The time period of a simple pendulum depends on
- A. its mass and length
- B. its length and the acceleration due to gravity
- C. its amplitude, for all amplitudes
- D. the material of the bob
Explanation
The period is 2 pi times the square root of length divided by g, so it is independent of the mass entirely and of the amplitude provided the swing is small. Lengthening the pendulum four times doubles the period. This independence from mass is what makes the pendulum a reliable timekeeper and a good way to measure g.