Pendulum Problem: Solving for Angular Velocity (ω)

[vysero]

Homework Statement

A small object of mass m, on the end of a light rod, is held horizontally at a distance r from a fixed support. The object is then released. What is the angular velocity, ω, of the mass when the object is at the lowest point of its swing?

Homework Equations

This is my problem. I believe it is a conservation of energy problem so:
PEi + KEi = PEf + KEf however I am not sure what the angular equivalent to mgh is.

The Attempt at a Solution

mgr = (1/2)(mr)^2(w)^2
2g = r(w)^2
(2g/r)^1/2=w

Which is the correct answer but I am not sure about my math or my formula, did I do this problem the right way or did I just get lucky?

 

[SHISHKABOB]

Well, there isn't really an angular equivalent to mgh, you just need to use some trigonometry to find the change in height of the pendulum.

In this case it's really easy since the pendulum mass starts horizontal and they want to know its angular velocity at the bottom of its swing. Therefore it's trivial to say that the change in height is equal to the length of the pendulum.

 

[vysero]

Well, there isn't really an angular equivalent to mgh, you just need to use some trigonometry to find the change in height of the pendulum.

In this case it's really easy since the pendulum mass starts horizontal and they want to know its angular velocity at the bottom of its swing. Therefore it's trivial to say that the change in height is equal to the length of the pendulum.

So I did do this problem right? I assumed that r or the length of the pendulum was h.

 

[SHISHKABOB]

yeah that's a reasonable assumption to make, and if your answer agrees with the one in the book (I think that's what you said) then yes you did the problem right