Question

A meter stick with a mass of 0.160 kg is pivoted about one end so it can rotate without friction about a horizontal axis. The meter stick is held in a horizontal position and released. As it swings through the vertical, calculate As it swings through the vertical, calculate the change in gravitational potential energy that has occurred.

Answer 1

The change in gravitational potential energy of the meter stick as it swings to the vertical position is 0.784 joules, which has been converted into kinetic energy during its swing.

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the change in gravitational potential energy as the meter stick swings through the vertical, you would use the equation ΔPEg = mgh, where ΔPEg represents the change in potential energy, m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s2), and h is the change in height of the center of mass. Since the stick is pivoted at one end, its center of mass is at the 0.5 m mark when horizontal. When it swings down to vertical, the center of mass has moved 0.5 m downward. Therefore, the change in potential energy is:

ΔPEg = (0.160 kg)(9.8 m/s2)(0.5 m)

ΔPEg = 0.784 J

The gravitational potential energy decreased by 0.784 joules as the meter stick swung to the vertical position. This energy has been converted into kinetic energy due to the rotation of the meter stick.