Calculate the frequency of a simple pendulum of length 950 mm. Give answer to an appropriate number of significant figures.

Firstly, we remember that frequency is the reciprocal of the time period. The formula for the time period of a simple pendulum is T=2π*sqrt(l/g) 

Secondly, we identify each part of the equation. We recall that 'l' is the length of the pendulum in metres (which in this case is 0.95 m) and 'g' is acceleration due to gravity (which has a magnitude of 9.81 m s-2). 

Thirdly, we insert these values into their respected positions in the equation to give us T=2π*sqrt(0.95/9.81)=1.955 to four significant figures.

Fourthly, we take the reciprocal of this value to find frequency, as f=1/T. This gives us 0.5115 Hz to four significant figures.

Lastly, we put our answer in the "appropriate number of significant figures" asked for in the question. In this case, this is 3SF (because the lowest number of significant figures observed in the question is 3) and as a result, our answer is 0.512 Hz

TS
Answered by Theodore S. Physics tutor

6420 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the maximum speed of an electron emitted from a metal surface with a threshold frequency of 5.706*10^(14) by light with a wavelength of 350nm?


Explain what is meant by the mass defect of an atomic nucleui


What's the moment of a force and why would I need to understand it?


When light above the threshold frequency of a metal is shone on the metal, photoelectrons are emitted. If the power of the light halves, are the maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons and/or the number of photoelectrons altered, and if so, how?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning