Question

determining potential and kinetic energy of a pendulum
read about pendulums. then complete the sentences based on the diagram of the pendulum. be sure to keep this article open because there will be several questions related to it.
the pendulum has the most potential energy
the pendulum has the least kinetic energy
the pendulum has the most kinetic energy
the pendulum has the least potential energy

Explanation:

Step1: Recall energy - potential and kinetic

Potential energy ($PE = mgh$) is maximum when height $h$ is maximum. Kinetic energy ($KE=\frac{1}{2}mv^{2}$) is maximum when velocity $v$ is maximum.

Step2: Analyze pendulum motion

At the highest points of its swing (extremes), the pendulum is momentarily at rest ($v = 0$), so $KE = 0$. And the height $h$ is maximum, so $PE$ is maximum.

Step3: Analyze lowest - point motion

At the lowest point of its swing, the height $h$ is minimum (taking the lowest - point as the zero - potential level), so $PE$ is minimum. And the velocity $v$ is maximum, so $KE$ is maximum.

Answer:

• The pendulum has the most potential energy: At the highest points of its swing (extremes).
• The pendulum has the least kinetic energy: At the highest points of its swing (extremes).
• The pendulum has the most kinetic energy: At the lowest point of its swing.
• The pendulum has the least potential energy: At the lowest point of its swing.