Period of Pendulum Before String Extension

  • Thread starter Thread starter zeralda21
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Pendulum Period
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the mathematical analysis of a pendulum's period when the string is extended by 60 cm. The formula used is T=2π√(l/g), where l is the length of the pendulum and g is the acceleration due to gravity. The initial calculations led to an incorrect period of 1.83 seconds, while the correct period before the extension is determined to be 0.9 seconds. The error was identified as a miscalculation in the length, which was corrected to 1/5, aligning with the accurate period.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of pendulum mechanics and oscillation principles
  • Familiarity with the formula for the period of a pendulum, T=2π√(l/g)
  • Basic algebra skills for solving equations
  • Knowledge of gravitational acceleration (g) and its value on Earth
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the effects of varying string lengths on pendulum motion
  • Explore advanced pendulum dynamics, including damping and driving forces
  • Learn about the mathematical derivation of the period formula for different pendulum types
  • Investigate real-world applications of pendulum mechanics in engineering and physics
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in the mathematical modeling of oscillatory systems will benefit from this discussion.

zeralda21
Messages
119
Reaction score
1

Homework Statement



For a mathematical pendulum, you notice that if you extend the string with 60 cm, then the time of one period will double for small oscillations. What was the period of time before the line was extended?

Homework Equations



T=2pi*sqrt(l/g) where l is the length of the pendulum.

The Attempt at a Solution



If I assume that the first pendulum has a length l, then the period will of course be: T=2pi*sqrt(l/g). If I now extend it by 0.6m, the period will double: 2T=2pi*sqrt((l+0.6)/g) which is equal to T=pi*sqrt((l+0.6)/g).

Now I set my first equation equal to the last one:

T=2pi*sqrt(l/g)=T=pi*sqrt((l+0.6)/g) , squaring LHS and RHS----> 4l/g=(l+0.6)/g ---->

4l=l+0.6---> l=5/6. If I insert this value of l into my first equation I get that T=1.83 seconds which is wrong. Correct answer is 0.9 seconds.

Or is there another way of solving?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
zeralda21 said:
Now I set my first equation equal to the last one:

T=2pi*sqrt(l/g)=T=pi*sqrt((l+0.6)/g) , squaring LHS and RHS----> 4l/g=(l+0.6)/g ---->
Looks OK.
4l=l+0.6---> l=5/6.
Redo that last step!
 
Doc Al said:
Looks OK.

Redo that last step!

What a mistake..I assumed 0.6=5/3 instead of 3/5. The length 1/5 is correct and matches with period. Thank you very much sir.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
17
Views
1K
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
4K
Replies
2
Views
6K
Replies
23
Views
2K