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In the picture of the pendulum below, which comparison is true of the pendulum bob when it is at points 1 and 2?

(1 point)
Responses

A.The potential energy does not change when the bob is swinging from point 1 to point 2.

B.The pendulum has its highest kinetic energy at points 1 and point 2

C.The pendulum has its highest potential energy at point 1 and point 2

D.It has the lowest potential energy at points 1 and 2.

1 answer

To analyze the pendulum bob's energy at points 1 and 2, we can consider the following:

  1. Potential Energy (PE): The potential energy of a pendulum bob is highest at the highest points of its swing (which are typically where the bob is at points 1 and 2 if they are the endpoints of the swing).

  2. Kinetic Energy (KE): The kinetic energy is at its highest when the pendulum bob is at its lowest point (the midpoint of the swing) because this is where the speed is greatest.

Given the information:

  • A: Incorrect. The potential energy does change as the bob moves from point 1 (higher position) to point 2 (lower position).
  • B: Incorrect. The pendulum does not have its highest kinetic energy at points 1 and 2; it has its highest kinetic energy at the lowest point of the swing.
  • C: Correct. The pendulum does have its highest potential energy at points 1 and 2, as these are typically the highest points in its swing.
  • D: Incorrect. The potential energy is not the lowest at points 1 and 2; it is highest there.

Therefore, the correct response is:

C. The pendulum has its highest potential energy at point 1 and point 2.