Physics: Principles with Applications (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32162-592-7
ISBN 13: 978-0-32162-592-2

Chapter 11 - Oscillations and Waves - Misconceptual Questions - Page 321: 5

Answer

Choice A.

Work Step by Step

The small angle approximation is valid only when the angle is expressed in units of radians. Radians are defined such that the angle equals the ratio of the arc length to the radius. When the angle is small, the arc length is approximated as a straight line. This ratio of the line to the radius of the circle equals the sine of the angle, which is almost equal to the angle itself.
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