Question

(A) Why do pendulum-based clocks require weights and springs to operate for extended periods of time? (B) A pendulum clock generally does not work well on an ocean sailing ship. Why not?

Answer 1

1. A pendulum works by converting energy back and forth, a bit like a rollercoaster ride. When the bob is highest, it has maximum stored potential energy. As it accelerates down toward its lowest point, this potential energy is converted into kinetic energy and then, as the bob climbs up again, back to potential energy. So as the bob swings (oscillates) back and forth, it repeatedly switches its energy back and forth between potential and kinetic.
Weight increases the pendulum motion inertia and Springs oscillates the weight in proper manner whenever there chages in gravity of Earth.

2. The time period of Pendulum clock depends upon its length and gravitational force(gravity acceleration). Ocean sailing ship countinously get move ups and down due to ocean wave. The strength with which Earth's gravitational force pulls on weight varies countinously. Hence time period got distrupt.
Also on the ocean sailing app earth gravity acceleration also chages place to place. It is maximum at pole and minimum at equator.