Pendulum and Simple Harmonic Motion Problems

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around problems related to pendulums and simple harmonic motion, specifically focusing on calculating acceleration due to gravity, the period of motion for a mass on a spring, and determining spring constants based on given parameters.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the formulas for the period of a pendulum and the relationship between frequency and period. There are attempts to rearrange equations to solve for unknowns, particularly the acceleration due to gravity and spring constants. Some participants express confusion regarding the spring constant equation and the conversion of units.

Discussion Status

Some participants have gained clarity on certain problems, while others continue to seek understanding, particularly regarding the first problem. Guidance has been provided on rearranging equations and applying concepts such as Hooke's law, but there is no explicit consensus on all points raised.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the amount of direct assistance they can receive. There is an emphasis on ensuring correct unit conversions in calculations.

think4432
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1. Determine the value of the acceleration due to gravity on planet X if a pendulum having a length of 30.0 cm has a frequency of .70 hz on that planet?

2. Find the period of motion for a 200 gram mass vibrating on a spring having a spring constant of 4.0 n/m?

3. When a mass of 35.0 grams is attached to a certain spring, it makes 20 complete vibrations in 4.80 seconds. What is the spring constant for this spring?


equations: SHM: T=2pi sqr(m/k)


1. i have no idea...really
2. t=2pi sqr(200g/4 n/m) = 44.4288
3. k=4pi^2m/t^2
k=4pi^2(35g)/(4.1s)^2 [t=4.1s]
k=82.19 N/M


I don't understand the spring constant equation.

Please help?
 
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1) You know that the period of a pendulum is
[tex]T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{l}{g}}[/tex]

and that [itex]f= \frac{1}{T}[/itex]

2)Should be correct since you are using the correct formula

3) The periodic time, T is the time taken for one vibration.

20 vibrations occur in 4.8 s
1 vibration will occur in how much time?

Now use the equation T=2pi sqr(m/k) and rearrange it to get k
 
Ohh! Ok! I understand number 2, and 3.

But number 1 is still a little confusing.

So, T=2pi sqrt(L/a)
Frequency, f=1/T
f=(1/2pi)sqrt(a/L)

solve for a?

a=(1/4pi^2)L/T^2
(1/4pi^2)(30cm)/1.42^2

a=36.70 m/s^2 ?



and one more problem:
A 70.0 gram mass is hung from a vertical spring causing it to stretch 20.0 cm. Find the period of motion for this system when the 70.0 gram mass is replaced by a 90.0 gram mass and set into simple harmonic motion.

how would i set that up?

thanks for the help on the other 2 problems! :]
 
think4432 said:
Ohh! Ok! I understand number 2, and 3.

But number 1 is still a little confusing.

So, T=2pi sqrt(L/a)
Frequency, f=1/T
f=(1/2pi)sqrt(a/L)

solve for a?

a=(1/4pi^2)L/T^2
(1/4pi^2)(30cm)/1.42^2

a=36.70 m/s^2 ?
Yes solve for a. But recheck your rearranging of terms.

f = 1/2pi sqrt(a/l)
f2= (1/4pi2)(a/l)

think4432 said:
and one more problem:
A 70.0 gram mass is hung from a vertical spring causing it to stretch 20.0 cm. Find the period of motion for this system when the 70.0 gram mass is replaced by a 90.0 gram mass and set into simple harmonic motion.

how would i set that up?

When you placed the 70g mass (the weight causes it to stretch) on the spring it stretched by 20 cm, as it said right?
Remember Hooke's law? You can now find the spring constant,k.

When you have k, to find the period when the mass is 90grams just use the formula you stated above:

[tex]T= 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{m}{k}}[/tex]
 
thank you so much!

great help!

now i might pass the test tommorow!

thanks again!
 
think4432 said:
2. t=2pi sqr(200g/4 n/m) = 44.4288

! 200g=.2kg! ALWAYS CONVERT, you CANNOT multiply grams by meters it WONT WORK!
 

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