Question

What can you conclude about the total mechanical energy of a pendulum as it swings back and forth?

Answer 1

Answer:

The total mechanical energy of a pendulum is conserved neglecting the friction.

Explanation:

• When a simple pendulum swings back and forth, it has some energy associated with its motion.
• The total energy of a simple pendulum in harmonic motion at any instant of time is equal to the sum of the potential and kinetic energy.
• The potential energy of the simple pendulum is given by P.E = mgh
• The kinetic energy of the simple pendulum is given by, K.E = 1/2mv²
• When the pendulum swings to one end, its velocity equals zero temporarily where the potential energy becomes maximum.
• When the pendulum reaches the vertical line, its velocity and kinetic energy become maximum.
• Hence, the total mechanical energy of a pendulum as it swings back and forth is conserved neglecting the resistance.