Question

As a bowling ball swings from its highest position to its lowest position in a pendulum, the total mechanical energy is:

Option 1: Mostly conserved
Option 2: Lost completely
Option 3: Increased significantly
Option 4: Decreased significantly

Answer 1

The total mechanical energy of a bowling ball swinging in a pendulum is mostly conserved as it undergoes a constant conversion between potential energy and kinetic energy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The total mechanical energy of a bowling ball swinging from its highest position to its lowest position in a pendulum is mostly conserved.

During the swing, the ball undergoes a constant change of potential energy (highest at the top of the swing) to kinetic energy (highest at the bottom of the swing). However, the total mechanical energy (which is the sum of potential energy and kinetic energy) remains relatively constant.

This is because the potential energy is converted into kinetic energy and vice versa, but the overall amount of mechanical energy in the system remains the same, assuming there is no significant loss of energy due to factors like friction or air resistance.