5A pendulum of mass 200 g is pulled horizontally sideways by 30 cm. The length of the pendulum string is 50 cm. aCalculate the potential energy of the pendulum in this position. Assume g = 9.8 N/kg

Approximately .

Explanation:

Convert all units of measure to standard units:

Length of the pendulum string:

.

Horizontal distance between the pendulum and the fixed point:

.

Mass of the pendulum:

Refer to the diagram attached. Apply the Pythagorean Theorem to find the current vertical distance between the fixed point and the pendulum:

.

Thus, the current position of the pendulum is above its equilibrium position.

Given that and , calculate the gain in the gravitational potential energy of this pendulum:

.

Thus, the gravitational potential energy of this pendulum (compared to the same pendulum at the equilibrium position) would be .

and 1and 1