14.16 Answer the following questions :
(a) Time period of a particle in SHM depends on the force constant k and mass m of the particle: T=2π√mk.
A simple pendulum executes SHM approximately. Why then is the time period of a pendulum independent of the mass of the pendulum?
(b) The motion of a simple pendulum is approximately simple harmonic for small-angle oscillations. For larger angles of oscillation, a more involved analysis shows that T is greater than 2π√lg. Think of a qualitative argument to appreciate this result.
(c) A man with a wristwatch on his hand falls from the top of a tower. Does the watch give correct time during the free fall?
(d) What is the frequency of oscillation of a simple pendulum mounted in a cabin that is freely falling under gravity?
(c)
Time period of the wristwatch=2π√mk
The time period of the wristwatch does not depend on the acceleration due to gravity. So the time shown by the wristwatch of a man falling from the top of a tower is not affected by the fall.
(d)
When a simple pendulum mounted in a cabin falls freely under gravity, geff=0.
So the frequency of the simple pendulum, f=0.
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