A simple pendulum has a period of oscillation of 2.0 s at a location where g = 9.8 m/s². What is the approximate length of the pendulum cord?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. 0.99 m

  1. Step 1: Period formula: T = 2π √(L/g) => T² = 4π² L / g. Step 2. Rearrange: L = g T² / (4π²) = (9.8 × 4.0) / (4 × 9.87) ≈ 39.2 / 39.48 ≈ 0.99 m. Answer: 0.99 m. Why not the others: 0.50 m ignores the factor of 4 in denominator; 1.45 m and 1.98 m use incorrect powers.

Practise more Mechanics, Thermal Physics and Waves.

Free questions with an explanation for every one, and full timed Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination mock tests.