Question

It says mechanical energy is the sum of an objects potential energy and kinetic energy. Consider the positions of this swinging pocket watch. At which positions will the potential energy be the highest? Assume the pendulum can swing forever (ignore friction)....the circles are the answer choices.

Answer 1

the top left and right ones

Answer 2

Explanation:

Potential energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its position. Therefore, when an object is at rest then it has potential energy.

Therefore, when pendulum of stop watch is moving then potential energy will be highest at the extreme left and extreme right position.

This is because at extreme left and extreme right position the kinetic energy will be zero. Hence, it possesses only potential energy which is maximum as compared to the rest of position.