b. As the pendulum swings freely, what is happening to its energy? (1 point)
KE converts to PE, and then total energy becomes zero.
• PE converts to KE, and then total energy becomes zero
• PE converts to KE as it falls, and then KE converts to PE as it rises
• KE converts to PE as it falls, and then PE converts to KE as it rises
c. PE converts to KE as it falls, and then KE converts to PE as it rises
The correct answer is: PE converts to KE as it falls, and then KE converts to PE as it rises.
To answer this question, we need to understand the energy transformation happening in a swinging pendulum.
A pendulum has two types of energy: kinetic energy (KE) and potential energy (PE).
When the pendulum is at its maximum height (at either side of its swing), it has maximum potential energy and minimum kinetic energy. As it swings downward, potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, and the pendulum gains speed. At the lowest point of the swing, the pendulum has maximum kinetic energy and minimum potential energy.
As the pendulum swings upward again, the kinetic energy decreases, and the potential energy increases. At the maximum height on the opposite side, the pendulum has maximum potential energy and minimum kinetic energy again.
Therefore, the correct answer is: PE converts to KE as it falls, and then KE converts to PE as it rises.