How would air resistance affect the total amount of energy that exists?
Even if air resistance slows down the ball, the potential energy is the same (Mb x g x H). But if air resistance is in the way, not all of the potential energy can be converted to kinetic energy. When that happens, the energy of the air molecules is increased. The air is actually “heated” up by the falling ball.
How does air resistance affect SHM?
In a vacuum with zero air resistance, such a pendulum will continue to oscillate indefinitely with a constant amplitude. However, the amplitude of a simple pendulum oscillating in air continuously decreases as its mechanical energy is gradually lost due to air resistance.
What work is being done while the pendulum falls?
When the force of gravity pulls down on an object that has been dropped, the force of gravity does positive work on the object. When a pendulum bob is pulled back and released from rest, the force of gravity does positive work on the bob as it swings down.
Is there work in a pendulum?
At all points in the trajectory of the pendulum bob, the angle between the force of tension and its direction of motion is 90 degrees. Thus, the force of tension does not do work upon the bob. Since there are no external forces doing work, the total mechanical energy of the pendulum bob is conserved.
What is the middle of a pendulum called?
A pendulum is a weight suspended from a pivot so that it can swing freely. When released, the restoring force acting on the pendulum’s mass causes it to oscillate about the equilibrium position, swinging back and forth. The time for one complete cycle, a left swing and a right swing, is called the period.
What questions can you ask a pendulum?
The best questions to ask a pendulum are those that specifically relate to you and the decisions you need to make rather than questions that you feel will give you answers about another person.