The pendulum in the diagram below swings from position A to B.
If we don’t consider friction, what happens to the total mechanical energy as the pendulum swings from position A to position B?
(1 point)
Responses
It remains the same
It remains the same
It declines
It declines
It is not conserved
It is not conserved
It becomes greater.
It remains the same
If we don't consider friction, the total mechanical energy of the pendulum remains the same as it swings from position A to position B.
To determine what happens to the total mechanical energy of the pendulum as it swings from position A to position B, you need to understand the concept of mechanical energy and how it can change.
Mechanical energy refers to the sum of potential energy and kinetic energy in a system. In the case of a pendulum, potential energy is highest when the pendulum is at its highest point (position A) due to its elevation above the equilibrium position. As the pendulum swings downwards towards position B, potential energy is converted into kinetic energy (energy of motion) as the pendulum gains speed.
Considering that there is no friction involved, we can eliminate the possibility of energy loss due to frictional forces. In this scenario, the total mechanical energy of the pendulum is conserved. This means that the sum of potential energy and kinetic energy remains the same throughout the swing from position A to position B.
Therefore, the correct answer is: It remains the same.