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 potential energy?

Back

Potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position or state. For example, a pendulum at its highest point has maximum potential energy.

Front

What is kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is the energy of an object in motion. For example, a pendulum at its lowest point has maximum kinetic energy.

Front

How does energy transfer occur in a pendulum?

Back

As a pendulum swings, potential energy is converted to kinetic energy and vice versa. At the highest points, potential energy is maximum and kinetic energy is minimum.

Front

If a pendulum has 20 J of potential energy at point 1, how much potential energy will it have at point 5?

Back

20 J

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

Front

If a pendulum has 10 J of kinetic energy at point 3, how much potential energy will it have at point 5?

Back

10 J

Front

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

Back

0 J

Front

If a pendulum has 20 J of potential energy at point 1, how much kinetic energy will it have at point 3?

Back

20 J

Front

What is the principle of conservation of energy?

Back

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