Time When Pendulum Clock is Put on Moon?

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SUMMARY

A pendulum clock functioning on Earth will operate differently on the Moon due to the reduced gravitational acceleration of 1.63 m/s² compared to Earth's 9.81 m/s². The formula T = 2π√(l/g) is used to calculate the period of the pendulum, where 'l' is the length of the pendulum and 'g' is the acceleration due to gravity. The calculated ratio of the pendulum's period on the Moon to that on Earth is approximately 2.45455, leading to a time reading of 10:55 A.M. on the third day after 24 Earth hours. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the effects of gravity on pendulum motion and the implications for timekeeping on different celestial bodies.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)
  • Familiarity with the formula T = 2π√(l/g)
  • Knowledge of gravitational acceleration values (g) on Earth and the Moon
  • Basic principles of pendulum mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of reduced gravity on pendulum clocks
  • Learn about the relationship between pendulum length and period
  • Explore the concept of timekeeping on celestial bodies
  • Investigate the physics of rotational motion and its impact on pendulum behavior
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those interested in mechanics and gravitational effects, as well as educators looking for practical examples of pendulum motion in varying gravitational fields.

petern
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A pendulum clock that works perfectly on Earth is taken to the moon where g = 1.63 m/s^2. If the clock is started at 12:00 A.M., what will it read on the moon 24 Earth hours?

The equation you would probably use is T = 2(pi)(sq. root of m/k)

Can someone get me started?
 
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The pendulum clock works on SHM...how is angular velocity affected by the value of 'g' with a pendulum?

Use T=2\pi\sqrt{\frac{l}{g}}are you allowed to use the value of g on earth? if so consider how you can express the acc.due to gravity on the moon in terms of 'g' on earth
 
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I don't really understand but I know that since gravity is less on the moon, the pendulum doesn't swing farther out than on Earth and therefore the clock is slower than on earth.
 
I would find the ratio so on Earth but plugging g on Earth and on the moon into T = 2(pi)(sq. root of m/k). The ratio I got for moon to Earth was .783 to .319 or 1 to 2.45455.

So 24 h x 2.45455 = 58.9092 h. So the answer would be 10:55 A.M. on the third day. Did I do this problem correctly?
 
Is it possible that this is a trick question? Doesn't a pendulum clock tell time on Earth by way of the Earth's rotation? Wouldn't a pendulum clock on the Moon depend on the Moon's rotation? And isn't the swing speed completely irrelevant?
 
I don't think it is. My physics class isn't that advanced and we usually never have any trick questions. Thanks for the input anyways. Do you think I'm doing it right?
 
well the way I intended to do it was the method with finding the ratio...so i think it would be correct...not too sure if you have to take into account the rotation of the moon and such
 
I think I did it right because my teacher has gone over anything related to the rotation so thanks! Problem solved!
 

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