What are the unknowns in a simple pendulum problem and how can they be solved?

In summary, the problem involves a sphere of mass 0.5 kg bouncing like a pendulum at a 25º angle from vertical. The sphere reaches a height of 20 cm from equilibrium position and has a tension value of 5.5 N. The goal is to find the total acceleration, length of the wire, velocity modulus, and minimum tension value for the wire. To solve, use equations T-mgcos\theta=mv2/r and -mgsin\theta=ma, where v is the velocity and r is the length of the pendulum. By setting the tension and gravitational forces equal to the centripetal and tangential accelerations, the values for v and r can be solved for. A
  • #1
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Homework Statement



A sphere of mass 0,5 kg bounces from 2 extreme positions like a pendulum. When it makes a 25º with vertical the sphere is 20 cm high from equilibrium position and the tension value is 5,5 N.

Find:

- Total acceleration
- Length of the wire
- velocity modulus in that position
- minimum value for the tension in the wire

Homework Equations


T-mgcos[tex]\theta[/tex]=mv2/r
-mgsin[tex]\theta[/tex]=ma

The Attempt at a Solution


5,5-0,5+10cos25=0,5v2/r
-0,5*10sin25=0,5at

in the previous expressions v2 is v square and at is tangential acceleration

I don't know how to find v or r (the length of the pendulum). Can you help? Thanks
 
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  • #2
I think you could introduce: mgh = 1/2mv^2 to find v.
And somehow you use 20cm to calculate h.
 
  • #3
i think that your suggestion only gives v if the pendulum has started its motion from an angle that corresponds to h=20 cm.
 
  • #4
Hello, friends!
A great help would be if someone can say that this problem has a solution!
 
  • #5
Drawing a diagram and dropping a perp on the vertical at the mean position from the bob when it's at 25 deg, r-20 = r*cos 25 gives you r, where r is the length of the pendulum. Now find v.
 
  • #6
Thanks very much to all :)
 

FAQ: What are the unknowns in a simple pendulum problem and how can they be solved?

What is a simple pendulum?

A simple pendulum is a weight suspended from a pivot point that is free to swing back and forth under the influence of gravity.

What are the factors that affect the period of a simple pendulum?

The factors that affect the period of a simple pendulum include the length of the pendulum, the acceleration due to gravity, and the angle at which it is released.

What is the formula for calculating the period of a simple pendulum?

The formula for calculating the period of a simple pendulum is T = 2π√(L/g), where T is the period, L is the length of the pendulum, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

What is the difference between a simple pendulum and a compound pendulum?

A simple pendulum has a single point of suspension, while a compound pendulum has multiple points of suspension, making it more complex and less predictable.

How does the mass of the pendulum affect its period?

The mass of the pendulum does not affect its period, as long as the length and angle of release are kept constant. Only the length and acceleration due to gravity affect the period of a simple pendulum.

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