Chapter 3: Problem 68
Let the time period of the simple pendulum on the earth be 'T'. Then,, \(2 \pi \sqrt{\frac{l_{\mathrm{m}}}{\mathrm{g}_{\mathrm{m}}}}\) where, \(\ell_{\mathrm{m}}, \mathrm{g}_{\mathrm{m}}\) are length of the simple pendulum and acceleration due to gravity on the moon.
Short Answer
Expert verified
Answer: The time period of the simple pendulum on the Moon, T_M, is approximately 2.45 times its time period on Earth, which can be represented as: T_M = T_E * 2.45.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the formula for the time period of a simple pendulum
The formula to calculate the time period of a simple pendulum is given by:
\(T = 2 \pi \sqrt{\frac{l}{g}}\)
where T is the time period, 'l' is the length of the pendulum, and 'g' is the acceleration due to gravity.
02
Establish the ratio of acceleration due to gravity on the Moon and Earth
The acceleration due to gravity on Earth is approximately \(9.81 m/s^2\) and on the Moon is approximately \(1.63 m/s^2\). Let's represent the acceleration due to gravity on Earth as \(g_E\) and on the Moon as \(g_M\). The ratio of \(g_M\) to \(g_E\) can be written as:
\(\frac{g_M}{g_E} = \frac{1.63}{9.81}\)
03
Prepare the formula for the pendulum's time period on the Moon
The formula for the time period of the simple pendulum on the Moon is given by:
\(T_M = 2 \pi \sqrt{\frac{l_M}{g_M}}\)
Since \(l_M\) is the same as the length on Earth (as we are using the same pendulum), we can directly write the formula for the time period on the Moon as:
\(T_M = 2 \pi \sqrt{\frac{l}{g_M}}\)
04
Use the gravity ratio to rewrite the formula for the time period on the Moon
We can rewrite the time period formula on the Moon using the gravity ratio:
\(T_M = 2 \pi \sqrt{\frac{l}{g_E \cdot \frac{g_M}{g_E}}}\)
05
Express the time period on the Moon in terms of the time period on Earth
We know that the time period on Earth, \(T_E\), is given by:
\(T_E = 2 \pi \sqrt{\frac{l}{g_E}}\)
We can rewrite the time period formula on the Moon using the time period on Earth:
\(T_M = T_E \cdot \sqrt{\frac{g_E}{g_M}}\)
06
Substitute the acceleration due to gravity ratio and find the time period on the Moon
Now, we can substitute the values of \(\frac{g_M}{g_E}\) and \(T_E\) to find the time period of the pendulum on the Moon, \(T_M\):
\(T_M = T_E \cdot \sqrt{\frac{9.81}{1.63}}\)
After solving, we get the time period of the simple pendulum on the Moon in terms of its time period on Earth:
\(T_M = T_E \cdot 2.45\)
So, the time period of the simple pendulum on the Moon is approximately 2.45 times its time period on Earth.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Pendulum Physics
A simple pendulum consists of a weight suspended from a pivot, allowing it to swing freely back and forth in a regular periodic motion. The motion is due to the gravitational pull acting on the pendulum's mass. Central to understanding this motion is the time period of the pendulum, which is the time it takes for the pendulum to complete one full swing, returning to its starting position.
The formula to calculate this time period is . where 'T' represents the time period, 'l' the length of the pendulum, and 'g' the acceleration due to gravity. The time period is independent of the mass of the pendulum and its amplitude, provided the swings are small.
For students aiming to enhance their comprehension, it is pivotal to conduct experiments with pendulums of varying lengths and observe the impact on the time period. Visualization tools, such as pendulum simulations, can also cement understanding of the principles governing pendulum movement.
The formula to calculate this time period is . where 'T' represents the time period, 'l' the length of the pendulum, and 'g' the acceleration due to gravity. The time period is independent of the mass of the pendulum and its amplitude, provided the swings are small.
For students aiming to enhance their comprehension, it is pivotal to conduct experiments with pendulums of varying lengths and observe the impact on the time period. Visualization tools, such as pendulum simulations, can also cement understanding of the principles governing pendulum movement.
Acceleration Due to Gravity
The acceleration due to gravity ('g'), is the rate at which an object accelerates when falling freely towards a celestial body, such as Earth or the Moon. On Earth, this value is approximately , imparting a sense of weight to objects. This acceleration is instrumental in determining the motion of pendulums and other freely falling objects.
Understanding 'g' is crucial in many physics problems. Students are advised to employ this concept intuitively, thinking about how the strength of gravity affects an object's acceleration when dropped, or regarding the resultant forces on a body resting on Earth's surface. Graphical representations of free fall in different gravitational strengths can significantly help in visualizing how gravity influences an object's movement.
Understanding 'g' is crucial in many physics problems. Students are advised to employ this concept intuitively, thinking about how the strength of gravity affects an object's acceleration when dropped, or regarding the resultant forces on a body resting on Earth's surface. Graphical representations of free fall in different gravitational strengths can significantly help in visualizing how gravity influences an object's movement.
Comparing Earth and Moon Gravity
When comparing gravity on Earth and the Moon, we find a significant difference. With the Moon's gravity only about of Earth's, this disparity hugely impacts the time period of a pendulum.
This comparison vividly illustrates the concept of varying gravitational forces across celestial bodies. Students can deepen their understanding by researching how the gravity on different planets affects the weight and motion of objects. Engaging in exercises that involve calculating the impact of different gravitational strengths on the same object, like our pendulum, can solidify this concept. Exploring how astronauts' movements differ on the moon compared to earth due to reduced gravity can also be a fascinating and educational exercise.
This comparison vividly illustrates the concept of varying gravitational forces across celestial bodies. Students can deepen their understanding by researching how the gravity on different planets affects the weight and motion of objects. Engaging in exercises that involve calculating the impact of different gravitational strengths on the same object, like our pendulum, can solidify this concept. Exploring how astronauts' movements differ on the moon compared to earth due to reduced gravity can also be a fascinating and educational exercise.