Speed of a pendulum at certain angles

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the speed of a pendulum at different angles. For the lowest point of the swing, the calculated speed is 2.46 m/s, derived using energy conservation principles. At an angle of 15.4°, the calculated speed is 2.13 m/s, but the user questions the accuracy of this result. The confusion arises from the displacement calculations in the energy equations. Clarification is sought on the correct approach to determine the speed at the specified angles.
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A simple pendulum consists of a ball suspended by a string from the ceiling. (Treat the ball as a point particle.) The string, with its top end fixed, has negligible mass, and is non-stretchy. In the absence of air resistance, the system swings back and forth in a vertical plane. If the string is 2.2 m long, and is released from an initial angle of 30.8° with the vertical, calculate the speed of the particle when
a)the ball is at the lowest part of its trajectory
I used equation Kf + Uf = Ki + Ui
1/2mvf^2 + mgyf = 1/2mvi^2 + mgyi
1/2mvf^2 - m(9.8)(2.2) = 0 - m(9.8)(2.2cos30.8)
this gave me 1/2mvf^2 = 21.56- 18.52
Vf^2= 6.08
Vf= 2.46m/s is this right?
b)the string makes an angle of 15.4° with the vertical
1/2mvf^2 + mgyf = 1/2mvi^2 + mgyi
1/2mvf^2 - m(9.8)(2.2cos15.4)= 0 - m(9.8)(2.2cos30.8)
Vf= 2.13m/s
I thought this made sense since at this point the velocity is still increasing as it approaches it's lowest trajectory but it isn't right. I figured it's how I'm doing the displacement so can anybody point how where I went wrong?
 
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I think your answers are both correct.
 
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