Pendulum - Maximum Angle in 2nd half of swing

AI Thread Summary
A simple pendulum with a length of 2.0 m is released at a 25° angle with an initial speed of 1.2 m/s. The discussion focuses on calculating the maximum angle in the second half of the swing using energy conservation principles. The potential energy at the maximum height is equated to the total energy at the release point, leading to the equation mg(h1) = mgL(1 - cos θ0) + 1/2 (mV²). Participants clarify that h1 can be calculated using the initial angle and that the initial speed should be included in the calculations. The confusion arises around whether to set a new angle for the second half of the swing, but guidance suggests using the initial conditions to find the maximum angle.
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A simple pendulum, 2.0 m in length, is released by a push when the support string is at an angle of 25° from the vertical. If the initial speed of the suspended mass is 1.2 m/s when at the release point, to what maximum angle will it move in the second half of its swing?

Let h1 be the elevation reached when potential energy = total energy transferred.
mg(h1) = mgL(1 - cos θ0) + 1/2 (mV²)

I am not sure if the approach is correct and how to proceed. My trig. background is not that strong at all.

Please help. I believe the answer is 30 degrees.
 
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The approach is correct. You know everything apart from h1 (and m, but you can divide the equation by m to get rid of it), so you can solve that equation.
With h1 and L you can find the angle.
Alternatively, directly use the angle-dependent expression on the left side.
 
Thanks for you feedback. I assume h1 = L ( 1 - cos 25 degrees) . Is that right?
I have troubles to find the "V" . I don't think I should use the initial speed 1.2 m/s.
Since it is asking for max angle for 2nd half of swing. Beside theta 0, do I need to set up theta 1 , another angle for 2nd half of swing? Confused.
Need some guidance.
 
bigsmile said:
I assume h1 = L ( 1 - cos 25 degrees) . Is that right?
Instead of 25 degrees, you have to use the angle you want to calculate there.
bigsmile said:
I have troubles to find the "V" . I don't think I should use the initial speed 1.2 m/s.
Why not?
 
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