What is the time period of a simple pendulum proportional to?

Last Updated: 25 Jun 2026

What is the time period of a simple pendulum proportional to? Here, the relevant answer is “Square root of length.” A sound solution relies on the governing concept rather than a memorised option letter, because option order may change in another paper. The distractors in this question—Square of length, Length, Mass of bob—do not satisfy the exact condition stated. Students should therefore read every qualifier, including words such as “always,” “at infinity,” “in vacuum,” “per unit,” and “directly proportional.” Such words often decide the correct option.

ASquare root of length

BSquare of length

CLength

DMass of bob

Correct Answer: Square root of lengthYour Answer: A

Explanation

— the scientifically appropriate response is Square root of length. Option-wise review: Square root of length is correct under the condition given in the stem. Square of length is incorrect because it describes a different quantity or phenomenon and does not meet the stated condition. Length is also incorrect; although it may be a valid physics term, its definition or application is not the one asked here. Mass of bob is incorrect because it fails the governing relation or characteristic relevant to this case. Therefore, option A, Square root of length, is factually and logically consistent with the question. T = 2π√(L/g) so time period is proportional to square root of length.

Important Notes

e complete stem before looking at the options. Identify whether the demand is a definition, unit, formula, direction, cause, effect, image characteristic, or device principle. In this record, the confirmed answer is Square root of length.
Do not interchange closely related terms: mass and weight; distance and displacement; speed and velocity; heat and temperature; reflection and refraction; real and virtual image; current and potential difference; power and energy. Such pairs generate common SSC distractors.
Exam memory point: connect Square root of length directly with the key wording of the question, then verify it once against the relevant definition or formula before marking the answer.Independent of mass and amplitude (small)

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FAQ

SSC CGL Physics FAQs

Common questions and clear answers for this topic.

How many physics questions usually appear in the SSC CGL exam?

Physics typically makes up a small portion of the General Science questions, usually focused on concepts rather than numerical problems.

Which physics topics are most important for SSC CGL?

Basic mechanics, heat, sound and light, and electricity and magnetism are the areas that come up most consistently across previous papers.

Do I need to solve numerical problems for SSC CGL physics?

Rarely. Most questions are conceptual and test everyday understanding rather than calculation skills.

Is NCERT physics enough for SSC CGL preparation?

NCERT textbooks from classes 9 and 10 build a strong enough conceptual base for most of what SSC CGL asks.

How can I make physics concepts easier to remember for SSC CGL?

Connecting concepts to everyday observations, like why a thermos keeps tea warm, makes them far easier to recall than memorizing definitions.

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