Question

A student makes a simple pendulum by attaching a mass to the free end of a 1.50-meter length of string
suspended from the ceiling of her physics classroom. She pulls the mass up to her chin and releases it from
rest, allowing the pendulum to swing in its curved path. Her classmates are surprised that the mass doesn’t
reach her chin on the return swing, even though she does not move. Explain why the mass does not have
enough energy to return to its starting position and hit the girl on the chin.

Answer 1

The mass mechanical energy has probably been expended in overcoming obstacles along the way that's why the mass does not have enough energy to return to its starting position and hit the girl on the chin.

What is simple harmonic motion?

Simple harmonic motion is a form of periodic motion in which the restoring force on a moving item is proportionate to the amount of the object's displacement.

An object's kinetic and potential energies are added to form its mechanical energy (KE and PE.)

An object's kinetic and potential energies are added to form its mechanical energy (KE and PE).

A simple pendulum's mechanical power should, in theory, be preserved. In reality, however, a variety of resistances, including air resistance, affect the motion of the pendulum.

The mechanical energy of the mass has likely been used up in overcoming friction along the path, which explains why it lacks the energy to return to its initial position and strike the girl in the chin.

Hence, the mass does not have enough energy to return to its starting position and hit the girl on the chin.

To learn more about simple harmonic motion, refer to the link https://brainly.com/question/17315536.

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