The diagram shows a simple pendulumconsisting of a mass M suspended by a thin string. The magnitude ofthe tension is T. The mass swings back and forth between + - theta 0(Give ALL correct answers, i.e., B, AC, BCD...). A) T is smallest when theta =+ - theta 0. B) T is largest at the bottom theta = 0 . C) T depends on theta. D) T equals Mg when theta =theta 0 . E) T is greater than Mg for theta =theta 0 . F) T=Mg at some angle between zero and theta 0 . G) The vertical component of tension is constant.
Explanation / Answer
ABCF A T is smallest at =0 see explanationbelow B the string supports the entire weight of the mass + providesthe centripetal force for the swinging mass C the tension definitely depends on F T = m g cos0 the bob ismotionless (part of the weight is in the tension and part of theweight acts as a restoring force) if 0were 90 deg then T would be zero m g cos 0 < T < mg + mv2 / L T varies between thesevalues