Question

At the highest point of its swing, a simple pendulum has maximum potential energy and minimum kinetic energy. What is the total mechanical energy of the pendulum at any point during its motion?

Options

• E = KE − PE

• E = KE × PE

• E = PE + KE

• E = \[\frac {1}{2}\]mv² − mgh

Answer 1

E = PE + KE

Explanation:

The total mechanical energy of a simple pendulum is the sum of its potential energy (PE = mgh) and kinetic energy (KE = ½mv²). This total remains constant throughout the motion, demonstrating conservation of energy.