Question #104

A pendulum is released from the position shown in the photograph below, and swings to its maximum height on the other side of the support point, as seen in an mpeg video by clicking your mouse on the photograph below. The video is shown at half speed.

At the exact time when the pendulum reaches its highest point, the string is cut. What will the pendulum do?

If the string is cut at exactly the time when the pendulum reaches its highest point, the pendulum will

• (a) move backward along the same path it used to get to that point.
• (b) move downward and slightly to the right.
• (c) move directly downward.
• (d) move downward and slightly to the left.

Click here for Answer #104 after February 18, 2002.

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