Pendulum Length and Period Calculations

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the length and period of a pendulum, specifically comparing its behavior on Earth and Venus. Participants are analyzing the relationship between pendulum length and period using the formula T=2π√(L/g), while also addressing a separate problem involving a spring oscillator.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the application of the pendulum period formula to determine lengths on different planets. Some suggest using ratios to simplify calculations, while others express confusion regarding the relevance of the second problem to the first. There is also a discussion about the differences between pendulum and spring oscillators.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing various interpretations and approaches to the problems. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of ratios, but there is no explicit consensus on the correct interpretation of the second problem.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a potential misunderstanding regarding the second problem's requirements, which may involve concepts of elastic potential energy rather than pendulum length adjustments. Participants are navigating through the implications of their calculations and assumptions.

reminiscent
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Homework Statement


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Homework Equations


T=2pi√(L/g)

The Attempt at a Solution


I am just making sure I am doing these right.
For the first one, I used the equation to determine the length it would be on Earth. The length I got was g/pi^2 = 0.993 m. I thought that it would have to stay the same length on Venus too, so I used the equation again, given the length and gravity of Venus, to find the period. My answer: 2.10 seconds.
For the second one, I used the equation again, plugged in 2 seconds for T, 0.904g for g, then found L = 0.898 m. I subtracted this from the original length I found from the first problem. My answer: 0.993-0.898 m = 0.095 m (shorten the pendulum by 0.095 m).
 
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reminiscent said:
For the second one, I used the equation again, plugged in 2 seconds for T, 0.904g for g, then found L = 0.898 m. I subtracted this from the original length I found from the first problem. My answer: 0.993-0.898 m = 0.095 m (shorten the pendulum by 0.095 m).

if i am correct the 2nd problem seems to be decoupled from the 'Gandma 's clock' as its a spring oscillator and springs do not oscillate as simple hanging bob and its time period has other parameters... like spring constant and mass. so think about the second one in a different way !
 
OK, for the first question. However, a nice way to approach this problem is in terms of ratios. If you set up an expression for the ratio of the period on Venus to the period on earth, you won't need to find the length.

Your answer to the second question doesn't appear to correspond to the second question.
 
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TSny said:
OK, for the first question. However, a nice way to approach this problem is in terms of ratios. If you set up an expression for the ratio of the period on Venus to the period on earth, you won't need to find the length.

Your answer to the second question doesn't appear to correspond to the second question.
I see what you are saying for the first one. However, for the second one, all I did was find the length the pendulum has to be in order to get a period of 2 seconds. I found that length, and I subtracted it from the length it was on Earth, and my answer is that she would have to shorten it by 0.095 m. That makes sense to me.
 
reminiscent said:
I see what you are saying for the first one. However, for the second one, all I did was find the length the pendulum has to be in order to get a period of 2 seconds. I found that length, and I subtracted it from the length it was on Earth, and my answer is that she would have to shorten it by 0.095 m. That makes sense to me.

but the second questio is asking about something else-
how far is the box from equilibrium position if the elastic potential...( no question about shortening etc.
 
I apologize, I took a screenshot of the wrong problem for the 2nd part. Here is the right problem:
3DchZU3.png
 
reminiscent said:
I apologize, I took a screenshot of the wrong problem for the 2nd part. Here is the right problem:
never mind ..it happens ..we were just wondering ...
so Grandma's problem gets solved by you - as time period is directly proportional to sqrt(L) reducing 2.10 sec to 2.0 will need shortening of the length.thanks
 

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