A student is demonstrating the transformation of kinetic and potential energy in a system using the pendulum shown below.

Question

At which point in this system does the pendulum bob demonstrate minimum potential energy?

A.
1

B.
2

C.
3

D.
4

Answer 1

The pendulum bob demonstrates minimum potential energy at the lowest point of its swing, which is when it is closest to the ground. In a typical pendulum setup, this occurs as the bob swings through the central or lowest point in its arc.

Therefore, in your scenario, the answer would be:

C. 3

This is the point where the pendulum bob has the least height above the ground, resulting in minimum potential energy.