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akatsafa
Jul21-04, 06:41 PM
A pendulum of length 150cm swings with an amplitude of 1.8cm. Its mechanical energy is 6mJ. What is the mechanical energy of the same pendulum when it swings with an amplitude of 4.3cm? The answer is supposed to be in mJ.

How do I relate the mechanical energy to what they gave me in the problem. I found the angular velocity, but did I need to do that? Is there an equation that relates energy with amplitude?

Thanks.

Doc Al
Jul21-04, 07:33 PM
How do I relate the mechanical energy to what they gave me in the problem.
Mechanical energy is kinetic energy plus potential energy. At the highest point in the pendulum's swing--when the height equals the amplitude--the energy is purely potential energy (presumeably measured from the bottom position).
I found the angular velocity, but did I need to do that?
No. Is there an equation that relates energy with amplitude?
Yes, the formula for gravitational potential energy: PE = mgh