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[SOLVED] Pendulum: Generic Solution for Angle
Hey guys, I'm a little lost on this one, not sure where to start.
I'm doing a lab involving a pendulum bob being hit by a ball and them sticking together (inelastic collision). Almost like a ballistic pendulum right? Anyway, I need to find the generic solution for the angle (theta) that the pendulum swings.
From what I understand this is not simple harmonic motion in general, and can only use that as a model for very small angular displacements. Also momentum is only conserved right before the collision and right after the collision, right? Other than that I really don't know where to start. I figure that the angle has to relate to the velocity of the bullet, the force exerted on the bob by the bullet, and angular velocity of the two together.
Any help to set me on track would be greatly appreciated!
Hey guys, I'm a little lost on this one, not sure where to start.
I'm doing a lab involving a pendulum bob being hit by a ball and them sticking together (inelastic collision). Almost like a ballistic pendulum right? Anyway, I need to find the generic solution for the angle (theta) that the pendulum swings.
From what I understand this is not simple harmonic motion in general, and can only use that as a model for very small angular displacements. Also momentum is only conserved right before the collision and right after the collision, right? Other than that I really don't know where to start. I figure that the angle has to relate to the velocity of the bullet, the force exerted on the bob by the bullet, and angular velocity of the two together.
Any help to set me on track would be greatly appreciated!