A simple pendulum of length L is suspended from the ceiling of a train that is accelerating horizontally with constant acceleration a. What is the effective gravitational acceleration g experienced by the pendulum?
Correct answer: B. √g² + a²
- A. g + a
- B. √g² + a²
- C. g - a
- D. √g² - a²
Explanation
In the non-inertial frame of the train, a fictitious force -ma acts horizontally. The effective gravity is the vector sum of the real gravity g (downward) and the fictitious acceleration a (horizontal), giving geff = √g² + a².
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About Simple Harmonic Motion
Simple harmonic motion is oscillation in which acceleration is directly proportional to displacement and directed toward the equilibrium position. Work includes displacement, velocity, acceleration, phase, period, frequency, amplitude and energy, with applications to springs and simple pendulums. The restoring force and the conditions for SHM distinguish it from general periodic motion.
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