At the maximum height of a moving pendulum, what is the kinetic energy?

Prepare for the TExES Science 7-12 Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

At the maximum height of a moving pendulum, the kinetic energy is indeed zero. Kinetic energy is directly related to the velocity of the pendulum; at its peak, the pendulum momentarily comes to a stop before changing direction, meaning its velocity is zero at that instant.

Since kinetic energy (KE) is calculated using the formula KE = 1/2 mv², where m is mass and v is velocity, when the velocity (v) is zero, the kinetic energy also becomes zero. At the maximum height, all of the pendulum's energy is converted into potential energy, which reaches its maximum at this point.

This situation exemplifies the conservation of mechanical energy in a pendulum system, where energy shifts between kinetic and potential forms as it swings. The total mechanical energy remains constant, but at the peak height, kinetic energy is zero because the pendulum is momentarily at rest before reversing direction.

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