Question #6578f

1 Answer
A08
Jan 28, 2017

For a simple pendulum making a small angle theta with the vertical we have its time period T, the time taken for a complete cycle as

T=2pisqrt(l/g)
where l is its length and g is acceleration due to gravity.

Setting T=oo, we get

Either l=oo or g=0.
Physically it may not be possible to realize a pendulum with l length as infinite.
However, there would arise situations where g=0. Though division by 0 is not defined we may be able to state that time period will be a very large undefined number.
it is same as running a pendulum in gravity free region,

Pendulum in a freely falling lift is an example of such a situation. In the frame of reference of lift we need to account for acceleration of so that so that Newton's Laws of motion are valid and could be applied. Hence, a pseudo force equal and opposite to downward force due to g is added to acceleration of the lift.

Related questions
See all questions in Simple Harmonic Motion - Pendulums
Impact of this question
2146 views around the world
You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License