Monday, February 25, 2008

What are the independent variables of the "Simple Pendulum"? A. Length B. Mass C. Both A and B

In any experiment, the variables are classified as either control, independent or dependent. Control variables are those that are to changed and hence controlled. Independent variables are those that are changed and we study the effect of changes in these variables. Dependent variables are those that are affected by changes in independent variables.


For a simple pendulum, we commonly study the time period and experiment with various variables that might affect it. The time period of a simple pendulum is given as:


`T = 2pi sqrt(L/g)`


where, T is time period, L is the length of pendulum and g is the acceleration due to gravity. The time period, thus, depends on length of the pendulum. 


Even though the time period of pendulum does not depend on the mass of pendulum bob, it is often used as a variable.


Since, length of pendulum and mass of bob are both changed, one at a time, in experiments on simple pendulum, they are both independent variables. Thus option C is correct.


Hope this helps.

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