Question
For oscillating simple pendulum:
(i) What is the direction of acceleration of the bob at: (a) mean position (b) end points?
(ii) Is the tension in the string constant throughout the oscillation? If not, when it is,
(a) the least, (b) the greatest?
Solution
(i)
(a) At mean position the acceleration of bob is radial towards the point of suspension.
(b) At end position, the acceleration of bob is tangential towards the mean position.
(ii) Tension in the string is different at different positions.
(a) Tension is least at the end points.
(b) Tension is greatest at the mean position.
