Solving for Pendulum Length: Mass of Bob Given

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the length of a pendulum given a specific period and the mass of the bob. The relevant formula used is T=2π√(L/g), where T is the period, L is the length, and g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s²). The user correctly determined that for a period of 2 seconds, the length of the pendulum should be 1 meter, confirming that the mass of the bob does not affect the period. The conclusion emphasizes that the mass value provided (100 g) is irrelevant to the calculation of the pendulum's length.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of pendulum mechanics
  • Familiarity with the formula T=2π√(L/g)
  • Basic knowledge of gravitational acceleration (g=9.81 m/s²)
  • Concept of period in oscillatory motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the derivation of the pendulum period formula T=2π√(L/g)
  • Investigate the effects of damping on pendulum motion
  • Learn about the impact of mass on other oscillatory systems
  • Study the principles of simple harmonic motion in more depth
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding pendulum dynamics and the principles of oscillatory motion.

roam
Messages
1,265
Reaction score
12

Homework Statement



Imagine a pendulum which consists of a particle like bob of mass m suspended by a massless string of length L. Using the following equation

T=2 \pi \sqrt{\frac{L}{g}}

given the mass of the bob is 100 g, what is the length of the pendulum supposed to be if we want its period to be 2 seconds?


The Attempt at a Solution



So do I need to substitute g=9.81 or do I need to use the mass to find a new value for g? Is the follwoing correct:

2=2 \pi \sqrt{\frac{L}{9.81}}

L=1

I didn't even need to use m=100! Then why did they give us the value for mass if it was useless? am I missing something?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The period of the simple pendulum is independent of the mass of the bob.
 
rl.bhat said:
The period of the simple pendulum is independent of the mass of the bob.

Then is my answer correct?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K
Replies
17
Views
1K
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
5K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K