Question

Illustrate the law of conservation of energy by discussing the energy changes which occur when we draw a pendulum bob to one side and allow it to oscillate. Why does the bob eventually come to rest? What happens to its energy eventually? Is it a violation of the law of conservation of energy? 

Answer 1

In the given pendulum, there are three cases of points to be discussed. 

At the points B and C, the pendulum bob is at its maximum height, so its potential energy is maximum and kinetic energy is zero. In this way the total mechanical energy remains constant. At the point A, the pendulum bob is at its lowest point, total potential energy is converted into kinetic energy. Now the kinetic energy is maximum and potential energy is zero. Once again the total mechanical energy remains constant.