Question

T=2pi *square root* L/g

based on the equation

a) Suppose you decrease the mass of the pendulum bob, but keep the length and angle the same. Will the period increase, decrease, or stay the same?

b) Suppose you decrease the angle of the oscillation, but keep the length and mass the same. Will the period increase, decrease, or stay the same?

c) Suppose you decrease the length of the pendulum string, but keep the mass and angle the same. Will the period increase, decrease, or stay the same?

Answer 1

Time period of a simple pendulum is given as -

T = 2pi*

(a) Above given expression of the time period (T) has not the component mass (m) of the pendulum bob.

Hence, T is independent of m.

Therefore, when we decrease the mass of the pendulum bob, period will stay the same.

(b) The expression for T does not contain angle of oscillation .

Hence, T is independent of .

Therefore, when we decrease the angle of oscillation , period will stay the same.

(c) from the above expression of T, it is clear that -

T

Therefore, when we decrease the length of pendulum(L), Time period (T) will also decrease.