Question

as a pendulum moves closer to the equilibrium position, how do the velocity, acceleration, and force change? the velocity increases, the acceleration decreases, and the net force decreases. the velocity increases, the acceleration increases, and the net force decreases. the velocity decreases, the acceleration increases, and the net force increases. the velocity decreases, the acceleration decreases, and the net force decreases.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze the motion of a pendulum:

1. Velocity: As the pendulum moves toward equilibrium (lowest point), it gains speed, so velocity increases.
2. Acceleration and Net Force: The net force (and thus acceleration, from \( F = ma \)) on a pendulum is related to the component of gravity tangential to its path. At equilibrium, the tangential component (and thus net force/acceleration) is zero. As it approaches equilibrium, the angle with the vertical decreases, so the tangential component (and net force/acceleration) decreases.

Only the first option matches: velocity increases, acceleration decreases, net force decreases.

Answer:

The velocity increases, the acceleration decreases, and the net force decreases. (The first option among the given choices)