In: Physics
5. Suppose a compact pendulum which consists of a mass of 15g and a length of 80cm. In order for the pendulum to start swinging, a fan is installed that produces a horizontal air flow of velocity 8.0 m / s directed towards the mass (duckweed). With the fan running, the duck is balanced when the pendulum is tilted 5 ° from the vertical direction. When the fan stops, the pendulum is allowed to swing.
(a) If we assume that the resistance force due to air is given by −bv = −bx ̇, where b is constant, what is the value of the "time constant (or relaxation) τ" of the oscillations of the pendulum? (b) How long will it be until the oscillation amplitude is 1 °?