Question

In the picture of the pendulum below, which comparison is true of the pendulum bob when it is at points 1 and 2?

(1 point)
Responses

The potential energy does not change when the bob is swinging from point 1 to point 2.
The potential energy does not change when the bob is swinging from point 1 to point 2.

The pendulum has its highest potential energy at point 1 and point 2
The pendulum has its highest potential energy at point 1 and point 2

It has the lowest potential energy at points 1 and 2.
It has the lowest potential energy at points 1 and 2.

The pendulum has its highest kinetic energy at points 1 and point 2
The pendulum has its highest kinetic energy at points 1 and point 2
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1 answer

To answer the question about the potential and kinetic energy of the pendulum bob at points 1 and 2, we need to consider the positions of the pendulum bob in relation to its height:

  1. Potential Energy: The potential energy of the pendulum bob is highest when it is at its highest points (which are typically the endpoints of its swing, such as at point 1) because potential energy is related to height. Conversely, when the bob is at its lowest point (the midpoint, probably point 2), the potential energy is at its lowest.

  2. Kinetic Energy: The kinetic energy of the pendulum bob is highest when it is at its lowest point (point 2 in this scenario) because this is the point where it is moving the fastest. At the highest points (like point 1), the speed is momentarily zero, thus the kinetic energy is lowest.

Based on this analysis, the correct response would be:

  • The pendulum has its highest potential energy at point 1 and its lowest potential energy at point 2, thus it does not have the same potential energy at both points.

So among the options given, only the first two statements about potential energy changing at points 1 and 2 are somewhat relevant. The rest regarding kinetic energy are incorrect at those points.

The most accurate statement based on typical pendulum motion is that the potential energy is highest at point 1 and lowest at point 2, but since that specific statement isn't provided, we can conclude the following:

No given option correctly states the true comparisons of potential energy at the pendulum's points. Therefore, the best next step is to confirm with your reference materials or teacher which interpretation aligns best with the provided answers, as there might be nuances in the question.