Math Problem Statement

The small angle approximation of the frequency of a simple pendulum ω =

Solution

The small-angle approximation for the frequency ω\omega of a simple pendulum can be derived using the following steps:

  1. Equation of Motion: The equation of motion for a simple pendulum is given by: d2θdt2+gLsin(θ)=0\frac{d^2\theta}{dt^2} + \frac{g}{L} \sin(\theta) = 0 where:

    • θ\theta is the angular displacement,
    • gg is the acceleration due to gravity,
    • LL is the length of the pendulum.
  2. Small-Angle Approximation: For small angles (where θ\theta is in radians), sin(θ)θ\sin(\theta) \approx \theta. Thus, the equation simplifies to: d2θdt2+gLθ=0\frac{d^2\theta}{dt^2} + \frac{g}{L} \theta = 0 This is a simple harmonic oscillator equation of the form: d2θdt2+ω2θ=0\frac{d^2\theta}{dt^2} + \omega^2 \theta = 0 where ω\omega is the angular frequency.

  3. Angular Frequency: Comparing the simplified equation with the standard form, we find: ω2=gL\omega^2 = \frac{g}{L} Thus, the angular frequency ω\omega is: ω=gL\omega = \sqrt{\frac{g}{L}}

So, the small-angle approximation for the angular frequency of a simple pendulum is ω=gL\omega = \sqrt{\frac{g}{L}}.

Would you like more details on any of these steps or have any other questions?


Here are 8 related questions you might find interesting:

  1. How does the length of the pendulum affect the frequency?
  2. What is the physical interpretation of angular frequency ω\omega?
  3. How does the small-angle approximation break down at larger angles?
  4. What are the differences between angular frequency ω\omega and linear frequency ff?
  5. How would the frequency change if the pendulum were on the Moon?
  6. Can we use the small-angle approximation for a conical pendulum?
  7. What role does damping play in the frequency of a pendulum?
  8. How can the period of a pendulum be derived from the angular frequency?

Tip: When working with pendulum problems, always check if the small-angle approximation is valid before applying it.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Mechanics
Harmonic Motion
Small-angle Approximation

Formulas

\( \omega = \sqrt{\frac{g}{L}} \)

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Advanced High School to College Level