Here’s a variation on a physics problem we discussed in my first-ever Skills in Physics Tutorial at the University of Sussex. I hadn’t realized that solutions were provided for Tutors so had to exercise my enfeebled brain in finding a solution. You’ll probably find it a lot easier…
A rectangular bar magnet hangs vertically from a pivot at one of its ends. When gently displaced the magnet undergoes small oscillations either side of the vertical with a period of one second. A horizontal magnetic field is then applied so that the equilibrium orientation of the magnet is 45° to the vertical. If the magnet is gently displaced from this new position, what is the new period of oscillation?
Comment: you do not need any further information about the size, shape or mass of the magnet in order to solve this problem.
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