Tension in string for a bob pendulum

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the tension in the string of a pendulum when the bob reaches the vertical position. Initially, there is confusion about the relationship between tension and weight, with some participants incorrectly suggesting T=mg. The correct approach involves understanding centripetal force, leading to the realization that T must equal mg plus the centripetal force, resulting in T=2mg at the lowest point. Participants emphasize the importance of the frame of reference, noting that centripetal force is relevant when analyzing motion from the perspective of the Earth, while centrifugal force applies in the bob's frame. Ultimately, the problem is solved by applying conservation of mechanical energy to find the velocity at the lowest point, allowing for the correct calculation of tension.
Nicholaz99
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Homework Statement


-------------------------------------
|.\
|...\
|...\
|...\
Q...O P

O=the bob
Teta=60 degree
The bob of a simple pendulum is released from rest at P. The mass of the bob is m and the length of the pendulum is L

What is the tension in the string when the pendulum bob is at position Q (where the string is vertical)?

I don't have any idea about this.. please guys help me to solve this problem... Thanks
 
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You could give it a try you know
Start off by identifying what forces act in the Bob as it moves to Q from P
 
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At first, I think that the tension string will be the same as the Weight, so i answer T=mg, but the answer key is T=2mg.
So, I start to think about the centripetal and centrifugal force... but still I don't have any idea to solve it..
Is my idea about the centripetal and centrifugal is correct?
 
Perfect! Now that centrifugal force is arising due to the motion of the Bob right? How do you relate the force and motion?
 
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Nicholaz99 said:
At first, I think that the tension string will be the same as the Weight, so i answer T=mg, but the answer key is T=2mg.
So, I start to think about the centripetal and centrifugal force... but still I don't have any idea to solve it..
Is my idea about the centripetal and centrifugal is correct?
Yes, it's about centripetal force. What do you need to figure out in order to find the centripetal force at Q?
 
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That's my problem.. i don't understand well about the centripetal force.. am i right if i draw the centripetal force in the same direction as T? So my equation will be
Fy=0
T=W-Fs

Also when does we use the centrifugal and when does we use the centripetal one? Thanks for all
 
Think of it practically Nichol
If you take a bob with a thread and hold it in your hand you feel a certainty pull now if you use it as a pendulum does that pull increase or decrease? Depending on that judge if your equation
T= W-Fs is right or not
Your Fs is what again?
Please define all the symbols you use :-)
 
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you have to get your frame of reference right.
if you are working in the frame of reference of the bob you have to take centrifugal force into consideration(it acts outwards)
but if you are working in the frame of the Earth (or ground or the point of suspension of the bob) you have to take into consideration the centripetal force.
(since it is necessary for rotational motion,in this case the tension provides the necessary centripetal force)
if you don't know what that means i suggest first reading up on that.
 
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Ah i see...Now I understand that my equation is wrong...
It must be T=W+Fcentrifugal
T=mg+mv^2/r
T=mg+m(omega)^2 L

Now, how do i change the omega ?
Thanks guys for your helps...
 
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Nicholaz99 said:
Ah i see...Now I understand that my equation is wrong...
It must be T=W+Fcentrifugal
T=mg+mv^2/r
T=mg+m(omega)^2 L

Now, how do i change the omega ?
Thanks guys for your helps...

you can use the law of conservation of mechanical energy it will give you the velocity at Q
then find omega and solve for T.
 
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  • #11
Thanks for the help guys... I appreciate it so much :D
Finally I solve this problem lol
 

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