Assignment 34

course PHY201

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Physics I

11-14-2007

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13:42:37

Query Class Notes #33 Why do we say that a pendulum obeys a linear restoring force law F = - k x for x small compared to pendulum length?

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RESPONSE -->

We say that a pendulum obeys a linear restoring force law F = - k x, because it resembles SHM and the restoring force on the bob is equal to its component of weight. No matter which directions it travels, +A or -A, there is always a force working in the opposite direction drawing it back toward its equilibrium point.

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13:42:48

** The vertical component of the tension in the string is equal to the weight m * g of the pendulum. At angle `theta from equilibrium we have T cos(`theta) = m * g so T = m * g / cos(`theta).

The horizontal component of the tension is the restoring force. This component is T sin(`theta) = m * g * sin(`theta) / cos(`theta) = m * g * tan(`theta).

For small angles tan(`theta) is very close to `theta, assuming `theta to be in radians.

Thus the horizontal component is very close to m * g * `theta.

The displacement of the pendulum is L * sin(`theta), where L is pendulum length. Since for small angles sin(`theta) is very close to `theta, we have for small displacements x = displacement = L * `theta.

Thus for small displacements (which implies small angles) we have to very good approximation:

displacement = x = L `theta so that `theta = x / L, and

restoring force = m * g * `theta = m * g * x / L = ( m*g/L) * x. **

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13:43:50

What does simple harmonic motion have to do with a linear restoring force of the form F = - k x?

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RESPONSE -->

Any vibrating or oscillating system has a linear resoring force proportional to the negative of displacement from equilibrium.

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13:43:54

** the essential relationship is F = - k x; doesn't matter if it's a pendulum, a mass on an ideal spring, or any other system where net force is a negative constant multiple of the displacement from equilibrium.

F = m * a = m * x'', so F = - k x means that m * x'' = - k x.

The only functions whose second derivatives are constant negative multiples of the functions themselves are the sine and cosine functions.

We conclude that x = A sin(`omega t) + B cos(`omega t), where `omega = `sqrt(k/m).

For appropriate C and `phi, easily found by trigonometric identities, A sin(`omega t) + B cos(`omega t) = C sin(`omega t + `phi), showing that SHM can be modeled by a point moving around a reference circle of appropriate radius C, starting at position `phi when t = 0. **

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13:44:55

For a simple harmonic oscillator of mass m subject to linear net restoring force F = - kx, what is the angular velocity `omega of the point on the reference circle?

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Angular velocity is

w = sqrt(k/m)

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13:44:58

STUDENT RESPONSE: omega= sqrt (k/m)

INSTRUCTOR COMMENT: Good. Remember that this is a very frequently used relationship for SHM, appearing in one way on another in a wide variety of problems.

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13:46:12

If the angular position of the point on the reference circle is given at clock time t by `theta = `omega * t, then what is the x coordinate of that point at clock time t?

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RESPONSE -->

x = A * cos(wt)

A = amplitude

w = angular velocity

t = time

x = displacement

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13:46:18

since theta=omega t, if we know t we find that x = radius * cos(theta) or more specifically in terms of t

x = radius*cos(omega*t)

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13:49:35

Query introductory problem set 9, #'s 1-11 If we know the restoring force constant, how do we find the work required to displace the oscillator from its equilibrium position to distance x = A from that position? How could we use this work to determine the velocity of the object at its equilibrium position, provided we know its mass?

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If the proportional constant ""k"" is known, and x = A, we can determine work with this formula.

.5mv^2 + .5kx^2 = .5kA^2

To find the velocity:

v = sqrt[(k/m)(A^2 - x^2)]

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13:49:40

** You can use the work 1/2 k A^2 and the fact that the force is conservative to conclude that the max PE of the system is 1/2 k A^2. This PE will have transformed completely into KE at the equilibrium point so that at the equilibrium point KE = .5 m v^2 = .5 k A^2. We easily solve for v, obtaining

v = `sqrt(k/m) * A. **

STUDENT COMMENT: I'm a little confused by that 1/2 k A^2.

INSTRUCTOR RESPONSE:

That is the PE at x = A. To directly reason out the expression PE = .5 k A^2 we proceed as follows:

PE = work done by system in moving from equilibirum * displacement = fAve * `ds.

The force exerted on the system at position x = A is -k A. The force exerted at position x = 0 is 0. Force changes linearly with position. So the average force exerted on the system is

( 0 - kA) / 2 = -1/2 k A.

The force exerted by the system is equal and opposite, so

fAve = 1/2 k A.

The displacement from x = 0 to x = A is `ds = A - 0 = A.

We therefore have

PE = fAve `ds = 1/2 k A * A = 1/2 k A^2.

This is also the area beneath the F vs. x graph between x = 0 and x = A. That region is a triangle with base A and altitude k A so its area is 1/2 base * height = 1/2 k A^2.

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13:53:15

Query Add comments on any surprises or insights you experienced

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A few surprises. I am used to the concept of SHM/SHO and use equipment that generate and display such waveforms, which make it quite easier for me to comprehend the material. The only surprise that I will admit is the application of the values of the waveform to work, KE, Force, acceleration, and velocity. I have never seen this in this type of context before.

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13:53:21

as a result of this assignment.

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This looks very good. Let me know if you have any questions. &#