Question

The sum of gravitational potential energy and kinetic

energy is called mechanical energy. Use Figure 2 to find the mechanical energy
of an idealized pendulum at a variety of times in its cycle. Identify any pattern you
notice in the values of mechanical energy.

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

Mechanical energy = Gravitational potential energy + kinetic energy

Time Gravitational potential energy kinetic energy Total ME

0 4 0 4

2 2 2 4

4 0 4 4

6 2 2 4

8 4 0 4

and so on .....

We see that total mechanical energy is always 4 which is constant .

So gravitational and kinetic energy changes cyclically but total mechanical energy is constant .