Which of the following combinations of variables results in the greatest period for a pendulum?
A)length = L,mass = M,and maximum angular displacement = 3 degrees
B)length = 2L,mass = M/2,and maximum angular displacement = 1 degree
C)length = 1.5L,mass = 2M,and maximum angular displacement = 2 degrees
D)length = L,mass = M,and maximum angular displacement = degrees
E)length = L,mass = 4M,and maximum angular displacement = 4 degrees

Question

Which of the following combinations of variables results in the greatest period for a pendulum?
A)length = L,mass = M,and maximum angular displacement = 3 degrees 
B)length = 2L,mass = M/2,and maximum angular displacement = 1 degree 
C)length = 1.5L,mass = 2M,and maximum angular displacement = 2 degrees 
D)length = L,mass = M,and maximum angular displacement = degrees 
E)length = L,mass = 4M,and maximum angular displacement = 4 degrees

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The period of a pendulum is given by T = 2π√(L/g), where L is the length of the pendulum and g is the acceleration due to gravity. The period does not depend on the mass or maximum angular displacement of the pendulum. Therefore, option B with a length of 2L has the greatest period because the period is proportional to the square root of the length.

Which of the Following Combinations of Variables Results in the Greatest