A simple pendulum and a mass oscillating on an ideal spring both have period T in an elevator at rest. If the elevator now accelerates downward uniformly at 2 m/s², what is true about the periods
Of these two systems?
A) The period of the pendulum would decrease but the period of the spring would stay the same.
B) Both periods would remain the same.
C) Both periods would decrease.
D) Both periods would increase.
E) The period of the pendulum would increase but the period of the spring would stay the same.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The period of a simple pendulum depends on the acceleration due to gravity (g). If the elevator accelerates downward, the effective acceleration due to gravity decreases, which increases the period of the pendulum. The period of a mass oscillating on an ideal spring depends on the mass and the spring constant, not on gravity, so it remains unchanged.

A Simple Pendulum and a Mass Oscillating on an Ideal