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

Question

(1 point)
Responses

Total mechanical energy is not conserved.
Total mechanical energy is not conserved.

Total mechanical energy stays the same.
Total mechanical energy stays the same.

Total mechanical energy goes up.
Total mechanical energy goes up.

Total mechanical energy goes down.
Total mechanical energy goes down.
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Answer 1

When the pendulum swings from point A to point B, ignoring friction, the total mechanical energy is conserved. This is because mechanical energy in a closed system (without non-conservative forces like friction) remains constant. At the highest point (point A), the pendulum has maximum potential energy and minimum kinetic energy. As it swings down to the lowest point (point B), the potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, reaching maximum kinetic energy and minimum potential energy at the bottom.

Therefore, the correct response is:

Total mechanical energy stays the same.