Why Divide by 4 in Pendulum Period Calculation?

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The period T of a pendulum represents the time for a complete cycle, which includes both the downward and upward motion. To determine the time it takes for the pendulum to reach its maximum displacement from the equilibrium position, this total time must be divided by four. This division accounts for the fact that the desired time only covers the descent to the lowest point, not the full cycle. Visualizing the motion through a diagram can clarify this concept. Understanding this division is crucial for accurately calculating the timing for the scenario described.
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Homework Statement


The question is in part 3 (image). Basically I used the formula for Period, T, of a pendulum of length L with free-fall acceleration g. I got 8.52, but I had to further divide this number by 4 to get the time the person must hang on in order to drop into the water at the greatest possible instance from the edge. Why does it need to be divided by 4? I know that leaving the answer to be equal to T is wrong because you'd be back to your original position. But why divide by 4?

Homework Equations


Refer to part 3

The Attempt at a Solution


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Hi, ##T## is the time taken for a complete cycle (roundtrip), what you need is only the time from the equilibrium point to an extreme, so you must divide by four.

Ssnow
 
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Ssnow said:
Hi, ##T## is the time taken for a complete cycle (roundtrip), what you need is only the time from the equilibrium point to an extreme, so you must divide by four.

Ssnow
Thanks, it made so much sense when I drew a picture.
 
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