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

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on a physics problem regarding a pendulum suspended in a moving train, specifically asking at what train speed the pendulum would oscillate with the largest amplitude. Participants express confusion about the question, particularly regarding the relevance of the train's constant velocity and the specified length of the rails. Suggestions include seeking clarification from a teaching assistant or professor, as the problem lacks sufficient detail. Some speculate that the "clickety-clack" of the train on the rails might affect the pendulum's oscillation due to periodic disturbances. Overall, the lack of clarity in the problem statement leads to uncertainty about its intended meaning.
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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