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

6435 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe the photoelectric effect.


Why does Lenz's law have a minus sign?


Explain the photo-electric effect and how the particle theory of light explains the phenomena. State the equation used to the determine the kinetic energy of a photo-electron and explain the origin of the terms used in your equation.


A ball with radius 10cm is filled with an ideal gas at pressure 2*(10)^5Pa and temperature 300K. The volume of the gas is changed at constant pressure so that the radius of the ball is reduced with 1cm. Find the amount of gas and the new temperature


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