Pendulum problem: Horizontal force and work done

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the work done by various forces acting on a simple pendulum with a mass at the end. For part a, the user derives that the work done by the horizontal force F can be expressed as W = mglTan(θ)sin(θ). They correctly note that the tension force Ft does no work since its direction is always perpendicular to the mass's motion. The user seeks confirmation on their calculations and guidance on determining the work done by the gravitational force Fg. The analysis emphasizes breaking down the forces into components to solve the problem effectively.
DukeJP2010
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Homework Statement


A simple pendulum (sting has no mass, no air resistance) has a weight on the end of mass m (unknown). The string has a length A horizontal (and always horizontal) force, F, acts on the weight, but it moves so slowly that acceleration is 0.

a)What is the work done by force F?
b)What is the work done by Fg (Fg=mg)? What is the work done by Ft (tension in the string)?

Homework Equations



Work = Fd

The Attempt at a Solution



Here is my attempt at part a. If i am right with a, then i can do 1/2 of b (the mg part) and will attempt Ft after that.

First, break it down into the X and Y components.

Y: FtCos(\theta)-mg=0
X: F-FtSin(\theta)=0

use the Y equation to solve for Ft:
FtCos(\theta)-mg=0
FtCos(\theta)=mg
Ft=mg/(Cos(\theta))

plug Ft into the X equation:
F-FtSin(\theta)=0
F-[mgSin(\theta)]/(Cos(\theta))=0
F=mgtan(\theta)

Now that we got an equation for force, we need to find the distance that the mass moves in the X direction, which is:
dx=lSin(\theta)

so, plug this into W=Fd and get:
W=[mgtan(\theta)][lsin(\theta)]
W=mglTan(\theta)sin(\theta)

Does this look right? If it is right, do pretty much the same thing for Fg. Any clues for work done by Ft?
 
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Ok, since the direction of travel of the mass is always perpendicular to Ft, then Ft can't do any work.

Does the rest of it look OK?
 
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