Past exam of the physics 1 paper of the University of Oxford / 2013 resit / 8 / c

For the shorter uniform rod, the parallel axis theorem gives $I=m(a^2/12+x^2)$. Its equivalent simple pendulum length is $I/(mx)=x+a^2/(12x)$. The rod of length $2a$ pivoted at an end has equivalent length $2(2a)/3=4a/3$. Matching the periods therefore requiresA pivot on the shorter rod requires $0<x\le a/2$, leavingEither side of the rod's centre of mass gives this distance. The other algebraic root is beyond the rod and would require a support extension of negligible mass.