A 250-gram pendulum bob is initially constrained at a 53 degree angle by two strings. When the horizontal string is cut the pendulum begins to swing. As the pendulum bob passes through its equilibrium position, what will be its velocity?

1 answer

Gravitational potential energy mgL(1-cos(θ) will be transformed into kinetic energy, (1/2)mv², where L=length of pendulum string,
θ=angle with vertical,
g=acceleration due to gravity
m=mass of pendulum (cancels out, so does not change answer)
Equate the two energies and solve for v.