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

Answer 1

To analyze the pendulum's energy at points 1 and 2, let's consider the typical behavior of a pendulum:

1. **Potential Energy (PE)** is highest when the bob is at its maximum height. At points 1 and 2 (assuming these are the high points on either side of the pendulum's swing), the pendulum bob has the highest potential energy.
2. **Kinetic Energy (KE)** is highest when the pendulum bob passes through the lowest point of its swing (the bottom of the arc). At this point, the bob is moving the fastest.

Based on this understanding, we can determine the truth about the comparisons:

- The pendulum has its **highest potential energy at points 1 and 2**.
- The pendulum has its **lowest kinetic energy at points 1 and 2** (which is not among the provided options, but it's important to note).
- The statement that **the potential energy does not change when the bob is swinging** is false; it changes as the bob swings up and down.

With that in mind, the correct response would be:

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