Pendulum Frequency Calculation

[dance_sg]

Homework Statement

A pendulum is pulled to the side and released. What is its frequency if it passes through its rest position 0.150 s after it is released?

Homework Equations

f=1/T

The Attempt at a Solution

im not too sure, but in this equation, is all i do is divide one by 0.150 s?

 

[Feldoh]

What is it's rest position? Where the pendulum started, or where it would be after friction dissipates all of the energy?

 

[kuruman]

Can you figure out T from the given information? Hint: How is T defined?

 

[dance_sg]

0.150 is T is it not?

 

[kuruman]

It could be. I guess it depends on the meaning of "rest position". If it means "instantaneous rest", then there are two such positions, one on each side of the swing. So T could be either 0.150 s for a full swing to "rest" position or 0.300 s for half a swing to the "rest" position. A third possibility, as Feldoh suggested, is that "rest position" means the equilibrium position. In this case 0.150 s is a quarter of T and T is 0.600 s. It is confusing, I know, but "rest" position is an unconventional word in this context.

 

[tms]

0.150 is T is it not?

It is not (assuming the rest position is when the pendulum is hanging vertically).

 

[dance_sg]

ok i understand what a rest position is, but i still don't understand how that helps me figure out the question.

 

[tms]

How is the frequency (which is what you are asked to find out) defined?

 

[dance_sg]

1/T = F and the units for period is S

 

[tms]

What is the period, then? Describe it in words.

 

[dance_sg]

the time it takes an object to make one complete cycle

 

[tms]

And what is one cycle? Describe, in words, the pendulum's motion for one cycle.

 

[bm0p700f]

I was just about to post that question.

Given the wording of the question, the pendulum reaches the rest position after 0.150 s, I think this must mean it reaches the other side of the swing after 0.150s .

Define the time period T and will see what the time period is.

 

[dance_sg]

arg I am lost

 

[tms]

Just imagine the trajectory of the pendulum. You pull it to one side and let go. It swings down, passes the vertical, and goes up on the other side, reaches a maximum, then comes down again past the vertical and back up to the starting point (where you let it go). Then it repeats that motion indefinitely (assuming no friction).

In those terms what is the period?

Are there any symmetries you can use, given the information you already have?

 

[bm0p700f]

Well what is the definition of the the Time period of an oscillator (in this case a pendulum). Google it if you don't know or one of your textbooks. Without that clear in your head it is difficult for us to help you.