Max. acceleration of a pendulum changes with its length and mass?

Thread starter k.udhay
Start date Oct 5, 2018
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Acceleration Length Mass Max Pendulum Simple pendulum

In summary, the length and mass of a pendulum both affect its maximum acceleration. A longer pendulum has a slower maximum acceleration due to a greater distance to travel, while a heavier pendulum requires more force to accelerate. The formula for calculating maximum acceleration is a = g * (L / h), where g is the acceleration due to gravity, L is the length, and h is the height of release. The angle of release does not significantly impact maximum acceleration, but larger angles can decrease it due to resistance from air and friction. Other factors that can affect maximum acceleration include air resistance, friction, and the strength of the string or material used.

Oct 5, 2018

k.udhay

Hi,

If I find out the tangential force on the bob at position 1, it turns out to be m*g*sinθ. From this if I find out acceleration by dividing this equation by m, I get only g*sinθ.

Does it mean the max acceleration of pendulum has got nothing to do with its length or mass but theta?

Last edited by a moderator: Oct 5, 2018

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Oct 5, 2018

.Scott

Science Advisor

Homework Helper

Yes.
And, of course, g.

Related to Max. acceleration of a pendulum changes with its length and mass?

1. How does the length of a pendulum affect its maximum acceleration?

The length of a pendulum directly affects its maximum acceleration. As the length of the pendulum increases, the maximum acceleration decreases. This is because a longer pendulum has a greater distance to travel in a given period of time, resulting in a slower acceleration.

2. Does the mass of a pendulum impact its maximum acceleration?

Yes, the mass of a pendulum also affects its maximum acceleration. As the mass increases, the maximum acceleration decreases. This is because a heavier pendulum requires more force to accelerate it to the same speed as a lighter pendulum, resulting in a slower maximum acceleration.

3. What is the formula for calculating the maximum acceleration of a pendulum?

The formula for calculating the maximum acceleration of a pendulum is a = g * (L / h), where g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s^2), L is the length of the pendulum, and h is the height at which the pendulum is released.

4. How does the angle of release affect the maximum acceleration of a pendulum?

The angle of release does not have a significant impact on the maximum acceleration of a pendulum. As long as the angle is kept small (less than 10 degrees), the maximum acceleration will remain relatively constant. However, larger angles can result in a decrease in maximum acceleration due to the increased resistance from air resistance and friction.

5. What factors other than length and mass can affect the maximum acceleration of a pendulum?

Other factors that can affect the maximum acceleration of a pendulum include air resistance, friction, and the strength of the string or material used to suspend the pendulum. These factors can result in a decrease in maximum acceleration if they create resistance or add weight to the pendulum.