3.6 Problem Solving
Conservation of Energy
Pendulum
Test your knowledge by trying the problem below.
Example:
Professor Lewin releases the ball from his chin (h = 1.8m).
a) If he ensures that the ball has zero motion when released from position A, what would be the ball's velocity at point B?
b) How high would the ball go on the other side (assuming no energy lost to heat)?
c) Since it WILL lose a tiny bit of energy, what do you know about the maximum heights each swing?
d) How can professor Lewin be so confident that he won't be going to the hospital?
e) Why was he SO careful about how he released the ball?
Answer: 5.9m/s, 1.8m
