Pendulum and spring oscillation

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the angular frequency of a pendulum-spring system consisting of a 5 kg sphere attached to a rigid rod of length 1.3 m and a spring with a spring constant of 75 N/m. The problem involves summing torques and applying the small angle approximation to simplify the equations. The key equation derived is (\tau)net = -Lmgsinθ - hkΔxsinβ = m(l^2)α, where the relationship between angles and displacements is crucial for solving the problem. Understanding the geometry of the system is essential for relating Δx to L and θ, as well as h and β.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of simple harmonic motion and angular frequency
  • Familiarity with torque and rotational dynamics
  • Knowledge of the small angle approximation in physics
  • Basic geometry involving right triangles
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of angular frequency for pendulum systems
  • Learn about the relationship between torque and angular acceleration
  • Explore the small angle approximation and its applications in oscillatory motion
  • Investigate the geometry of pendulum systems and how to relate different angles and lengths
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and oscillatory systems, as well as educators looking for examples of pendulum dynamics and torque analysis.

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Homework Statement


A 5 kg sphere is connected to a thin
massless, but rigid rod of length L = 1.3 m to
form a simple pendulum. The rod is connected
to a nearby vertical wall by a spring with spring
constant k = 75 N/m, connected to it at a
distance h = 1.1 m below its point of
suspension. What is the angular frequency (in
rad/s) of the system for small amplitude
oscillations?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


So I was listening to my teacher start to solve this problem. He starting talking about summing the torques between these two. I have the equation he wrote down from it, but I am not too sure what to do with it... (\tau)net = -Lmgsin\theta - hk\Deltaxsin\beta = m(l^2)\alpha
Note: alpha is not a power...
I know that the small angle theorum makes sin go away. But how is beta and alpha related? And what about delta x? I don't know I've been working on it for a while and now I'm tired. Thanks for helping!
 
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If you draw the drawing, you will see that you get two right triangles, one above the sphere and one below. They have a common right side that is Δx. Relate this side to L and θ using the top triangle and to h and β using the bottom triangle.
 

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