Question

Which of the following steps best explains how you would use the pendulum to provide evidence for the conservation of energy?
A.Measure the kinetic energy at the highest point of the swing and compare it to the potential energy at the lowest point.
B.Measure the potential energy at the highest point and the kinetic energy at the lowest point, then show that the total mechanical energy remains constant.
C.Measure only the kinetic energy at various points and show that it decreases over time.
D.Measure the velocity of the pendulum and use it to calculate the acceleration due to gravity at the highest point of the swing.

Answer 1

The best step to explain how to use the pendulum to provide evidence for the conservation of energy is:

**B. Measure the potential energy at the highest point and the kinetic energy at the lowest point, then show that the total mechanical energy remains constant.**

This option clearly indicates that you would measure both forms of energy at different points in the pendulum's swing and demonstrate that the total mechanical energy (the sum of potential and kinetic energy) remains constant, which is a key principle of the conservation of energy.