Question

A 1.5 kg pendulum swings from point A of height yA = 0.04m to point B of height yB = 0.12m. The heights are relative to the lowest height. What is the change in gravitational potential energy from A to B?

Answer 1

The change in gravitational potential energy from point A to point B can be calculated using the formula:

ΔU = mgh

Where:

m = mass of the pendulum = 1.5 kg

g = acceleration due to gravity = 9.8 m/s^2

h = change in height = yB - yA = 0.12 m - 0.04 m = 0.08 m

So, the change in gravitational potential energy from A to B is:

ΔU = (1.5 kg)(9.8 m/s^2)(0.08 m) = 1.176 J

So, the change in gravitational potential energy from A to B is 1.176 Joules.