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered insights on how to approach the linearization, while others express confusion regarding the setup and measurements involved. The original poster indicates a potential resolution after considering the graphing approach, though no consensus has been reached on the best method to linearize the equation.

Contextual Notes

There are constraints regarding the measurement of the pendulum's mass, which affects the ability to fully resolve the problem. The need for a Taylor approximation and the relationship between the variables are under discussion.

seboastien
Messages
52
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Linearise T=2pi√(K^2 + h^2)/gh K is known constant

This is a compound pendulum equation, I want to plot some kind of formula with variable T against some kind of formula with variable H in order to find g from the gradient.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



so I've got T/2pi all squared times g all substituted to x, h subbed to y and k^2 subbed to constant C and I've got the equation y^2 -yx + C=0 and tried to solve for y=x+β

I've tried implicit differentiation and it's gotten me nowhere
 
Physics news on Phys.org
hi seboastien! :smile:

(try using the X2 button just above the Reply box :wink:)
seboastien said:
Linearise T=2pi√(K^2 + h^2)/gh K is known constant

This is a compound pendulum equation, I want to plot some kind of formula with variable T against some kind of formula with variable H in order to find g from the gradient.

if K is a known constant, can't you make one of the axes √(h2 + K2) ?
 
I would have to make the axis √((h^2 + K^2)/gh ) but that is a good point.

However, I would still like to know how I could linearise it further. I know that a taylor approximation is needed but I don't know how to, or what a value to choose
 
√(1 + (h2/K2) = 1 + (h2/K2)/2 + … :wink:
 
??
 
if h/K is small, then √(1 + (h2/K2)) = 1 + (h2/K2)/2 + …
 
hmmm, my only issue is that its the sqrt of K^2 + h^2 divided by gh

it also turns out that k is the radius of gyration and I have no scales to measure the pendulum's mass. I believe I need a y=mx + c where the y intercept will be determined by k, g by m, x by T and h by y.

is there any way of achieving this?
 
seboastien said:
it also turns out that k is the radius of gyration and I have no scales to measure the pendulum's mass. I believe I need a y=mx + c where the y intercept will be determined by k, g by m, x by T and h by y.

i'm confused :redface:

you said that K was known :confused:
seboastien said:
Linearise T=2pi√(K^2 + h^2)/gh K is known constant
 
That's because I thought I was allowed to measure the pendulums mass.

Don't worry I've worked it out...finally, turns out I've been overcomplicating things.

I'll just plot a graph of h^2 against h*T^2 the y intercept will be -k^2 and the gradient will be g/4pi^2.

Thanks anyway.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
3K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
5K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
8K
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
8K