Question

A simple pendulum has a period of 3.45 seconds. When the length of the pendulum is shortened by 1.0m,the period is 2.81 seconds, calculate (a) the original length of the pendulum (b) The value of acceleration due to gravity

Answer 1

2.97 meters

9.85 m/s^2

Step-by-step explanation:

Given that :

Period (T1) = 3.45 seconds

When length , l is shortened by 1m, period (T2) = 2.81 seconds

Using the relation :

T = 2π√l/g

g = acceleration due to gravity

T1 = 2π√L/g - - - - (1)

Period 2:

x = shortened length = 1m

T2 = 2π√L-x/g - - - (2)

Square both sides

T1² = (2π)² L/g - - - (3)

T2² = (2π)² L-x/g - - (4)

Divide 3 and 4

(T2/T1)² = (L-x) / L

(2.81/3.45)^2 = (L - 1) / L

0.6633984 = (L - 1) / L

0.6633984L = L - 1

0.6633984L - L = - 1

−0.336601L = - 1

L = 1 / 0.336601

L = 2.9708764

Length = 2.97 meters

Acceleration due to gravity :

g = L(2π/T1)^2

g = 2.97(2π / 3.45)^2

g = 2.97 * 3.3168172

g = 9.8509

g = 9.85 m/s^2

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