Question

1. choose a real - world system (for example, a pendulum, bungee jump, or spring toy). describe how potential and kinetic energy constantly change as the system moves. explain where the energy is greatest at different points in the motion and how this shows the law of conservation of energy. (the more information you use the better the score)

Explanation:

Let's take a pendulum as an example. At the highest point of its swing, the pendulum has maximum potential energy (due to its height \(h\) above the lowest point, \(PE = mgh\)) and zero kinetic energy (velocity \(v = 0\), \(KE=\frac{1}{2}mv^{2}=0\)). As it swings down, its height \(h\) decreases, so potential energy \(PE\) decreases. But its velocity \(v\) increases, so kinetic energy \(KE\) increases. At the lowest point of the swing, potential energy is zero (if we take the lowest - point as the reference level for potential energy) and kinetic energy is maximum. As it swings up on the other side, the reverse happens: kinetic energy is converted back into potential energy. Throughout the motion, the sum of potential and kinetic energy (\(E = PE+KE\)) remains constant (neglecting air - resistance and friction), which shows the law of conservation of energy.

Answer:

A pendulum: At the highest point, potential energy is maximum (\(PE = mgh\)) and kinetic energy is zero. At the lowest point, kinetic energy is maximum (\(KE=\frac{1}{2}mv^{2}\)) and potential energy (with reference to the lowest point) is zero. The sum \(E=PE + KE\) is constant (neglecting non - conservative forces), demonstrating energy conservation.