Question
6. A pendulum swings from its highest point,where it has maximum potential energy, to its lowes it has maximum kinetic energy. If the total mechanical energy in the system is 500J how much loes the pendulum have at the lowest point?
Solution
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NaomiProfessional · Tutor for 6 years
Answer
t the lowest point of its swing, a pendulum has maximum kinetic energy and minimum potential energy. According to the principle of conservation of mechanical energy, the total mechanical energy in a closed system remains constant if only conservative forces are acting.<br /><br />In this case, the total mechanical energy of the pendulum is given as 500 J. At the lowest point, all of this energy is converted into kinetic energy because the potential energy is at its minimum (assuming it is zero at the lowest point).<br /><br />Therefore, the kinetic energy of the pendulum at the lowest point is 500 J.
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