Pendulum Velocity: Understanding Wave Motion

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between pendulum motion and wave motion, specifically addressing the formula Vmax² = (A)(√(k/m)). It is established that while this formula applies to simple harmonic motion, for a pendulum, the relevant parameters are derived from gravitational acceleration and length, represented as g/l. The spring constant k is not directly applicable to pendulums, as they do not utilize a spring mechanism, but the principles of restoring acceleration remain relevant in understanding their motion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of simple harmonic motion principles
  • Familiarity with gravitational acceleration (g)
  • Knowledge of pendulum mechanics
  • Basic grasp of wave motion concepts
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the mathematical derivation of simple harmonic motion equations
  • Explore the concept of restoring forces in oscillatory systems
  • Learn about the differences between simple harmonic oscillators and other types of oscillatory motion
  • Investigate the effects of damping on pendulum motion
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching wave motion and oscillations, and anyone interested in the mechanics of pendulums and their relationship to harmonic 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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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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