Two identical rigid rods, each 1.00m long, are suspended as simple pendulums—one on Earth and one on another planet where the gravitational field is weaker. Which statement best explains how the period of the pendulum on the other planet compares with the period on Earth?
(a) The period is shorter because with less gravitational pull the bob’s weight is reduced, so it can change direction more quickly.
(b) The periods are the same because, for small angles, the period of a pendulum depends only on its length, not on the gravitational field.
(c) The period is longer because a weaker gravitational field produces a smaller restoring acceleration at a given displacement.
(d) The period is longer because reduced gravity allows air resistance to exert a greater slowing effect on the bob.