Question

What is a simple pendulum? Is the simple pendulum used in a pendulum clock?

Answer 1

Hint: As the question creates a need to discuss a simple pendulum so we will define it by giving it a better explanation. According to its definition and explanation we will get to know about it in a pendulum clock.

Complete answer:
It’s an object which is suspended in the y-axis with the help of a string. This object with some mass is suspended freely to let it move freely in its way but only moving back and forth. It is divided into two types as simple pendulum and compound pendulum.
Simple pendulum: In this type of pendulum the formation of a simple pendulum has small values of mass which is in oscillation. The small values are so small that they cannot be compared with the length of axis of suspension and center of gravity. Its cycle gets affected due to length of string only. It is not similar to compound pendulum at all. This is due to its formation which is not that small but instead of that the dimensions like mass of an object, length of string and so on are comparable with length of axis of suspension and the center of gravity. The mass of the object in suspension and length of the string affects its cycle.
The second part of the question asks about the use of a simple pendulum in a pendulum clock. Well, this cannot be true because of the fact that its cycle gets affected with the length. One thing to note here is about its mass. If we see then we will find that this means that if the mass is taken with more mass that is bearable by string then it will be no problem. But if we compare this to real life then, it does have effect. This cannot be true as a little string whose length is small in measurement but is carrying a bigger mass will result in breakage of the string.
Hence, we cannot use a simple pendulum in a pendulum clock.

Note: If the question was about a compound pendulum usage in a pendulum clock then, we would answer it as yes since, a compound one depends upon the length of string as well as mass of the object hanging with the string. There will be no way of using it without the correct mass and correct length of string. As clearly, all dimensions of it will be according to use so, the answer will be taken as an affirmative one.