Continue to play the simulation. This simulation will go on and on for eternity if we let it. This simulation is in what we call a Closed System. We are only looking at the variables we want to in this simulation. In the Real World (Open System), if we had a Pendulum like this, it would eventually stop. Explain why it would stop in the Real World.

Answer 1

In the real world, a pendulum would eventually stop due to several factors that cause energy loss. These factors include friction, air resistance, and the conversion of kinetic energy into other forms of energy, such as heat and sound.

Friction: As the pendulum swings back and forth, there is always some level of friction between the pivot point of the pendulum and the supporting surface. This friction reduces the amount of energy available for the pendulum to continue swinging, ultimately leading to its eventual halt.

Air resistance: When a pendulum moves through the air, it encounters resistance due to the particles present in the air. This air resistance acts in the opposite direction to the motion of the pendulum, causing a slowdown in its swing. Over time, the cumulative effect of air resistance would cause the pendulum to come to a stop.

Energy conversion: Each swing of the pendulum involves a conversion of potential energy to kinetic energy and vice versa. However, the conversion between these forms of energy is never perfectly efficient, as some energy is always lost in the process. This energy loss can occur through various mechanisms, such as heat dissipation to the surrounding environment or sound production. As the pendulum continues to swing, these energy losses accumulate, resulting in a gradual decrease in the amplitude of the swings until the pendulum ultimately ceases its motion.

In the closed system simulation, these factors might be either ignored or significantly minimized, allowing the pendulum to swing indefinitely. However, in the real world, where external factors cannot be entirely isolated or eliminated, the pendulum's motion will gradually diminish and eventually stop, obeying the laws of thermodynamics and the conservation of energy.