How Do You Calculate the Period of a Compound Pendulum with Two Masses?

  • Thread starter dgl7
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Period
In summary, a compound pendulum is a rigid body suspended from a fixed point by a pivot, and is affected by factors such as length, mass, and distance between pivot point and center of mass. Its period can be calculated using the formula T = 2π√(I/mgd), and is directly proportional to length and inversely proportional to mass. These relationships are known as the square root law and inverse square root law, respectively.
  • #1
dgl7
8
0

Homework Statement



Consider a light rod of negligible mass and length "L" pivoted on a frictionless horizontal bearing at a point "O." Attached to the end of the rod is a mass "m." Also, a second mass "M" of equal size (i.e., m=M) is attached to the rod (0.2L from the lower end). What is the period of this pendulum in the small angle approximation?

Homework Equations



T=2pi(I/Hgm)^0.5
where H=the length from the center of mass to the point of rotation
rcm=(r1m+r2M)/(m+M)
Icm=m(L1)^2+M(L2)^2
I=Icm+m(d)^2

The Attempt at a Solution


rcm=(r1m+r2M)/(m+M)
rcm=[(L+0.8L)m)]/2m
rcm=0.9L (from the point of rotation)

Icm=mL^2+mL^2
Icm=m[(0.1L)^2+(-0.1L)^2]
Icm=0.02mL^2

I=Icm+md^2
I=0.02mL^2+m(0.9L)^2
I=0.83mL^2

T=2pi(I/Hgm)^0.5
T=2pi(0.83mL2/0.9Lgm)^0.5
T=2pi(83L/90g)^0.5

I'm really unsure as to what I'm doing wrong so it'd be great if someone could point out what I'm doing wrong--perhaps I've mistaken what one of the variable is supposed to represent? Thanks!

P.S. if it helps, the answer is 2pi(41L/45g)^0.5, I'd just love to know how to get to that.

OK so another update. I just realized I'm one digit off--because the answer is 82/90, not 83/90. I think the error must be with finding the Icm, because everything would simplify properly if Icm=0.01 instead of 0.02. I'm just confused as to why Icm would only be with regards to one mass instead of both...

FIGURED IT OUT:
No parallel axis theorem and now the period equation makes sense because we can put in 2m instead of m-->
Solution:

rcm=(r1m+r2M)/(m+M)
rcm=[(L+0.8L)m)]/2m
rcm=0.9L (from the point of rotation)

Icm=mr^2+mr^2
Icm=m(1L)^2+m(0.8L)^2
Icm=1.64L^2

T=2pi(I/Hgm)^0.5
T=2pi(1.64mL^2/0.9Lg2m)^0.5
T=2pi(82L/90g)^0.5
T=2pi(41L/45g)^0.5
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Is there a diagram that goes with this? Where's O?
 
  • #3
It is a pendulum, thus O is at the opposite end of the rod.
 

FAQ: How Do You Calculate the Period of a Compound Pendulum with Two Masses?

What is a compound pendulum?

A compound pendulum is a physical system that consists of a rigid body suspended from a fixed point by a pivot. It is different from a simple pendulum, which has a single mass suspended from a fixed point by a string or rod.

What factors affect the period of a compound pendulum?

The period of a compound pendulum is affected by the length of the pendulum, the mass of the pendulum, and the distance between the pivot point and the center of mass of the pendulum. Other factors that may affect the period include the strength of gravity and air resistance.

How is the period of a compound pendulum calculated?

The period of a compound pendulum can be calculated using the formula T = 2π√(I/mgd), where T is the period, I is the moment of inertia of the pendulum, m is the mass of the pendulum, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and d is the distance between the pivot point and the center of mass of the pendulum.

How does the period of a compound pendulum change with different lengths?

The period of a compound pendulum is directly proportional to the square root of its length. This means that as the length of the pendulum increases, the period also increases. This relationship is known as the square root law.

How does the period of a compound pendulum change with different masses?

The period of a compound pendulum is inversely proportional to the square root of its mass. This means that as the mass of the pendulum increases, the period decreases. This relationship is known as the inverse square root law.

Similar threads

Back
Top