Ratio of Periods for Vertically Oscillating Rods of Different Lengths

  • Thread starter Thread starter rubenhero
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Oscillating Rod
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves two uniform thin rods oscillating vertically about a frictionless axis. The first rod has a known period, and the second rod is longer, prompting a calculation of the ratio of their periods based on their lengths and the moment of inertia.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the period of oscillation and the length of the rods, with attempts to express the period in terms of length and gravitational acceleration. Questions arise regarding the correct substitution of variables and the implications of these substitutions on the calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the approach to the problem, suggesting that certain terms can be canceled out in the ratio calculation. There is an ongoing exploration of the implications of these substitutions, and participants are verifying their calculations with each other.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the assumption that the rods are uniform and one-dimensional, and they are considering the effects of gravitational acceleration in their calculations. There is a focus on ensuring that the derived expressions for the periods are correctly formulated before determining the ratio.

rubenhero
Messages
41
Reaction score
2

Homework Statement


Assume all oscillators are frictionless.
e) A uniform thin rod (Mass M, length Lo) oscillates vertically on a frictionless axis perpendicular to the rod and passing through one end with period To. Now, a second uniform rod is made of the same material and mounted the same way, so it oscillates vertically about an axis through one end with period T. The length of the second pendulum is L = 9.47Lo. You may assume the rod is essentially one-dimensional.
Find the ratio T/To.

Homework Equations


I = 1/3 ML2, T = 2∏√(I/Mgd)

The Attempt at a Solution


T/To = [2∏√(1/3 M(9.47Lo)2/Mgd)] / [2∏√(1/3 MLo2/Mgd)]
T/To = [√(1/3 M(9.47Lo)2/Mgd)] / [√(1/3 MLo2/Mgd)]
T2/To2 = [(1/3(9.47Lo)2/gd)] / [(1/3Lo2/gd)]
T2/To2 = (3gd(9.47Lo)2)/(3gd(Lo)2)
T2/To2 = (9.47Lo)2/(Lo)2
T/To = (9.47Lo)/(Lo)
T/To = 9.47

The ratio I calculated is wrong. I believe my calculation is in order. Any help in pointing out any possible mistakes is appreciated!
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
rubenhero said:
I = 1/3 ML2, T = 2∏√(I/Mgd)
Write d in terms of L. What's T in terms of L and g?
 
Thank you for your response Doc Al. I'm thinking d in terms of L would be L/2. Also T = 2∏√(2L/3g). Is this correct?
 
rubenhero said:
I'm thinking d in terms of L would be L/2. Also T = 2∏√(2L/3g). Is this correct?
Looks good to me.
 
T/To = 2∏√(2*9.47Lo/3g) / 2∏√(2Lo/3g)
T2/To2 = (2*9.47Lo/3g) / (2Lo/3g)
T2/To2 = (2*3g*9.47Lo) / (2*3g*Lo)
T2/To2 = 9.47
T/To = 3.077336511

I redid the problem with the substitution of the terms, Is it right that I ended up canceling out most of the terms?
 
rubenhero said:
I redid the problem with the substitution of the terms, Is it right that I ended up canceling out most of the terms?
Definitely. You can write the period as T = constants*√(L). Those constants don't matter, since all you want is the ratio.
 
Thank you for your help, I don't think I would've ever thought to make those substitutions on my own.
 

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
7K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
6K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K