What Is the Correct Equation of Motion for a Pendulum at Any Amplitude?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the equation of motion for a pendulum, specifically addressing its behavior at various amplitudes. The pendulum consists of a point mass attached to a thread of length l, with the oscillation amplitude denoted as θ. Participants explore the mathematical representation of the pendulum's motion and the implications of different approximations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants attempt to derive the equation of motion using different approaches, including the small angle approximation. Questions arise regarding the validity of these approximations and the initial conditions specified by the original poster. Some participants suggest breaking down forces acting on the pendulum and their components.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with multiple interpretations being explored regarding the correct equation of motion for the pendulum. Some participants have offered guidance on the use of approximations, while others express uncertainty about the requirements of the original poster's question. There is acknowledgment that no analytic solution exists for larger amplitudes.

Contextual Notes

There is a lack of clarity regarding the initial conditions and whether the original poster is seeking a general solution or a specific case for small angles. The discussion also highlights the distinction between different methods of representing the pendulum's motion.

olgerm
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Homework Statement


what is equation of motion for pendulum?pendulum is made of pointmass, which mass is m, is fixed to thread ,which length is l? Oscillation aplitude is θ.Other side of thread is fixed in (0;0;0)point. at time t=0
[itex]t=0;y=0<br /> ;z=0<br /> ;φ=θ[/itex]

Homework Equations


[itex]\frac{dφ^2}{dt^2}=-\frac{g}{l}*Sin(φ)[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution


x(t)=?
y(t)=0
z(t)=0
t(t)=t
 
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Small angle approximation!
 

Homework Statement


what is equation of motion for pendulum?pendulum is made of pointmass, which mass is m, is fixed to thread ,which length is l? Oscillation aplitude is θ.Other side of thread is fixed in (0;0;0)point. at time t=0
[itex]t=0;<br /> ;z=0<br /> ;φ=θ[/itex]

Homework Equations


[itex]\frac{dφ^2}{dt^2}=-\frac{g}{l}*Sin(φ)[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution


x(t)=?
y(t)=?
z(t)=0
t(t)=t
 
Dr. Courtney said:
Small angle approximation!
What is small angel approximation ? The relevant equation I wrote?
 
olgerm said:
What is small angel approximation ? The relevant equation I wrote?
Google it.
 
Draw a picture! If the line of the pendulum is at angle [itex]\theta[/itex] to the vertical the force acting on the pendulum bob is straight down but the pendulum string prevents the bob from moving straight down. Divide the force into components perpendicular to and parallel to the circular arc the pendulum bob makes. The use "force= mass times acceleration".
 
[itex]φ=θ*sin(\sqrt{\frac{g}{l}*t})[/itex]

[itex]\begin{cases}<br /> x=sin(φ)*l\\<br /> y=l*(cos(φ)*-1)\\<br /> \end{cases}[/itex]

So correct equation of motion is
[itex]\begin{cases}<br /> x=sin(θ*sin(\sqrt{\frac{g}{l}*t}))*l\\<br /> y=cos(θ*sin(\sqrt{\frac{g}{l}*t}))*l-l\\<br /> \end{cases}[/itex]
?
 
olgerm said:
[itex]φ=θ*sin(\sqrt{\frac{g}{l}*t})[/itex]

[itex]\begin{cases}<br /> x=sin(φ)*l\\<br /> y=l*(cos(φ)*-1)\\<br /> \end{cases}[/itex]

So correct equation of motion is
[itex]\begin{cases}<br /> x=sin(θ*sin(\sqrt{\frac{g}{l}*t}))*l\\<br /> y=cos(θ*sin(\sqrt{\frac{g}{l}*t}))*l-l\\<br /> \end{cases}[/itex]
?
For small amplitude, that's roughly right, but doesn't satisfy the given initial conditions.
However, the OP does not specify small angles, so it's not clear whether this is what is wanted. Maybe they just want the differential equation, but using x and y instead of ##\phi##.
 
haruspex said:
For small amplitude, that's roughly right, but doesn't satisfy the given initial conditions.
However, the OP does not specify small angles, so it's not clear whether this is what is wanted. Maybe they just want the differential equation, but using x and y instead of ##\phi##.
What is the correct equation for any amplitude?
I mean motion of equation of pendulum "head".
x(t)=??
y(t)=??
 
Last edited:
  • #10
olgerm said:
What is the correct equation for any amplitude?
I mean motion of equation of pendulum "head".
x(t)=??
y(t)=??
There is no analytic solution.
 

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