Question

A simple pendulum is made from a 0.54-m-long string and a small ball attached to its free end. The ball is pulled to one side through a small angle and then released from rest. After the ball is released, how much time elapses before it attains its greatest speed

Answer 1

Answer:

0.37sec

Explanation:

Period of oscillation of a simple pendulum of length L is:

T = 2 π × √ (L /g)

L=length of string 0.54m

g=acceleration due to gravity

T-period

T = 2 x 3.14 x √[0.54/9.8]

T = 1.47sec

An oscillating pendulum, or anything else in nature that involves "simple harmonic" (sinusoidal) motion, spends 1/4 of its period going from zero speed to maximum speed, and another 1/4 going from maximum speed to zero speed again, etc. After four quarter-periods it is back where it started.

The ball will first have V(max) at T/4,

=>V(max) = 1.47/4 = 0.37 sec