Time of oscillation of a pendulum

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the period of oscillation for a V-shaped pendulum made from a rigid pole of length 2L, with each leg measuring L and an angle of 120 degrees between the legs. Participants are exploring the calculations related to the moment of inertia and the center of mass of the V shape.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss calculating the moment of inertia for the V shape around its pivot point and the center of mass's location. There are differing views on the correct expressions for these calculations and the implications for the period of oscillation.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with some participants providing calculations and others questioning the accuracy of those calculations. There is a recognition of the need to clarify the moment of inertia and center of mass, but no consensus has been reached on the correct approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of the problem setup, including the geometry of the V shape and the implications of the angle between the legs. There is an acknowledgment of potential errors in initial assumptions and calculations.

diredragon
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Homework Statement


A rigib poll of length 2L is made into a V shape so that each leg has length L. What is the period of oscillation for small angle. The angle between the legs is 120 degrees

Homework Equations


3. The Attempt at a Solution [/B]
I tried to calculate the period by imagining a rigid poll that would take the originals place. Since the length of one leg is L, the poll which would take the place is located in the middle and of length ##L/2## since its 30,60,90 triangle, Moment of inertia is ##I=\frac{M(L/2)^2}{3}## and that nakes the period ##T=6.28*\sqrt{\frac{I}{Mg(L/2)}}## and that just doesn't seem right? What do you think?
 
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You have to calculate the moment of inertia I of the V shape body around the point at the vertex of V (which I suppose is the pivot point). I believe it will be ##I=2M\frac{L^2}{3}##.Also you need to find the center of mass of the V shape body. I believe it will be at distance ##R=\frac{L}{4}## from the pivot point. Then the period will be

##T=2\pi\sqrt\frac{I}{MgR}## where R is the distance of the center of mass from the pivot point (the vertex of V).
 
Delta² said:
You have to calculate the moment of inertia I of the V shape body around the point at the vertex of V (which I suppose is the pivot point). I believe it will be ##I=2M\frac{L^2}{3}##.Also you need to find the center of mass of the V shape body. I believe it will be at distance ##R=\frac{L}{4}## from the pivot point. Then the period will be

##T=2\pi\sqrt\frac{I}{MgR}## where R is the distance of the center of mass from the pivot point (the vertex of V).
That's rather too much assistance straight up. Better would have been to leave it as
"You have to calculate the moment of inertia I of the V shape body around the point at the vertex of V (which I suppose is the pivot point).. Also you need to find the center of mass of the V shape body. "

Anyway, your expression for I is wrong.
 
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haruspex said:
That's rather too much assistance straight up. Better would have been to leave it as
"You have to calculate the moment of inertia I of the V shape body around the point at the vertex of V (which I suppose is the pivot point).. Also you need to find the center of mass of the V shape body. "

Anyway, your expression for I is wrong.

Sorry where I am wrong, the body is originally 2L and each V side has L length. Moment of intertia is aroung the peak of V not around the c.o.m.

Ok I see now the factor of 2 should be omitted.
 
Last edited:
Delta² said:
Ok I see now the factor of 2 should be omitted
Right.
 

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