Why Is the Third Pendulum Traveling the Fastest?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the observation of a time-lapse photo depicting three pendulums in different positions and the question of why the third pendulum appears to be traveling the fastest. The scope includes conceptual clarification regarding speed, frame of reference, and the interpretation of the visual data presented.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the clarity of the original post, suggesting that the description of "one pendulum with three pendulums" is confusing and may require a time-lapse interpretation.
  • Another participant points out that if the middle pendulum is traveling at the greatest speed, it should also be the fastest, raising questions about the definition of "fastest" and the observer's frame of reference.
  • A later reply emphasizes the need for context regarding the direction of motion for each pendulum position shown in the photo.
  • One participant requests the original photo to better understand the situation being discussed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the clarity of the original question and the definitions of speed and reference frames. There is no consensus on the interpretation of the pendulum's motion or the conditions under which the speed is assessed.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of visual context without the photo, ambiguity in the definitions of speed and reference frames, and unresolved questions about the direction of motion for each pendulum.

jim1174
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You have a Photo of a pendulum with three pendulums. One is at an angle to the right the second Is straight down and third is at an angle to the left. The pengulum in the middle is traveling the greatest speed but why is the third one traveling the fastest ?
 
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jim1174 said:
You have a Photo of a pendulum with three pendulums.
That really doesn't make much sense. One pendulum with three pendulums?

Perhaps you mean a time-lapse photo showing one pendulum in three different positions? I think we need more context and a better description to be able to interpret your question.
 
Yea I meant a time laps photo sorry. If the one is the middle is traveling the greatest speed then wouldn't it also be traveling the fastest?
 
jim1174 said:
Yea I meant a time laps photo sorry. If the one is the middle is traveling the greatest speed then wouldn't it also be traveling the fastest?
What is "fastest"? According to whom? Apparently we need more context. What is the frame of reference of the observer and the frame of reference of the pendulum?

Edit: Also, which direction is the pendulum moving in for each of the positions shown?
 
jim1174 said:
You have a Photo of a pendulum with three pendulums.

Can you post the photo? Use the UPOAD button.
 

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