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 a pendulum swings from point A to point B, if we ignore friction and any other forms of resistance, the total mechanical energy of the pendulum is conserved. This means that the sum of its potential energy and kinetic energy remains constant throughout the swing.

At point A (the highest point), the pendulum has maximum potential energy and minimum kinetic energy. As it swings down to point B (the lowest point), potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, reaching maximum kinetic energy and minimum potential energy at point B.

Therefore, the correct response is:

Total mechanical energy stays the same.