Chapter 12, Problem 5A

Which will swing to and fro more often, a short pendulum or a long pendulum?

To determine

The pendulum which will swing to and fro more often out of short pendulum and a long pendulum.

Answer to Problem 5A

Short pendulum

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The more the rotational inertia of an object, the more difficult it is to change its rotational speed.

Out of a short pendulum and a long pendulum, the short pendulum has less rotational inertia since its mass is distributed more towards the axis of rotation.

Hence, considering the above known fact, it will be difficult for the long pendulum to change its rotational speed as compared to the short pendulum.

Conclusion:

Hence, the short pendulum will swing to and fro more often.