Practice question
Question
What is the effect on the frequency of a simple pendulum if it is taken to a planet where gravity is
one-fourth that of Earth?
Explanation
**Damped oscillations** occur when resistive forces dissipate energy, amplitude decays exponentially as A(t) = A₀ e^(-b t/2m), b damping coefficient (kg/s), frequency slightly reduced ω' = √(ω₀² - (b/2m)²). Damping arises from friction or viscosity, energy loss per cycle proportional to velocity squared, motion eventually stops. Frequency v = (1/2π) √((g/L)) . If g' = (g/4) , then v' = (1/2π) √((g/4/L)) = (1/2) v , halving the frequency. Applying x = A cos(ωt + φ), v = -ωA sin(ωt + φ), a = -ω²x and E = ½kA² = ½mω²A², result It halves follows, reflecting SHM dependence on amplitude A, ω and system parameters.
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