Conservation of Energy
Energy Transfer in a Simple Pendulum
Observe how energy transforms between potential and kinetic in a swinging pendulum. The total mechanical energy remains constant (ignoring friction)!
Pendulum Motion
Total Energy: 100%
PE
KE
Observation:
At the highest point, the pendulum has maximum potential energy (PE) and zero kinetic energy (KE). At the lowest point, it has maximum KE and minimum PE. The total energy remains constant.
The Science Behind Energy Conservation
Key Concepts:
Law of Conservation of Energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed:
- Potential Energy (PE): mgh (mass × gravity × height)
- Kinetic Energy (KE): ½mv² (half mass × velocity squared)
- Mechanical Energy: PE + KE remains constant in an ideal system
Pendulum Motion:
As the pendulum swings:
- At highest points: PE max, KE zero
- At lowest point: KE max, PE min
- Energy continuously transforms between PE and KE
