Pendulum that releases at the bottom end of swing?

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SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around calculating the distance 'd' that a mass falls after being released from a pendulum at the bottom of its swing. The approach involves using the principles of potential energy (PE) and kinetic energy (KE) to determine the initial velocity of the mass. Once the initial velocity is established, the problem transitions to analyzing the mass's motion as a projectile. This method effectively combines energy conservation and projectile motion principles to derive the final distance 'd'.

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  • Understanding of potential energy (PE) and kinetic energy (KE) concepts
  • Knowledge of projectile motion equations
  • Familiarity with energy conservation principles
  • Basic physics of pendulum motion
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the mechanics of pendulums and projectile motion. It is particularly useful for those studying classical mechanics and energy conservation principles.

jc1821
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This is a VERY broad posting, but I was wondering if I could get some help...

A pendulum is released from its starting point h, it swings down (how fast it swings does not matter) and is released at the very bottom of the swing.

From here the mass is released and falls in a projectile fashion and falls a distance d.

Here's the question... how do you find d?

Keep in mind this is all situational so measurements should be disregarded.

Should I start with PE/KE and move to a projectile motion to construct an answer for this?

Any help is appreciated.
 
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What have you done so far?

What is the initial velocity vector? Initial meaning point of release.
 
This is just a situational question. So, no units.


Fig_3.1.gif


Take this one for example. It is released from the left, but at the bottom it detaches and acts as a projectile. It would fall downward towards a final distance d.

What I speculate you would have to do first is calculate velocity via KE/cons of energy then treat it as a projectile in motion.

Would I be correct in saying so?
 
jc1821 said:
What I speculate you would have to do first is calculate velocity via KE/cons of energy then treat it as a projectile in motion.

Would I be correct in saying so?

Correct. That is exactly how to approach the start of the problem.
 
Ah! Then after that it's just calculating distance that it is projected.

That's great.

Thanks for your timely response.

jc
 

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