Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]PhysicsSimple Harmonic Motion
A pendulum clock that keeps accurate time is transported to a high altitude. In this new location,
Options
- Aits length must be decreased in order to keep accurate time
- Bit cannot be made to keep accurate time even if its length is adjusted
- Cit will continue to keep accurate time
- Dits length must be increased in order to keep accurate time
Correct answer
A. its length must be decreased in order to keep accurate time
Step-by-step solution
The time period of a pendulum clock is given by T = 2 l g . At a high altitude, the acceleration due to gravity g decreases. For the clock to keep accurate time, its time period T must remain constant. This requires the ratio l g to be constant. Since g decreases at a high altitude, the length l of the pendulum must be decreased to maintain the same time period.