Question

consider the diagram of a pendulum’s motion shown above. a pendulum can be used to model the change from potential energy to kinetic energy and back to potential energy. if you pull the bob back to point a and release it, (potential energy is converted to kinetic energy). what do you think happens to the energy at point c?
a. kinetic energy increases
b. potential energy decreases
c. potential energy is converted to kinetic energy
d. kinetic energy is converted to potential energy

Explanation:

In a pendulum's motion, at the lowest point (B) it has maximum kinetic energy. As it moves to point C (a higher position), the pendulum slows down, so kinetic energy decreases and is converted into potential energy (due to increased height). Option A is wrong as kinetic energy decreases at C. Option B is wrong as potential energy increases, not decreases. Option C is wrong (that's what happens when moving from A to B). Option D correctly describes the energy conversion at point C (kinetic to potential as it rises).

Answer:

D. Kinetic energy is converted to potential energy