Question

a) Look at example 15.9 (in the ppt lecture for chapter 15, slides 82-84) in which a leg is modelled as a physical pendulum. Measure your own arm, and using the same kind of model, estimate the natural period of oscillation for swinging your arms as you walk. b) Now estimate the period of oscillation of your arm if you are carrying a heavy briefcase. You can pick the measure of the arm c) Observe other people (or have a friend observe you) as you walk, in both kinds of situation. Were your estimates good? Elaborate.

Answer 1

frequency = 1/2pi*sqrt(g/L)
= 1/2pi*sqrt(9.8/0.9)
       = 0.525 Hz
         
Time Period = 1/f = 1/0.525 = 1.9 s