In an auditorium, a physics teacher uses a pendulum made by hanging a bowling ball from a wire to the ceiling. At the low point in its swing, a ball with a mass of 7.2-kg has a speed of 6 m/s. Ignoring air resistance, how high will the bob swing above the low point before reversing direction?

Question

In an auditorium, a physics teacher uses a pendulum made by hanging a bowling ball from a wire to the ceiling.  At the low point in its swing, a ball with a mass of 7.2-kg has a speed of 6 m/s.  Ignoring air resistance, how high will the bob swing above the low point before reversing direction?

R_scott · Accepted Answer

m g h = 1/2 m v^2 ... h = v^2 / (2 g)

mssailormouth · Answer

It's actually so simple. I am waaaaaaaaaay over thinking these problems thanks! 6^2 /2(9.80)= 1.8m