Question

A pendulum is constructed from a 4.4 kg mass attached to a strong cord of length 1.2 m also attached to a ceiling. Originally hanging vertically, the mass is pulled aside a small distance of 7.7 cm and released from rest. While the mass is swinging the cord exerts an almost-constant force on it. For this problem, assume the force is constant as the mass swings. How much work in J does the cord do to the mass as the mass swings a distance of 8.0 cm?

Answer 1

The work done by the cord on the mass in a pendulum can be calculated using the formula work = force * distance. The tension in the cord can be found using the equation tension = mass * acceleration, and the acceleration can be calculated using the equation acceleration = (2 * pi * frequency)^2 * length.

Step-by-step explanation:

The work done by the cord on the mass can be calculated using the formula:

Work = force * distance

In this case, the force is equal to the tension in the cord and the distance is the distance the mass swings. The tension in the cord can be found using the equation:

Tension = mass * acceleration

Since the mass is attached to a cord and swinging as a pendulum, the acceleration can be found using the equation:

Acceleration = (2 * pi * frequency)^2 * length

Substituting the given values, we can calculate the work done by the cord on the mass.