When a pendulum is at its minimum height, what is the potential 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!

When a pendulum is at its minimum height, it is at its lowest point in the swing. At this position, all the gravitational potential energy has been converted into kinetic energy, which means the potential energy is at its minimum value. Since potential energy is defined relative to a baseline height (often taken as zero), at this lowest point, the height above that reference level is also zero. Therefore, the potential energy of the pendulum at its minimum height is zero, reflecting that it has the maximum kinetic energy and is in constant motion. This transition of energy forms a critical part of understanding the principles of energy conservation in mechanical systems.

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