Simple Pendulum Question

[Nima]

Simple pendulum has T = 2pi rt (l/g) when oscillating at a natural frequency of vibration. (Small angles of course)

Calc. new T of pendulum when oscillating in a car with acceleration a.

Any tips? Thanks. :)

[Nima]

Can anyone do this question? Cheers.

[clive]

T=2\pi \sqrt{\frac{l}{\sqrt(a^2+g^2)}}

[Nima]

Cheers Clive - Would you mind explaining (or any1 else) how you arrived at that answer? thanks.

[Doc Al]

You may find this explanation (of a similar problem) useful: http://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=377511&postcount=9

[Nima]

Thanks very much, it certainly was! I understand that totally! You found the effective g acting on the pendulum by summing the individual accelerations acting on the pendulum, using vectors. Great. :)