When does a pendulum bob move fastest and why?

A pendulum bob will move fastest when the mass is at its lowest point (when x=0). The reason for this is that in the pendulum system energy is transferred between kinetic and gravitational potential energy, and total energy will always be fixed in the system. Gravitational potential energy will be at its minimum when the bob is at the lowest point, meaning that kinetic energy will be at its maximum, resuting in the bob moving fastest at this point.

JB

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

A linear accelerator (LINAC) is used to accelerate protons at CERN before they are injected into the Large Hadron Collider. Explain with the aid of a diagram how the proton is accelerated by the LINAC.


This Question is a multi-parter but all around the same scenario. Similar to an end of paper A-level physics question.


How do I find the x and y components of a vector?


What are the different classifications of sub-atomic particles?