K.E. and P.E. in a Pendulum and Spring

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    Pendulum Spring
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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the interconversion of Kinetic Energy (K.E.) and Potential Energy (P.E.) in the context of a pendulum and a spring. It establishes that at maximum deflection, the pendulum bob possesses maximum Potential Energy, denoted as PEmax. The relationship between K.E. and P.E. is defined by the equation PE(theta) + KE(theta) = PEmax, allowing for the calculation of K.E. at any angle of deflection using the rearranged formula KE(theta) = PEmax - PE(theta). Basic trigonometry is employed to determine the height of the bob and the corresponding P.E. at a given angle.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Kinetic Energy (K.E.) and Potential Energy (P.E.) concepts
  • Basic trigonometry for calculating height and angles
  • Familiarity with the principles of conservation of energy
  • Knowledge of pendulum mechanics and motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of conservation of energy in mechanical systems
  • Learn how to calculate Potential Energy at various angles in pendulum motion
  • Explore the dynamics of spring compression and expansion
  • Investigate the mathematical modeling of pendulum motion using differential equations
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding energy transformations in pendulums and springs.

Haseeb Ali
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Can anyone explain the conversion of K.E and P.E during compression and expansion of spring and during the motion of pendulum ?
 
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Start with the pendulum. Which bit don't you understand? Do you know what PE and KE are?
 
CWatters said:
Start with the pendulum. Which bit don't you understand? Do you know what PE and KE are?
Yes .. i know that. I just want you to explain the interconversion of K.E and P.E as pendulum moves to and fro ,
 
We're not going to do that. We require our members to put more effort than that into their own learning.
 
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At maximum deflection the bob has maximum Potential Energy. Call that PEmax.

Using Basic trig. you can calculate the bob height and hence the PE at any angle of deflection. Let's call that PE(theta) where theta is the instantaneous angle of deflection.

Then applying conservation of energy...

PE(theta) + KE(theta) = PEmax
or rearrange that to give
KE(theta) = PEmax - PE(theta)

Edit: Sorry russ_watters is right. That's why I haven't calculated PE(theta) for you.
 
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