Change in gravitional potential energy at an angle?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the change in gravitational potential energy of a pendulum bob as it swings from point A to point B at an angle of 30 degrees. Participants emphasize the importance of using trigonometry to relate the angle and the length of the string to determine the change in height of the bob. The formula for gravitational potential energy, U, is referenced, highlighting the need to calculate the height change to find U. There is some confusion regarding the application of the angle in the calculations, but it is clarified that the height can be derived using the sine function. Overall, the conversation focuses on applying trigonometric principles to solve the problem effectively.
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Homework Statement



A 0.23kg pendulum bob is attached to a string 1.2 long at an angle of 30 degrees. What is the change in the gravitational potential energy of the system as the bob swings from point A to point B
U=

Homework Equations



.5 mv^2 = mgl
U=E+K


The Attempt at a Solution



in the picture it looks like a string attached to a roof with the ball at rest touching the roof and swinging down to a position 35 degrees below I am just not sure how you use the angle of 35 in the problem
 
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Can you relate the change in angle to the change in height of the bob?
 
Hootenanny said:
Can you relate the change in angle to the change in height of the bob?

the height isn't given its just the length of the string sorry.
 
flemj said:
the height isn't given its just the length of the string sorry.
I know it isn't given, what I was saying is can you work it out using the angle and the length of the string?
 
Hootenanny said:
I know it isn't given, what I was saying is can you work it out using the angle and the length of the string?

would you do that my x sin theta ?

im just really frustrated with this question
 
flemj said:
would you do that my x sin theta ?
I'm not sure what my is meant to be, but yes you should use trigonometry.
 
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