Relationship between frequency and length of pendulum

In summary, the conversation discusses how the frequency of a pendulum is related to its length. The group calculated the periods and frequencies for various lengths of pendulums and graphed them on a log-log chart. From this, they found the equation f = 1.5L^{-0.5}, where f is frequency and L is length. However, this equation is different from the theoretical equation f = \frac{1}{2\pi\sqrt{\frac{L}{g}}}. The theoretical equation can be used to verify the accuracy of the experimental one.
  • #1
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Homework Statement



We calculated times of the periods of varying pendulum lengths. (20cm, 40cm, 60cm, 80cm). Then the frequency was calculated for each length and then a frequency-length graph was made. Since the graph is an exponential relationship we graphed our values on a log-log chart. Then we found the equation y = kxn, where k is the value of y where x = 1, and n is the slope.

the following equation was found from the log-log chart, wehre f is the frequency and L is the length:
[itex]f = 1.5L^{-0.5}[/itex]

What is the equation that relates frequency to length in a pendulum?



Homework Equations


[itex]T = 2\pi\sqrt{\frac{L}{g}}[/itex]
[itex]f = 1.5L^{-0.5}[/itex]


The Attempt at a Solution


I can come up with the equation for f from using the first equation

[itex]\frac{1}{f} = 2\pi\sqrt{\frac{L}{g}}[/itex]
[itex]f = \frac{1}{2\pi\sqrt{\frac{L}{g}}}[/itex]

But my issue is does the equation I found for my log-log chart ([itex]f = 1.5L^{-0.5}[/itex]) play any role in finding the relationship? What is the significance of this equation? Would there be a way to derive [itex]f = \frac{1}{2\pi\sqrt{\frac{L}{g}}}[/itex] using it?
 
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  • #2
No, the equation you're finding is the theoretical one, and the equation you found from the data is the experimental one. They don't really have anything to do with one another, except that the theoretical one can verify the quality of the experimental one.
 

Related to Relationship between frequency and length of pendulum

1. What is the relationship between the frequency and length of a pendulum?

The frequency and length of a pendulum have an inverse relationship, meaning that as the length of the pendulum increases, the frequency decreases. Conversely, as the length decreases, the frequency increases. This relationship was first discovered by Galileo in the late 16th century.

2. How does changing the length of a pendulum affect its frequency?

Changing the length of a pendulum directly affects its frequency. The longer the pendulum, the slower it swings and the lower its frequency. Similarly, a shorter pendulum will have a faster swing and a higher frequency. This relationship is due to the force of gravity acting on the pendulum and the pendulum's inertia.

3. Is the relationship between frequency and length of a pendulum affected by other factors?

There are a few other factors that can affect the relationship between frequency and length of a pendulum. These include the mass of the pendulum, the angle of release, and the air resistance. However, in a controlled experiment, these factors can be minimized to accurately observe the inverse relationship between frequency and length.

4. How can the relationship between frequency and length of a pendulum be used in real life?

The relationship between frequency and length of a pendulum has several real-life applications. For example, it is used in the design of grandfather clocks to ensure accurate timekeeping. It is also used in seismology to measure the strength and frequency of earthquakes. Additionally, the relationship is used in sports science to study the movement patterns of athletes.

5. Is the relationship between frequency and length of a pendulum affected by the force of gravity?

The force of gravity does not directly affect the relationship between frequency and length of a pendulum. However, the strength of gravity can indirectly affect the frequency by affecting the length of the pendulum. For example, a pendulum on the moon, with a weaker gravitational force, would have a longer length and a slower frequency compared to a pendulum on Earth.

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