Springs, Pendulums and Centrifical Force

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SUMMARY

This discussion clarifies the variables used in key physics equations related to springs, pendulums, and centripetal force. The period (T) is defined as the time taken for one complete cycle, while mass (m) and spring constant (k) are essential in Hooke's Law (F = -Kx). For pendulums, length (l) and gravity (g) are crucial in determining the period (T = 2 * pi * square root (l/g)). The centripetal force (Fc) is expressed through multiple equations, with acceleration (a) and mass (m) being fundamental components.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, including forces and motion.
  • Familiarity with Hooke's Law and its application in spring mechanics.
  • Knowledge of pendulum motion and the factors affecting its period.
  • Basic comprehension of centripetal force and its mathematical representations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Hooke's Law and its applications in real-world scenarios.
  • Learn about the factors affecting the period of a pendulum and how to calculate it.
  • Explore the concept of centripetal acceleration and its relationship with circular motion.
  • Investigate the differences between centripetal force and centrifugal force in physics.
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Students new to physics, educators teaching introductory physics concepts, and anyone seeking to understand the fundamental principles of mechanics involving springs, pendulums, and centripetal force.

DarkAnt
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Physics is my first class so I'm almost never awake. Could someone please tell me what the variables stand for.

Spring: T= 2 * pi * square root (m/k)
What is T, m, k?

Hooke's Law: F = -Kx
What is K, x?

Pendulums: T = 2 *pi* square root (l/g)
What is T, l, g?

Centrifical Force:
Fc = mac
Fc = (mu^2)/r
Fc = m4*pi^2* rf^2
What is Fc, a, c, m, u, f?
 
Last edited:
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Originally posted by DarkAnt
Physics is my first class so I'm almost never awake. Could someone please tell me what the variables stand for.

Spring: T= 2 * pi * square root (m/k)
What is T, m, k?

Hooke's Law: F = -Kx
What is K, x?

Pendulums: T = 2 *pi* square root (l/g)
What is T, l, g?

Centrifical Force:
Fc = mac
Fc = (mu^2)/r
Fc = m4*pi^2* rf^2
What is Fc, a, c, m, u, f?

wow, you really don't pay attention :D

T = period
m = mass
k = spring constant
K = spring constant
x = distance (I always write d instead of x)
T = period
l = length of rope
g = gravity
Fc = centripetal force
a = acceleration
c = nothing, teach probably wrote it as a subscript
m = mass
u = he actually wrote a v, not a u. it's supposed to be v^2. it means velocity


I don't know what f is though. I would think it means frequency but I can't be certain of that.
 
Thank you!

Yea, I really have trouble paying attention first period, I'm not a morning person.

Thanks
 

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