Consider the diagram of a pendulum's motion shown above. A pendulum can be used to model the change from potential energy to kinetic energy and back to potential energy. According to the diagram, where are energy conversions taking place?

Question

Responses
A point Apoint A
B point Bpoint B
C point Cpoint C
D Both points A and C

Answer 1

In the context of a pendulum's motion, energy conversions between potential energy and kinetic energy occur at different points in its swing.

• At point A (the highest point), the pendulum has maximum potential energy and minimum kinetic energy.
• As the pendulum swings down to point B, the potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, reaching its maximum kinetic energy at the lowest point (point B).
• As the pendulum swings back up to point C, the kinetic energy is converted back into potential energy.

Given this explanation, energy conversions take place at both point A (where potential energy is at its maximum) and point C (where potential energy is also at a maximum, after converting kinetic energy at point B).

Therefore, the correct response is D: Both points A and C.