Physical Pendulum oscillation problem

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the frequency of oscillation for a physical pendulum, specifically a meter stick pivoted 20 cm from one end. The correct frequency is determined to be approximately 0.67 Hz, as confirmed by the professor. A participant incorrectly calculated the frequency as 0.78 Hz due to using the moment of inertia about the center of mass instead of applying the parallel axis theorem. The correct formula for the period T involves the moment of inertia calculated with respect to the pivot point, leading to the accurate frequency result.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of physical pendulum dynamics
  • Knowledge of moment of inertia and its calculations
  • Familiarity with the parallel axis theorem
  • Basic principles of harmonic motion and oscillation frequency
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the parallel axis theorem in rotational dynamics
  • Learn how to derive the period of oscillation for various pendulum types
  • Explore the effects of pivot points on the frequency of oscillation
  • Investigate the relationship between mass distribution and moment of inertia
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the mechanics of oscillatory motion and pendulum dynamics.

sapiental
Messages
110
Reaction score
0
(9) A physical pendulum consists of a meter stick (1 meter long) pivoted at a distance 20 cm
from one end and suspended freely. The frequency for small oscillation is closest to
(a) 0.67 Hz (b) 0.8 Hz (c) 1.1 Hz (d) 1.7 Hz (e) Insufficient information
(Hint: The moment of inertia of a stick of mass m and length L about its center of mass is mL2/12.)

Professor says the correct answer is (a) 0.67 Hz

I don't know what I do wrong on this question but I always get the frequency equal to .78Hz which is closer to .8Hz.

T = 2pi sqrt(I/(mgd)) I = moment of inertia

so T = 2pi sqrt((1/12)mL^2) / (mgL(1/5)))

T = 2pi sqrt(5L/12g)

T = 2pi sqrt(5/(12 * 9.8))

T = 1.29

f = 1/1.29 = .775

can someone tell me what I am doing wrong?

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The moment of inertia you are using is wrong. The stick is not pivoting about its center. If it were there would be no oscillations at all. You will need to use the parallel axis theorem.
 

Similar threads

Replies
17
Views
1K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
7K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
7K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
6K
Replies
6
Views
3K