What Speed Makes a Pendulum Oscillate Most in a Moving Train?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on determining the optimal speed of a train for maximizing the oscillation amplitude of a pendulum with a length of 39 cm, suspended inside the train. Participants express confusion regarding the question's clarity, particularly the relevance of the train's constant velocity and the specified rail length of 25 m. Suggestions include seeking clarification from a teaching assistant or professor and considering the effects of rail imperfections on the pendulum's behavior. The conversation highlights the complexities of pendulum dynamics in non-static environments.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of pendulum mechanics and oscillation principles
  • Basic knowledge of physics related to motion and forces
  • Familiarity with concepts of resonance and frequency
  • Awareness of the effects of external factors on oscillatory systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of pendulum motion in non-inertial frames
  • Explore the effects of rail imperfections on train dynamics
  • Study resonance phenomena in mechanical systems
  • Investigate the relationship between speed and oscillation amplitude in pendulums
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, engineers working on transportation systems, and anyone interested in the dynamics of oscillatory motion in moving environments.

Jordan&physics
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Mentor Note -- thread moved from the technical forums, so no HH Tempate is shown...>> [/color]
1. (10 points) A pendulum of length l = 39 cm is suspended in a railway car. At what train speed would the pendulum be oscillating with largest amplitude ? The length of the rails is l = 25 m.

I am just not sure what the question is asking :-/ Why would the pendulum oscillate if the train was moving at a constant velocity? It doesn't specify an acceleration, and I don't know what they mean by specifying the "length of rails." Please, I am really lost on this one.
 
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Jordan&physics said:
1. (10 points) A pendulum of length l = 39 cm is suspended in a railway car. At what train speed would the pendulum be oscillating with largest amplitude ? The length of the rails is l = 25 m.

I am just not sure what the question is asking :-/ Why would the pendulum oscillate if the train was moving at a constant velocity? It doesn't specify an acceleration, and I don't know what they mean by specifying the "length of rails." Please, I am really lost on this one.
Yeah, based on what you posted, this question makes no sense IMO. Can you scan the problem so we can see if there is additional info?
 
I actually copied and pasted it directly from the problem set. There was absolutely no more information given.
 
Yikes, can you e-mail a TA or prof for clarification?
 
Could this be a model train, flying round and round on a circular track, circumference 25m?
 
Could be that the finite rail lengths are intended to be responsible for a "clickety-clack" that slightly jounces the train carriage at regular intervals. A tuned system like a pendulum would be sensitive to particular frequencies...
 
gneill said:
Could be that the finite rail lengths are intended to be responsible for a "clickety-clack" that slightly jounces the train carriage at regular intervals. A tuned system like a pendulum would be sensitive to particular frequencies...
http://www.infovisual.info/05/img_en/046%20Railroad%20track.jpg
Listen the clickety-clack sound
 

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