Angular Momentum (pendulum) Help

In summary, the question asks for the angular momentum at the lowest point of a 1.5 kg pendulum bob swinging in a vertical circle with a 2m long string. Using the formula v=sqrt(2*g*h) where h=2m, the linear velocity is calculated to be 6.26m/s. Substituting this into L=mrv gives a final answer of 18.78kgm2/s. However, using g=10m/s/s results in a slightly closer answer of 18.97kgm2/s. Further calculations may be necessary for a more accurate answer.
  • #1
tdub96
10
0

Homework Statement


a 1.5 kg pendulum bob swings in a vertical circle at the end of a 2m long string with negligible weight. If the bob is dropped from a height in which the string is horizontal and taut, what is the angular momentum at the bob's lowest point (in kgm/s^2)?

a 40
b 10
c 30
d 20
e 50


Homework Equations


L=Iw
L=mrv
L(initial)=L(final)


The Attempt at a Solution


I tried using the formula v2=vo2+2aΔy to solve for linear velocity first. It would be v= sqrt(2*9.8m/s/s*2m) because it falls the length of the string to reach the horizontal correct? From there, I calculated v to be 6.26m/s, and then subbed that into L=mrv for a final answer of 18.78kgm2/s, but its a bit off the possible choices and I'm skeptical of my work.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!
 
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  • #2
tdub96 said:

Homework Statement


a 1.5 kg pendulum bob swings in a vertical circle at the end of a 2m long string with negligible weight. If the bob is dropped from a height in which the string is horizontal and taut, what is the angular momentum at the bob's lowest point (in kgm/s^2)?

a 40
b 10
c 30
d 20
e 50


Homework Equations


L=Iw
L=mrv
L(initial)=L(final)


The Attempt at a Solution


I tried using the formula v2=vo2+2aΔy to solve for linear velocity first. It would be v= sqrt(2*9.8m/s/s*2m) because it falls the length of the string to reach the horizontal correct? From there, I calculated v to be 6.26m/s, and then subbed that into L=mrv for a final answer of 18.78kgm2/s, but its a bit off the possible choices and I'm skeptical of my work.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Looks ok to me. Maybe they took g as 10 m/s² which should be a slightly greater velocity and hence angular momentum.
 
  • #3
Using 10m/s/s comes out to be 18.97, which is closer, but I am still not confident in that. I'm going to keep trying some stuff, if anyone has anything to contribute please do so!
 

FAQ: Angular Momentum (pendulum) Help

What is angular momentum?

Angular momentum is a measure of the amount of rotational motion in a system. It is defined as the product of an object's moment of inertia and its angular velocity.

How is angular momentum related to a pendulum?

In a pendulum, angular momentum is conserved, meaning it remains constant throughout the pendulum's motion. This is due to the fact that the pendulum's moment of inertia and angular velocity change in opposite directions, balancing each other out.

How does the length of a pendulum affect its angular momentum?

The length of a pendulum has no effect on its angular momentum. This is because angular momentum is only dependent on the object's moment of inertia and angular velocity, which are not affected by the length of the pendulum.

Can angular momentum be changed in a pendulum?

Yes, angular momentum can be changed in a pendulum if an external torque is applied to it. This can happen, for example, if someone pushes or pulls on the pendulum while it is in motion.

How does the mass of a pendulum affect its angular momentum?

The mass of a pendulum does not affect its angular momentum. This is because angular momentum is a property of the object's motion, not its mass.

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