Pendulum Velocity: Understanding Wave Motion

AI Thread Summary
The discussion clarifies the relationship between wave motion and pendulum dynamics in the context of simple harmonic motion. The formula Vmax2=(A)(square root of k/m) is relevant, but for pendulums, the equivalent restoring acceleration is derived from gravity and length, expressed as g/l. While pendulums exhibit wavelike motion, they are only approximately simple harmonic oscillators. The spring constant k is not directly applicable since pendulums do not utilize a spring. Understanding these principles helps in grasping the mechanics of pendulum motion.
BeiW
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I'm a total physics noob, and as I was reading my physics textbook, I came upon this stump.

I know that for waves, Vmax2=(A)(square root of k/m). Does this apply to a pendulum because its motion is wavelike?
If so, how does the spring constant k play into this when the pendulum has no spring?
 
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Welcome to PF!

Hi BeiW! Welcome to PF! :wink:

The k/m is the strength of the restoring acceleration of simple harmonic motion …

when the displacement of a spring is x, the force on it is minus kx, so (using F - ma) the acceleration is minus (k/m)x …

this applies to any simple harmonic motion … you just find the restoring acceleration, and use that instead of k/m

for a pendulum, it's g/l :smile:

(though a pendulum is only approximately a simple harmonic oscillator )
 
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