when a pendulum swings, at which point is kinetic energy highest?
when a pendulum swings, at which point is kinetic energy highest?
Answer
Answer:
3
Explanation:
Step1: Recall energy - conversion principle
The total mechanical energy of a pendulum is conserved (neglecting air - resistance). It has a combination of kinetic energy ($KE=\frac{1}{2}mv^{2}$) and potential energy ($PE = mgh$).
Step2: Analyze energy at different points
At the highest points of the pendulum's swing (points 1 and 2), the pendulum is momentarily at rest, so its velocity $v = 0$ and kinetic energy $KE=0$. At these points, it has maximum potential energy.
Step3: Determine the point of maximum KE
At the lowest point (point 3) of the pendulum's swing, the height $h$ is minimum. Since the total mechanical energy $E = KE+PE$ is conserved and $PE$ is minimum at the lowest point, the kinetic energy $KE$ is maximum at this point.