Question

1. what happens as the pendulum moves from its highest point to its lowest point? a. potential energy increases and kinetic energy decreases? b. both potential and kinetic energy stay the same c. potential energy changes into kinetic energy d. the pendulum loses all its energy

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze the energy changes in a pendulum. At the highest point (A or C), the pendulum has maximum potential energy (due to height) and minimum kinetic energy (speed is zero). As it moves to the lowest point (B), the height decreases, so potential energy ($PE = mgh$) decreases. The speed increases, so kinetic energy ($KE=\frac{1}{2}mv^{2}$) increases. Thus, potential energy is converted into kinetic energy.

• Option A is wrong because PE should decrease, KE increase.
• Option B is wrong as energies change.
• Option D is wrong because energy is conserved (ignoring air resistance), not lost.
• Option C correctly describes the energy transformation.

Answer:

C. Potential energy changes into kinetic energy