In the Real World (Open System), the pendulum would eventually stop due to the presence of external forces such as air resistance and friction. As the pendulum swings, it encounters air molecules that create drag and slowly dissipate the kinetic energy of the moving object. Additionally, friction between the pendulum's pivot point and its support can convert some of the energy into thermal energy, further reducing the pendulum's motion over time. These forms of energy loss mean that the pendulum cannot swing indefinitely and will eventually come to a stop.
→ Now use the phet to answer the following questions below.
IV. Pendulum Questions:
6. Pause the simulation and raise the Blue Item up to 90°. What energy type is at its highest and why?
Type Answer HERE: The energy type is potential energy because of how much kinetic energy it could potentially have once in motion. However, there is no kinetic energy right now, because it is not moving.
7. Play the simulation. Describe where the Blue Item is when it has reached its highest kinetic energy and what happens to the energy of the item as it gains height again.
Type Answer HERE: The blue item is at that bottom when it has the most kinetic energy. Once it gains height again, the kinetic energy goes down, and the potential energy reaches its highest point.
8. 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.
Type Answer HERE:
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