What are the Periods of Oscillation for Different Pendulum Configurations?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the calculation of periods of oscillation for different pendulum configurations, specifically a mass-spring system and a simple pendulum. The frequency of oscillation for a 0.5 kg mass on a spring is calculated using the formula w = sqrt(k/m), yielding a frequency of approximately 0.1414 rad/s. For a 1 m simple pendulum with a 3 kg weight, the period of oscillation is determined to be approximately 2.007 seconds using T = 2π√(L/g). The discussion also addresses a rigid pendulum scenario, where the period is calculated to be approximately 1.6388 seconds, highlighting the importance of the moment of inertia in the calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of harmonic motion and oscillation principles
  • Familiarity with the spring constant and Hooke's Law
  • Knowledge of pendulum dynamics and the formula T = 2π√(L/g)
  • Basic grasp of moment of inertia calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the moment of inertia for various shapes
  • Explore the effects of mass distribution on oscillation periods
  • Learn about the damping effects in oscillatory systems
  • Investigate the relationship between frequency and spring constant in mass-spring systems
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and oscillatory motion, as well as educators looking for examples of pendulum dynamics and spring systems.

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Homework Statement



1. A 0.5 kg mass extends a spring 1 cm. What is the frequency of oscillation of this mass
and spring?
2. A 1 m stick is used as a simple pendulum with a 3 kg weight on the end. What is its
period of oscillation?
3. The same meter stick is used as a rigid pendulum with no weight. What is its period?

Homework Equations



F = −kx = ma.
x = Asin(wt) .
w = sqrt(k/m)
w = 2pie/T
v = Awcos(wt) .
vmax= Aw.
a = −A^2sin(wt) .
amax= wvmax=Aw^2.
t = Ia
t = −FLsin(theta) = −mgLsin(theta) = −mgL(theta)
I = mL^2
theta = Asin((2pie/T)*t)
T = 2pie*sqrt(L/g)
2pie/T =sqrt(3g/2L)

The Attempt at a Solution



1. ##w = \sqrt{k/m}##
##w = \sqrt{.01m/.5kg}##
##w = 0.1414~rad/s##

2. ##T = 2\pi~\sqrt{L/g}##
##T = 2\pi~\sqrt{1m/9.8m/s^2}##
##T = 2.007~s##

3. ##2\pi/T = \sqrt{3g/2L}##
##2\pi/T = \sqrt{3(9.8)/2(1)}##
##T = 2\pi/3.834##
##t = 1.6388~s ##

Can someone check my work?
 
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For 1) you need to find the spring constant k which is kx = mg => k = mg/x
 
You write
T = 2pie*sqrt(L/g)
and then you write
2pie/T =sqrt(3g/2L)

Where did the "3" in the second line come from?
 
kuruman said:
You write
T = 2pie*sqrt(L/g)
and then you write
2pie/T =sqrt(3g/2L)

Where did the "3" in the second line come from?

I think it is because this is problem 3 with a rod, moment of inertia mL2/3
 
Yes, that's what it is, nevertheless the second line does not follow from the one above it. Farther up, OP says I = mL^2. There is no factor of 3 anywhere that I can see except in the last line. This is sloppy work that needs to be pointed out.
 
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kuruman said:
Yes, that's what it is, nevertheless the second line does not follow from the one above it. Farther up, OP says I = mL^2. There is no factor of 3 anywhere that I can see except in the last line. This is sloppy work that needs to be pointed out.

I think that was just for problem 2 where the rod is considered massless.

Oh well, time for sum pie
 
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