What are the unknowns in a simple pendulum problem and how can they be solved?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on solving a simple pendulum problem involving a 0.5 kg sphere that bounces between two extreme positions. Key unknowns include total acceleration, length of the wire, velocity at a specific angle, and minimum tension in the wire. Participants suggest using energy conservation principles, such as mgh = 1/2mv^2, to find velocity, and recommend drawing a diagram to clarify the relationship between the pendulum's length and the height. The tension equation is also discussed, highlighting the need to calculate the radius (length of the pendulum) accurately. Overall, the thread emphasizes collaborative problem-solving and the importance of visual aids in understanding pendulum dynamics.
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Homework Statement



A sphere of mass 0,5 kg bounces from 2 extreme positions like a pendulum. When it makes a 25º with vertical the sphere is 20 cm high from equilibrium position and the tension value is 5,5 N.

Find:

- Total acceleration
- Length of the wire
- velocity modulus in that position
- minimum value for the tension in the wire

Homework Equations


T-mgcos\theta=mv2/r
-mgsin\theta=ma

The Attempt at a Solution


5,5-0,5+10cos25=0,5v2/r
-0,5*10sin25=0,5at

in the previous expressions v2 is v square and at is tangential acceleration

I don't know how to find v or r (the length of the pendulum). Can you help? Thanks
 
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I think you could introduce: mgh = 1/2mv^2 to find v.
And somehow you use 20cm to calculate h.
 
i think that your suggestion only gives v if the pendulum has started its motion from an angle that corresponds to h=20 cm.
 
Hello, friends!
A great help would be if someone can say that this problem has a solution!
 
Drawing a diagram and dropping a perp on the vertical at the mean position from the bob when it's at 25 deg, r-20 = r*cos 25 gives you r, where r is the length of the pendulum. Now find v.
 
Thanks very much to all :)
 
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