Simple Harmonic Motion and pendulum clock

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the comparison of a spring clock and a pendulum clock in the context of their functionality on the moon, particularly focusing on the effects of reduced gravitational force.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the dependency of the clocks on gravitational force and question how this affects their performance on the moon. There is discussion about the equations governing the motion of both types of clocks and their implications in a lower gravity environment.

Discussion Status

Various perspectives are being explored, with some participants suggesting that the pendulum clock is more dependent on gravity, while others argue that the spring clock may perform consistently regardless of gravitational changes. No consensus has been reached, but multiple interpretations are being considered.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the gravitational force on the moon is less than on Earth, which raises questions about the assumptions underlying the behavior of both types of clocks in such an environment.

Ogir28
Messages
6
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



What will be better to take to the moon, a spring clock or a pendulum clock. Why?

Homework Equations



F= -k*(Delta)x

k = g m/Dx

T = 2*π*[square-root of:(m/k)]


The Attempt at a Solution



I know that there is less gravitational force while on the moon... Just don't see what the difference would be between block clocks. they both depend on gravity in the same manner...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I'm not sure... but doesn't the equation read F=-kx, but k is NOT dependent on g? couldn't the spring be sideways?
 
well Usually we've been doing mass spring problems vertically, else, he would have told us... but what would be the factor that would affect a change in k while on the moon?
 
the only things that the equation involves are: mass, gravity, k constant
 
A pendulum would be better. For a pendulum, period is about 2pi*sqrt(l/g) This is dependent on g, which is different in the moon. It is dependent on g, because g is the restoring force which brings the mass at the end of the string back to equilibrium position. However, for a spring block oscillator, the mass of the object (ideally) doesn't contribute to the restoring force, which is just -k(Dx), and the period is independent of g.

Hope this helped.
 
The spring clock would be better because it will run at the same rate on the moon as it does on earth.
 
thank you guys very much.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Replies
16
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K