# Pendulum - equipartition experiment

1. Nov 7, 2011

### ibysaiyan

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

The problem is : http://i44.tinypic.com/2v7yo29.png

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution
For part a )
I have stated that: The total energy is equivalent to the conservation of energy i.e the two expressions obey the conservation principle. The expression dealing with inertia is the kinetic energy while the other expression's potential since this experiment can be analogous to a pendulum's oscillation.

b)
Now I know that equipartitions states that in thermal equlibirum each degrees of freedom contributes 1/2Kbt i.e for every squared term for the expression of the energy.
In the above case we have two squared expressions.. however i am a little confused with the degrees of freedom. The general mean equation is :
[tex]f/2 $k_{b}$T ...

Would the mean total be 2/2 kbt since each expression gives one degrees of freedom.. Or I was thinking that since the glass can rotate in both direction ( clockwise and vice versa) so would that be 2 degrees of freedom for kinetic energy and 2 for potential as well ? :s

These are the only bits I am stuck on. Thanks for your expected replies!

EDIT: I think for part b the answer is simply Kbt since each squared independent variable provides 1/2 Kt according to the theorem. :yea =)

Last edited: Nov 7, 2011
2. Nov 7, 2011

### ibysaiyan

I am little stuck on part c... how can I get answer in radians or degrees.. if i dont have any trig. function ?

Last edited: Nov 7, 2011
3. Nov 8, 2011

Anyone ?