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 (Open System), a pendulum would eventually stop due to various factors such as friction, air resistance, and energy loss.

Friction: As the pendulum swings back and forth, it experiences resistance from the air and the point of suspension. This resistance opposes the motion of the pendulum and gradually slows it down. The friction between the pendulum's string or rod and the point of suspension converts some of the pendulum's kinetic energy into heat, causing a loss of energy.

Air resistance: Moving through the air creates drag on the pendulum, which also acts to slow it down over time. The shape and mass of the pendulum, as well as the density of the surrounding air, affect the amount of air resistance experienced. This resistance contributes to the gradual decrease in the pendulum's amplitude and eventually brings it to a stop.

Energy loss: The motion of a pendulum involves the conversion of potential energy to kinetic energy and back. However, in an open system, the total energy of the pendulum is not conserved due to energy losses. The energy is continuously dissipated in the form of heat due to friction and air resistance, resulting in a gradual decrease in the pendulum's total energy. Eventually, the pendulum loses all its energy, causing it to come to a stop.

Therefore, in the Real World, these external factors limit the perpetuity of the pendulum's motion, causing it to eventually stop rather than continuing indefinitely as it would in a closed system simulation.