Pendulum with Water-Filled Sphere: Does it Change the Period?

In summary, a hollow sphere with a radius of 0.20m is attached to a 0.80m long string and used as a simple pendulum. The sphere is filled with water and has a small hole in the bottom, causing the water to slowly drain as it swings back and forth. It has been questioned whether this has any effect on the period of the pendulum. However, it is known that the period of a simple pendulum is not affected by its mass, and the drainage of water does not impact the motion.
  • #1
Physicsisfun2005
70
0
A hollow spere, radius 0.20m is attached to the end of a 0.80m long string, hung vertically and used as a simple pendulum.


The sphere is filled with water. Suppose there is a small hole in the bottom of the sphere. As the filled sphere swings back and forth, water slowly drains.

Question: If this has no effect on the period explain why. If it does affect the period describe how the period changes and why.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
How does the period of a simple pendulum depend on its mass?
 
  • #3
thats what i thought. I know that mass doesn't effect the period...i thought that the drainage might affect the motion.
 

1. How does the water inside the sphere affect the pendulum's period?

The water inside the sphere changes the pendulum's period because it adds weight to the pendulum and alters its center of mass. This affects the pendulum's oscillation rate and therefore changes its period.

2. Does the amount of water inside the sphere impact the period?

Yes, the amount of water inside the sphere does impact the period. The more water that is added, the heavier the sphere becomes, which increases the period of the pendulum. This is because the weight of the sphere affects the pendulum's oscillation rate.

3. How does the length of the pendulum impact the period with a water-filled sphere?

The length of the pendulum does not significantly impact the period with a water-filled sphere. The main factor that affects the period is the weight of the sphere, not the length of the pendulum.

4. Will the period of the pendulum change if the water is replaced with a different liquid?

Yes, the period of the pendulum will change if the water is replaced with a different liquid. The density and weight of the liquid will affect the pendulum's oscillation rate and therefore change its period.

5. Can the period of the pendulum be predicted with a mathematical formula?

Yes, the period of the pendulum with a water-filled sphere can be predicted with a mathematical formula. This formula takes into account the length of the pendulum, the weight and density of the sphere, and the acceleration due to gravity. However, other factors such as air resistance may also need to be considered for more accurate predictions.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
23
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
636
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
4K
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
6K
Replies
10
Views
898
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
3K
Back
Top