Oscillations of a Ruler: Equation, Explanation & Answers

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter thebosonbreaker
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Oscillation Oscillations
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the oscillations of a plastic desk ruler when one end is held down and the other is released. Participants explore whether there is an equation that relates the number of oscillations to factors such as length and force applied, and how to formulate such an equation if it does not exist.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about an equation that relates the number of oscillations of a ruler to its length and the force applied, expressing uncertainty about existing equations like T = 2π × √(L/g) which are typically for pendulums.
  • Another participant suggests that the ruler acts as a cantilever beam, providing a link to a detailed page on the topic.
  • Some participants propose looking into the concept of a compound pendulum as a potential avenue for understanding the ruler's oscillations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on a specific equation for the ruler's oscillations, but there is a general agreement on exploring the concepts of cantilever beams and compound pendulums as relevant frameworks.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the mathematical formulation of the oscillations, and there are indications of missing assumptions regarding the ruler's material properties and boundary conditions.

thebosonbreaker
Messages
32
Reaction score
5
This probably has a very simple explanation, but I really need to know!

What I really want to know is, is there any equation that relates the number of oscillations to other factors such as length, force applied, etc. to a simple plastic desk ruler (image attached)?
(or) if there isn't one, how would I formulate an equation for it?

What I mean is that, if I hold one end down on the table and hold the other end down on the edge and then let it go, is there an equation that would tell me the number of times it moved up and down (oscillated) given other factors.

I have tried other equations, such as ( T = 2π × √(L/g) ) but the answer's don't make much sense. Although, I didn't really have any initial hope because most of them are for pendulums, not rulers.

I would really appreciate it if someone could help me.
Many thanks in advance.

DE-RULER.jpg
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Look into the ideas of a compound pendulum, that should help you.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: thebosonbreaker
Aniruddha@94 said:
Look into the ideas of a compound pendulum, that should help you.
Yeah, that seems to be closer to what I'm looking for,
thanks for your help.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Damped oscillator with changing mass
  • · Replies 131 ·
5
Replies
131
Views
9K
Graduate Intuitive Explanation of Mass-on-Spring Oscillator Frequency
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
4K
Undergrad Problem with the harmonic oscillator equation for small oscillations
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Error tolerant normal mode frequency
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Undergrad A Reverse Startup Oscillation?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Undergrad Does the Amplitude of an Undamped Driven Oscillator Stay Constant Over Time?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Continuity Equation for a Dimensionless Harmonic Oscillator
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
Undergrad Simple Harmonic Motion: why sin(wt) instead of sin(t)?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
8K
High School Relationship between mass and acceleration
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
How to set up this problem with driven torsional oscillator?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K