Pendulum clock when taken to moon

1. Dec 25, 2012

utkarshakash

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
A pendulum clock that keeps correct time on the earth is taken to the moon. It will run

a) at correct rate
b)6 times faster
c)√6 times faster
d)√6 times slower

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution
$T_{earth} = 2\pi \sqrt{\dfrac{L}{g}} \\ T_{moon} = 2\pi \sqrt{\dfrac{L}{g/6}}$

Dividing i) by ii)

$\dfrac{T_{earth}}{T_{moon}} = \frac{1}{√6} \\ T_{moon} = √6T_{earth}$

This implies option c) is correct but my book says it is option d).

2. Dec 25, 2012

lewando

The period is longer so the frequency must be...

3. Dec 25, 2012

sankalpmittal

Use concept ,

T $\alpha$ 1/√g

As √g reduces by √6 on moon , this implies time period on moon will be √6 times that of earth , as you got. You interpreted your answer wrongly. If the time period increases , pendulum will oscillate slower or faster for a given displacement of the bob ?

4. Dec 25, 2012

utkarshakash

Thanks for pointing out my mistake

5. Dec 25, 2012

phinds

Forget the math for a minute and just think about it logically. Would you really expect a pendulum clock when moved to lower gravity to have the pendulum swing FASTER? Really ?