A simple pendulum bob of mass 50 g is oscillating. If its speed at the mean position is 2.0 m/s, what is the potential energy of the bob at its extreme position?

Step-by-step solution

At the extreme position, the kinetic energy of the pendulum bob is zero, and its total mechanical energy is purely potential. At the mean position, the potential energy is zero, and the total mechanical energy is purely kinetic. By conservation of mechanical energy, the potential energy at the extreme position equals the maximum kinetic energy at the mean position. Mass of the bob, m = 50 g = 0.05 kg. Speed at the mean position, v = 2.0 m/s. Maximum kinetic energy, K_ = 1 2 m v^2 K_ = 1 2 0.05 (2.0)^2 K_ = 1 2 0.05