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 = $\sqrt { 2 }$ L,mass = $\sqrt { 2 }$ M,and maximum angular displacement = $\sqrt { 2 }$ degrees
E)length = $\sqrt { 3 }$ L,mass = 4M,and maximum angular displacement = 4 degrees

Question

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 is independent of the mass and the maximum angular displacement of the pendulum. Therefore, the only variable that affects the period of the pendulum is its length. As the length of the pendulum in option B is the largest, it results in the greatest period.

Which of the Following Combinations of Variables Results in the Greatest