Temperature Dependence of a Pendulum Clock

A clock has a pendulum made of brass . The clock record time correctly at 20 degree C. If temp is incresed by 10 degree C, the clock will gain or lose time and by how much??? (cofficient of linear expansion =.000019/degree calvin)
- Shubham (age 16)
Hamirpur, h.p. , india

If the pendulum of the clock is made of a uniform brass rod then you get one answer.  If it is made from a small bob of brass suspended by a string or other wire then you get a different answer depending on the expansion coefficient of the suspension. 
In the first case the fractional increase in the period is proportional to one-half the fractional increase in temperature since the period of the pendulum is proportional to the square root of its length.  In the second case you need more information.

LeeH

(published on 08/10/2011)