Mrs. Smith is teaching a science class. She holds a pendulum and pulls the ball at the end of the pendulum to position A. Then she lets it swing to position G.
The picture below shows the starting position A, the ending position G, and several positions in between the start and the end. The arrow shows the direction of motion.
Think about the motion of the pendulum as you answer the questions.
Question 1
a. At position A, describe the energy of the pendulum ball.(1 point)
Responses
Potential energy and kinetic energy are both at their highest values.
Potential energy and kinetic energy are both at their highest values.
Kinetic energy is at its highest value, while potential energy is at its lowest value.
Kinetic energy is at its highest value, while potential energy is at its lowest value.
Potential energy is at its highest value, while kinetic energy is at its lowest value.
Potential energy is at its highest value, while kinetic energy is at its lowest value.
Kinetic energy and potential energy are both at their lowest values.
Potential energy is at its highest value, while kinetic energy is at its lowest value.
The correct answer is: Potential energy is at its highest value, while kinetic energy is at its lowest value.
To answer this question, we need to understand the concepts of potential energy and kinetic energy.
Potential energy refers to the energy that an object possesses due to its position or condition. In the case of a pendulum, potential energy is associated with the height of the pendulum ball above its rest position. The higher the ball is lifted, the greater its potential energy.
Kinetic energy, on the other hand, refers to the energy that an object possesses due to its motion. For a swinging pendulum, the kinetic energy is greatest when the ball is at its lowest point (position G) and moving with the greatest speed.
Now, let's consider position A. At this point, the pendulum ball is at its starting position, pulled to one side before being released. Since the ball is at its highest point on the swing and has not yet started moving, its potential energy is at its highest value. At the same time, since the ball has not yet started moving, its kinetic energy is at its lowest value.
Therefore, the correct answer is: Potential energy is at its highest value, while kinetic energy is at its lowest value.