Mass of a Pendulum on a Grandfather Clock

AI Thread Summary
A user is seeking help with calculating the mass of a pendulum for a grandfather clock, which swings at a 15° angle and completes one revolution every 2 seconds. Initial calculations using the tension in the chain resulted in a mass of 0.1969 kg, but the user doubts this value. Feedback indicates that the user incorrectly applied static equilibrium equations, as there is vertical acceleration involved. Suggestions include using centripetal force equations and conservation of energy to find the correct mass. The user is encouraged to revise their approach based on this guidance.
twenty5
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Homework Statement


Can someone please revise my work? It's quite short )

Question:
A grandfather clock is designed to have a pendulum which swings a mass at the end of a chain in a horizontal circular motion. The pendulum is designed to swing at 15° off the vertical and to complete one revolution every 2.0 seconds. The chain is 1.0 metre long and the maximum tension in the chain is 2.0N

Length of string : 1m
angle at the top: 15°
1 Revolution = 2s
FT : 2.0N


Homework Equations


F=mg


The Attempt at a Solution


I drew the FBD, which then I got:

2.0cos15° = FT(y) = m (9.81)
did the algebra... and ended up with

m = 0.1969kg


I have a positive feeling that this is too little. Any thoughts? thanks! I'll be here all day haha
 
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hi twenty5! :smile:
twenty5 said:
I drew the FBD, which then I got:

2.0cos15° = FT(y) = m (9.81)

no, you've tried to use ∑F = 0 in the vertical direction …

but there's a vertical acceleration, so you can't :redface:

in fact, there's no obvious direction in which the acceleration is zero …

you'll have to use ∑F = ma and https://www.physicsforums.com/library.php?do=view_item&itemid=27":wink:
 
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m k thanks I'll see what I can come up with then I'll post my results thakns!
 
deleted ~ found out this method was wrong. pleaswe look at my next post
 
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ok so what I am at now is:

Fc = mv2 / rI got Velocity by getting the radius, and then getting the circumference from that. Circumference = 1.684m
We know that it takes 2 seconds for 1 revolution. So I used V = d/t V = 1.684 / 2 V = 0.842m/s
Now I'm left withFc = m (0.842 )2 / 0.268can I get some sort of push as to which way I should head now?

I'm looking for the mass. But the only formulae I know of that gives Force of centripetl is that one that I listed...
 
hi twenty5! :smile:
twenty5 said:
… So I used V = d/t

no, that only works for constant speed

try using conservation of energy :wink:
 
ah. okay thank you very much sir.
 
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