The length of a pendulum that is equivalent to a rocking hemisphere

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the length of an equivalent simple pendulum for a homogeneous hemisphere that rocks back and forth on a rough table. The context includes considerations of the hemisphere's radius and mass, as well as the position of its center of mass.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the derivation of relevant equations, questioning the appropriateness of certain values used in calculations, particularly regarding the center of mass and its implications for the pendulum length.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing feedback on each other's reasoning and suggesting the need for geometric considerations. There is no clear consensus on the correct approach or values to use, indicating a productive exploration of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the implications of the center of mass location and its effect on the pendulum's length, with specific attention to the fractions used in their calculations.

chriskh

Homework Statement


A solid sphere is cut in half and a homogeneous hemisphere of radius r and mass M is set upon a table(with its flat side up). The surface of the table is perfectly rough. The hemisphere rocks back and forth with small amplitude excursions from equilibrium. What is the length of an equivalent simple pendulum? Justify approximations. Note that the center of mass of a hemisphere is at a distance 3r/8 below the center of the sphere.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Can you give it your best shot?
 
upload_2017-12-15_3-3-17.png

The answer should be 1.73r

I can't find what's wrong with my solution.
 

Attachments

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I'm not sure about your derivation of either ##T## or ##V##. Can you justify those?

You may need to do some serious geometry!
 
I think you need 3/8 in the denominator instead of 5/8.
 
J Hann said:
I think you need 3/8 in the denominator instead of 5/8.
There's more than that is not right.
 

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