Pendulum - maximum kinetic energy, maximum potential energy

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SUMMARY

A pendulum at its equilibrium position possesses maximum kinetic energy (KE), while at its maximum amplitude, it holds maximum potential energy (PE). The energy transitions from potential to kinetic as the pendulum swings, but the total mechanical energy remains constant throughout the motion. For a pendulum bob with a mass of 10 kg moving vertically, the gravitational potential energy can be calculated using the formula mgh, where g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s²) and h is the change in height.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinetic energy and potential energy concepts
  • Familiarity with the principles of pendulum motion
  • Basic knowledge of gravitational force calculations
  • Ability to apply the formula for gravitational potential energy (mgh)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of energy conservation in mechanical systems
  • Learn about the dynamics of pendulum motion and its equations
  • Explore the effects of mass and height on gravitational potential energy
  • Investigate the relationship between amplitude and energy in oscillatory systems
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the mechanics of pendulums and energy transformations in oscillatory motion.

jimmy42
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Is it correct to think that a pendulum which is at equilibrium has full kinetic energy? Then at it's maximum amplitude it has full potential energy?

thanks.
 
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Yeah. Thats correct.
 


Is that energy transferred to the bob?
 


When the bob starts off at its initial position, it has gravitational potential energy but no kinetic energy.

When it reaches the bottom ( i wouldn't say equilibrium) it will have max KE.
So yes, there is a CHANGE in the energy.

But the total energy that the bob initially had never changed.
 


So, if a bob has a mass of 10kg and it moves 10m in the x direction is the energy to get it there = mgh= so 10kgx9.81ms^-2x10m = 981J?

Thanks.
 


You will need to calculate the absolute change in height.

Usually we take the vertical axis as y direction, and horizontal as x direction.

So when you say in the x direction do you mean horizontal? Cause if that's what you mean, then it is incorrect. You will have to take the change in height.
 

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