Relationship between frequency and length of pendulum

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between the frequency and length of a pendulum, specifically analyzing the equations derived from experimental data. The participants calculated the frequency for pendulum lengths of 20cm, 40cm, 60cm, and 80cm, resulting in the equation f = 1.5L^{-0.5} from a log-log graph. The theoretical equation T = 2π√(L/g) was also referenced, leading to the frequency equation f = 1/(2π√(L/g)). The key conclusion is that while the experimental equation and the theoretical equation are distinct, the theoretical equation serves to validate the experimental findings.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of pendulum motion and its governing equations
  • Familiarity with logarithmic and exponential relationships
  • Basic knowledge of graphing techniques, specifically log-log charts
  • Proficiency in algebraic manipulation of equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the derivation of the theoretical pendulum frequency equation T = 2π√(L/g)
  • Investigate the significance of experimental vs. theoretical data in physics
  • Learn about the application of log-log graphs in analyzing relationships between variables
  • Study the impact of gravitational acceleration (g) on pendulum frequency
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Students studying physics, educators teaching pendulum dynamics, and researchers analyzing experimental data in mechanics.

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Homework Statement



We calculated times of the periods of varying pendulum lengths. (20cm, 40cm, 60cm, 80cm). Then the frequency was calculated for each length and then a frequency-length graph was made. Since the graph is an exponential relationship we graphed our values on a log-log chart. Then we found the equation y = kxn, where k is the value of y where x = 1, and n is the slope.

the following equation was found from the log-log chart, wehre f is the frequency and L is the length:
f = 1.5L^{-0.5}

What is the equation that relates frequency to length in a pendulum?



Homework Equations


T = 2\pi\sqrt{\frac{L}{g}}
f = 1.5L^{-0.5}


The Attempt at a Solution


I can come up with the equation for f from using the first equation

\frac{1}{f} = 2\pi\sqrt{\frac{L}{g}}
f = \frac{1}{2\pi\sqrt{\frac{L}{g}}}

But my issue is does the equation I found for my log-log chart (f = 1.5L^{-0.5}) play any role in finding the relationship? What is the significance of this equation? Would there be a way to derive f = \frac{1}{2\pi\sqrt{\frac{L}{g}}} using it?
 
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No, the equation you're finding is the theoretical one, and the equation you found from the data is the experimental one. They don't really have anything to do with one another, except that the theoretical one can verify the quality of the experimental one.
 

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