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

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a simple pendulum problem involving a sphere that bounces between two extreme positions. The problem presents specific parameters such as mass, angle, height from equilibrium, and tension, while seeking to determine total acceleration, length of the wire, velocity, and minimum tension value.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore various methods to find the velocity and length of the pendulum, questioning the assumptions about the starting position and height. Some suggest using energy conservation principles, while others discuss geometric relationships to derive the length of the pendulum.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants offering different perspectives and methods. Some guidance has been provided regarding the use of energy equations and geometric considerations, but no consensus has been reached on a definitive approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the need for clarity on the initial conditions of the pendulum's motion and the implications of the given height in relation to the calculations. There is an acknowledgment of potential constraints in the problem setup.

SciencePF
Messages
55
Reaction score
0

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[tex]\theta[/tex]=mv2/r
-mgsin[tex]\theta[/tex]=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
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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 :)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
6K