Question

A simple pendulum has a bob of mass m carrying a positive charge q. It is placed in a region where a uniform electric field E is directed vertically upwards. If the string is displaced slightly and released, what happens to its time period T compared to its time period T$_0$ without the electric field?

• A. T \textgreater T$_0$
• B. T \textless T$_0$
• C. T = T$_0$
• D. The pendulum will not oscillate

Hint:

Remember how various forces affect effective gravity:
- Upward force (electric, buoyant, etc.) reduces $g_{eff}$, thus increasing the time period.
- Downward force increases $g_{eff}$, thus decreasing the time period.
- Free fall means $g_{eff} = 0$, leading to infinite time period (no oscillation).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A