What are the Periods of Oscillation for Different Pendulum Configurations?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the periods of oscillation for different pendulum configurations, including a mass-spring system and a simple pendulum. Participants are examining the calculations related to the frequency and period of oscillation for various setups involving a spring and a meter stick used as a pendulum.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are discussing the calculation of the spring constant for the mass-spring system and questioning the derivation of the period formula for the rigid pendulum. There is also a focus on the moment of inertia and its implications for the calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants are providing guidance on the need to clarify the spring constant and the assumptions made in the calculations. There is an ongoing examination of the formulas used, particularly regarding the factor of 3 in the moment of inertia for the rigid pendulum, indicating a productive exploration of the topic.

Contextual Notes

Participants are addressing potential errors in the original poster's calculations and assumptions, particularly concerning the moment of inertia and the application of formulas for different pendulum configurations. There is a mention of the massless rod assumption for one of the problems, which may affect the calculations.

JJBrian
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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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