When the pendulum shown below swings from A to point B , what happens to its total mechanical energy ( ignoring friction)

1 answer

In the case of a pendulum swinging from point A to point B, if we ignore friction and air resistance, the total mechanical energy of the pendulum remains constant throughout its motion.

The total mechanical energy of the pendulum is the sum of its potential energy (due to its height) and kinetic energy (due to its motion). At point A, where the pendulum is at its maximum height, it has maximum potential energy and minimum kinetic energy (the velocity is zero at the highest point). As the pendulum swings down to point B, potential energy is converted into kinetic energy. At point B, the pendulum is at a lower height, so its potential energy is lower, but it has maximum kinetic energy.

Thus, throughout the swing, the total mechanical energy (potential energy + kinetic energy) remains constant. This conservation of mechanical energy principle is a fundamental concept in physics, especially in conservative systems like the idealized pendulum.