Period of a Pendulum | Calculate in 1.2s

In summary, the conversation is about understanding the concept of a 'period' in a pendulum and how to solve related questions. The period is the time it takes for the pendulum to complete a single swing, from L to R and back to L again. The student correctly answered that the period is 1.6 seconds, but wanted confirmation on their reasoning. They were advised to understand the physics behind the situation and were given an extension question to further their understanding.
  • #1
MoniMini
12
0
I am getting confused regarding what a 'period' in a pendulum is.
In a recent Olympiad/Exam I was given this question...
Can you please give me the method in which it can be done
so that I can solve these type of questions with ease if they
appear in future...
Thanks :smile:
A Pendulum oscillates between positions L and R as shown in the figure. It takes 1.2 s to go from L to R and back to the mean position S what is the PERIOD of the pendulum?
9rrldv.jpg


From my point of view the answer should be 1.6 seconds...
that's what I wrote as an answer but I'm not very
sure so I just want to confirm...:redface:


Thanks a Lot!:smile:
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
The period of the pendulum it the time it takes to complete a single swing.

I know that sounds obvious - but when you get confused you should return to the actual physics of the situation and then build the math.

That is a really bad picture :)
A whole swing goes from L to R then back to L again.
(if it starts at L that is)

L -> R is half a period
L -> S is a quarter period.

So if that was your reasoning, you did well.

Extend yourself:
If you put an additional point P half-way between L and S, what proportion of the period is the time to swing from L to P?
 
  • #3
Thnx a Lot Simon Sir!
I didn't know what a period is (i'm just in the 6th grade :P) so I
assumed it is something like L - S - R - S - L...
Thnx for the clarification :smile:
 

1. What is the period of a pendulum?

The period of a pendulum is the time it takes for one complete back-and-forth swing, also known as a oscillation.

2. How do you calculate the period of a pendulum?

The formula for calculating the period of a pendulum is T= 2π√(L/g), where T is the period, L is the length of the pendulum, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

3. What is the unit of measurement for the period of a pendulum?

The unit of measurement for the period of a pendulum is usually expressed in seconds (s).

4. Can the period of a pendulum be changed?

Yes, the period of a pendulum can be changed by altering its length or the gravitational acceleration at its location.

5. Why is the period of a pendulum important?

The period of a pendulum is important because it is used to measure the gravitational acceleration, which is a fundamental constant in physics. It also has practical applications in timekeeping and in determining the mass of objects.

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