What Is the Final Velocity at the Highest Point of a Pendulum?

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The discussion revolves around calculating the final velocity of a pendulum at its highest point after it strikes a pole. The pendulum's lowest point velocity is given as √(2gL), and the height at the top is determined to be 0.6L. The energy conservation equation used is KE_bottom = PE_top + KE_top, leading to the conclusion that the final velocity should be √(0.8gL). However, the book indicates the correct answer is √(1.2gL), suggesting a need to adjust the potential energy calculation at the top. The key takeaway is the importance of accurately applying energy conservation principles in pendulum motion problems.
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Edit: sorry, i meant a problem concerning kinetic and potential energy :)

Homework Statement



http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/8787/diagramln.jpg

A mass on a pendulum with length L has a velocity of \sqrt{2gL} at it's lowest point. At it's lowest point, the string hits a pole at a distance of .8L sticking out of the wall. What is it's velocity when it reaches its highest point?

Homework Equations



KE_{bottom} = PE_{top}+KE_{top}

The Attempt at a Solution



The distance between the pole and the bottom is .2L, so the height at the top is .6L.

Since it has a velocity and a height at the top, it has both kinetic and potential energy. The potential energy at the bottom of the pendulum is 0. So I thought:

\frac{1}{2}m{v^2}_{bottom} = mg(.6L)+\frac{1}{2}m{v^2}_{top}
\frac{1}{2}2mgL = m(.6gL+\frac{v^2}{2})
gL = .6gL+\frac{v^2}{2}
.4gL = \frac{v^2}{2}
.8gL = {v^2}
\sqrt{.8gL} = v

but the book says the answer is \sqrt{1.2gL}
 
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In the first equation replace mg(0.6L) by mg( 0.4L).
 
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