I'm trying to figure out how to calculate the release height for a pendulum when i'm only given total energy and the mass. It's a simulation so we're told to set the mass at whatever we'd like and then drag the pendulum up to a height of our choice. As soon as we choose a release height, we are given the total energy (potential + kinetic). I'm trying to calculate the release height for the pendulum. Is this a situation where potential energy = kinetic energy? If so, then I can just divide the total energy in half to find Ep and Ek. Would that work?
I have the mass of the pendulum at 50kg and then total energy given is 55370 J.
Thank you in advance for your help.
I have the mass of the pendulum at 50kg and then total energy given is 55370 J.
Thank you in advance for your help.
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When you release it - kinetic will be zero (provided that you release it from rest and just let it drop).
At the bottom of the swing - potential energy will be zero (provided that y=0 at the bottom of the swing).
Total energy will always be conserved (except for friction, which will be minimal for the first several swings if the string is very light and the mass is sufficiently large).
Potential energy just equal mass x gravitational constant x height - so there you go.
At the bottom of the swing - potential energy will be zero (provided that y=0 at the bottom of the swing).
Total energy will always be conserved (except for friction, which will be minimal for the first several swings if the string is very light and the mass is sufficiently large).
Potential energy just equal mass x gravitational constant x height - so there you go.