Question

When a pendulum is swinging, the velocity is highest at which point? a. At both ends of the swing and at the middle point b. At the highest point it reaches on the left and right sides c. At the center, when the bob is hanging straight down d. Between the highest point and the lowest point.

Answer 1

The velocity of a swinging pendulum is highest at the lowest point of its swing, which is also known as the equilibrium position.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a pendulum is swinging, the velocity is highest at the lowest point of its swing, which is also known as the equilibrium position. At this point, the pendulum has the highest linear velocity. This can be understood by considering the conservation of mechanical energy. As the pendulum swings, its potential energy is constantly being converted into kinetic energy, reaching its maximum value at the lowest point.

Answer 2

The highest velocity of a swinging pendulum is achieved at the center, when the bob is hanging straight down, which is also the equilibrium position where it has maximum kinetic energy and minimum potential energy.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a pendulum is swinging, the velocity is highest at the center, when the bob is hanging straight down (option c). This is due to the conservation of mechanical energy in a pendulum system, where potential energy is converted to kinetic energy as the pendulum swings down towards its lowest point.

At the extremes of its swing, the pendulum has maximum potential energy and zero kinetic energy because its velocity is zero at those points. As it passes through the center, all the potential energy that was gained by lifting it to the starting position has been converted into kinetic energy, giving it the highest velocity.

The equilibrium position of a pendulum is when the pendulum is hanging straight down (option b). In this position, the forces are balanced, and there is no net force acting on the pendulum in the vertical direction. This equilibrium point also corresponds with the point of maximum velocity during its swing.