What Determines the Acceleration Direction in Pendulum Motion?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the direction of acceleration in pendulum motion, specifically at two moments in time as represented in a motion diagram. The context includes concepts from circular motion and the relationship between velocity and acceleration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to find the velocity at specific moments and seeks assistance in understanding the acceleration direction. Some participants suggest resolving weight into components to analyze the forces acting on the pendulum.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing tips on resolving forces and components. There is a clear expression of confusion from the original poster, indicating that further clarification is needed. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes difficulty in finding the velocity at the specified moments, which may impact their understanding of acceleration direction. The problem is framed within the constraints of a homework assignment, suggesting a need for careful consideration of the concepts involved.

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Homework Statement



The motion diagram shown in the figure represents a pendulum released from rest at an angle of 45 from the vertical. The dots in the motion diagram represent the positions of the pendulum bob at eleven moments separated by equal time intervals. The green arrows represent the average velocity between adjacent dots. Also given is a "compass rose" in which directions are labeled with the letters of the alphabet.

pendulum.jpg

Note: The letters in the diagram correspond to the directions.

How can I find the direction of the acceleration of the object at moments 0 and 10?


2. Relevant topics

Circular Motion
Acceleration and direction of object in motion



The Attempt at a Solution



First of all, I am having trouble find the velocity of said moments. Can someone help with this?
 
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resolve the weight into components when it is at an angle θ. One should point in the towards the center.
 
Anymore tips?
Still can't figure it out. :/
 
Lemniscate said:
Anymore tips?
Still can't figure it out. :/

ok at point 0, draw the weight downwards. Resolve the weight now. One component points away from the centre of rotation.
 

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