Pendulums and Energy

Front

What is a pendulum?

Back

A pendulum is a weight suspended from a pivot so that it can swing freely back and forth under the influence of gravity.

Front

What is kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion.

Front

What is potential energy?

Back

Potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position or state.

Front

What happens to a pendulum's energy at the highest point of its swing?

Back

At the highest point, the pendulum has maximum potential energy and minimum kinetic energy.

Front

What happens to a pendulum's energy at the lowest point of its swing?

Back

At the lowest point, the pendulum has maximum kinetic energy and minimum potential energy.

Front

How does energy transfer occur in a pendulum?

Back

Energy transfers between potential and kinetic energy as the pendulum swings.

Front

What is the law of conservation of energy?

Back

The law of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another.

Front

What type of energy does a pendulum have when it is at rest?

Back

When at rest, a pendulum has only potential energy.

Front

What type of energy does a pendulum have when it is moving at its fastest?

Back

When moving at its fastest, a pendulum has only kinetic energy.

Front

If a pendulum has 30 J of kinetic energy at point 3, how much kinetic energy will it have at point 5?

Back

0 J.