Question 15 (1 point)
The diagram shows a simple pendulum.
Neglecting friction, what happens to the total mechanical energy as the pendulum swings from position A to position B?
a
It remains the same.
b
It decreases.
c
It increases.
d
It is not conserved.
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a
It remains the same.
The total mechanical energy of a simple pendulum in a conservative field (where friction and air resistance are negligible) is conserved as it swings from position A to position B. The mechanical energy is the sum of kinetic energy and potential energy. At the highest points (A and B in this case), the pendulum has maximum potential energy and minimum kinetic energy. As it swings towards the bottom of the arc, potential energy is converted into kinetic energy. The total mechanical energy remains constant throughout the swing if no external forces do work on the system.