Solving Pendulum Questions: Calculate Initial PE & KE

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To solve pendulum questions, the initial height of the bob can be calculated using the formula ∆h = L - Lcosθ, where L is the string length. The initial potential energy (PE) can be determined for various starting angles, and the velocity of the bob at the bottom of its swing can be calculated using its diameter and the time recorded. Kinetic energy (KE) is then derived from this velocity, allowing for a comparison between initial PE and KE to check for energy conservation. If the pendulum eventually slows down and stops, this does not violate conservation of energy, as energy is transformed into other forms, such as thermal energy due to friction. Understanding these concepts is crucial for accurately analyzing pendulum motion and energy conservation.
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Homework Statement

For the conservationofenergy,calculate the starting height of the bob. This is done with some trigonometry and is
∆h=L−Lcosθ
Calculate the initial potential energy of the pendulum for each of your starting angles.Now, using the diameter of the hanging mass (2 cm),and the time it took to pass through the photogate (***), calculate the velocity of the pendulum bob at the bottom of its swing.Using that velocity, calculate the kinetic energy of the pendulum bob.
•Compare the initial potential energy to the kinetic energy of the bob for each angle. Find the percent difference for each. Was energy conserved?
•If you let the pendulum continue to swing,it will eventually slow down and stop. Does this violate the conservation of energy?Why or whynot?


*** THE IMAGE OF THE DATA TABLE CAN BE SEEN AT :https://www.chegg.com/homework-help/questions-and-answers/pendulum-questions-l-calculate-initial-potential-energy-using-data-using-diameter-hanging--q7017035

I ATTACHED THIS IMAGE BELOW SO U DONT HAVE TO CLICK ANY LINK.

Homework Equations



∆h=L−Lcosθ, ... Diameter =2 cm

The Attempt at a Solution


Ok. Well, I am not really sure what L means in terms of my data..and the other questions i don't really know, I am a chem major and don't know anyhting about physics. I need help and guidance with the calculation questions. and the theoretical questions, i don't have any idea lol
 

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##l## is the length of the string. Draw a diagram and you should be able to see why ##\delta h## is calculated using that expression. With the values given in the table, you should be able to compute the change in potential energy of the bob after it is released and reaches the bottom of the swing.

Does any equation come to your mind for calculating the velocity at the bottom? Remember that you have to take experimental error into consideration when using the values in the table.
Hint: This motion can be approximated to simple harmonic motion (the angle is small enough). Try integration.
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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