What is the horizontal component of tension in a pendulum's motion?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the horizontal component of tension in a pendulum's motion, particularly at the highest point of its swing. It clarifies that while the tension is zero at the highest point, the horizontal component of tension is present when the string is tilted. The tension is expressed as Mg cos(x) at the highest point, but this represents the total tension, not just the horizontal component. The conversation also touches on the ambiguity of the restoring force during oscillation, which can involve both the horizontal component of tension and the tangential component of gravity. The consensus is that the book's assertion about the absence of a horizontal component is incorrect.
Carbon123
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1. The problem statement, all variables and given/knowns
So basically,I am confused by this quote in David Morin's Problems and Solutions in Introductory Mechanics that says:
the tension in the tilted string has a nonzero horizontal component (except at the highest points where the tension is zero and the lowest point where the string is vertical).

Morin, David. Problems and Solutions in Introductory Mechanics (p. 52). . Kindle Edition.
Doesn't T have a value that is M g cosx at the highest point ?


Homework Equations


∑F=mωr

The Attempt at a Solution


If there is no Tension then what is causing the acceleration to have a horizontal component ? (because Mg is Pointing downwards)Is it Mg sinx ?
Thanks in Advance
 
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WinstonC said:
except at the highest points where the tension is zero
That would be true if, and only if, the string is horizontal at the highest point. Is that the set-up being discussed?
WinstonC said:
Doesn't T have a value that is M g cosx at the highest point ?
Yes.
 
haruspex said:
That would be true if, and only if, the string is horizontal at the highest point. Is that the set-up being discussed?

Yes.
haruspex said:
That would be true if, and only if, the string is horizontal at the highest point. Is that the set-up being discussed?

Yes.
Thanks for replying.It says that the string was tilted.So,was the book incorrect ? What is the restoring force during a pendulum's oscillation ?
 
WinstonC said:
Thanks for replying.It says that the string was tilted.So,was the book incorrect ? What is the restoring force during a pendulum's oscillation ?
The book is incorrect to say there is no horizontal component to the tension when the pendulum is at its highest point.
You asked, previously:
WinstonC said:
Doesn't T have a value that is M g cosx at the highest point ?
and I confirmed that, but that is the whole tension. What is the horizontal component of that?

Regarding restoring force, that's slightly ambiguous. You can consider the horizontal component of tension, or the tangential component of gravity. For small angles the difference is unimportant. In a thorough treatment, the tension at some point of the swing would also have a centripetal component. So I am not certain how to advise you without seeing the whole question.
 
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