Proving that ##\omega_0^2 < 2g/l ## for a simple pendulum.

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving that for a simple pendulum, the condition ##\omega_0^2 < 2g/l## ensures that the string remains in tension and the pendulum's motion is confined below a horizontal plane. The initial angular velocity ##\omega_0##, when squared and multiplied by the length of the string ##l##, must be less than twice the gravitational acceleration ##g## divided by the length of the string. The kinetic energy at the lowest point of the swing is represented by ##\frac{1}{2}m l^2 \omega_0^2##, while the potential energy at the highest point corresponds to the angle of 90 degrees, given by ##mgl##. The discussion also touches on the application of Lagrange multipliers and the balance of forces in analyzing the pendulum's motion.

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TL;DR
Using Lagrange multipliers to prove tension as a force of constraint and that # \omega_0^2 < 2gl ##
Here is the problem :
A pendulum is composed of a mass m attached to a string of length l, which is suspended
from a fixed point. When hanging at equilibrium, the pendulum is hit with a horizontal
impulse that results in an initial angular velocity ω0. Show that if ω20 < 2g/l, the string
will always be in tension and that the motion will be confined below a horizontal plane
passing through the suspension point of the string.My attempt at the solution:

L = ## 1/2 ml^2\theta'^2 + mglcos(\theta) ##

Then solving for the Euler Lagrange equations I get ##T = m\theta^" l^2 + mglsin\theta ##

However, I do not know how to proceed from here.
 
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\omega_0^2 &lt; 2g/l is transformed to
l^2 \omega_0^2 &lt; 2gl
\frac{1}{2}m l^2 \omega_0^2 &lt; mgl
where m is mass of pendulum plomb.
LHS is kinetic energy at the bottom. RHS is potential energy from the bottom corresponding to pendulum angle of 90 degree.
 
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anuttarasammyak said:
\omega_0^2 &lt; 2g/l is transformed to
l^2 \omega_0^2 &lt; 2gl
\frac{1}{2}m l^2 \omega_0^2 &lt; mgl
where m is mass of pendulum plomb.
LHS is kinetic energy at the bottom. RHS is potential energy from the bottom corresponding to pendulum angle of 90 degree.
is there a way to solve it using lagrange multipliers ?
 
I am not familiar with applying Lagrange method for such a code tension issue.
Balance of virtual centrifugal force, gravity and code tension would be an another method.
 

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