Simple pendulum equation of motion

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the equation of motion for a simple pendulum using the generalized coordinate x instead of the angle. The original poster presents their attempt at deriving the equation using Lagrange equations, specifying parameters such as mass, length, and gravity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to derive the equation of motion but encounters additional terms that complicate their solution. Some participants question the clarity and completeness of the original poster's presentation of their work.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with the original poster actively seeking help while also attempting to resolve the issue independently. Participants have provided feedback regarding the need for clearer presentation of the attempts and adherence to the homework template.

Contextual Notes

The original poster has expressed uncertainty about their results and the format of their equations. There are references to specific terms that are not aligning with the expected outcome, indicating potential misunderstandings or misapplications of the concepts involved.

Nora Fajes
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Hi! I've been trying to find the equation of motion for the simple pendulum using x as the generalized coordinate (instead of the angle), but I haven't been able to get the right solution...

Homework Statement



The data is as usual, mass m, length l and gravity g. The X,Y axes origin can be anywhere I choose.

Homework Equations



Equation of motion using Lagrange equiations.

The Attempt at a Solution



This is the solution I'm supposed to find:

[x''+(x*x'^2)/sqrt(l^2-x^2)+(g*x*sqrt(l^2-x^2))/l^2]=0

(Sorry if it's a bit messy, I don't know how to type equations)

But I get other terms I can't get rid of and I don't know what I'm doing wrong... I'd appreciate any help! Thanks!

Edit: The extra term I get is (x'^2*x'')/sqrt(l^2-x^2) and also (2*g*x')/(sqrt(l^2-x^2)) instead of (g*x*sqrt(l^2-x^2))/l^2.

(Still don't know how to post equations)
 
Last edited:
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It would help if you actually showed us your attempt with the extra terms. Also, use of the homework template is mandatory, do not erease the template headings.
 
Orodruin said:
It would help if you actually showed us your attempt with the extra terms. Also, use of the homework template is mandatory, do not erease the template headings.
Sorry about the template, already corrected that and also added my extra terms. I'm still trying to solve it (not just waiting for an answer here) so I'll update it if I get it right. Thank you!
 
vela said:
It really isn't very helpful if all you do is post your result. It's like someone saying, "My car doesn't work. What's wrong?"

There's a link to a LaTeX FAQ at the bottom of https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/guidelines-for-students-and-helpers.635513/.

Ok, this is what I've got so far (although you could've asked nicely), sorry it's in Spanish:

la foto.jpg


And the solution I need to get to:

Péndulo.png


Anyway, thank you for your help.
 

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