Question
In which of the following mentioned activities is the potential energy (P.E.) converted into kinetic energy (K.E.)?
This question was previously asked in
RRB ALP 2018 CBT 2 Fitter Question Paper (21-Jan-2019) (Shift 3)
The correct answer is
The swinging of a pendulum
Potential Energy to Kinetic Energy Conversion
Potential energy ($\small{P.E.}$) is stored energy due to position or state, while kinetic energy ($\small{K.E.}$) is energy due to motion. Conversion between these forms is common in physical systems.
Activity Analysis
- Fire cracker explosion: Primarily converts chemical energy into heat, light, sound, and kinetic energy. It doesn't primarily involve $\small{P.E.}$ converting to $\small{K.E.}$ in the way described.
- Switching on/off a torch: This involves converting electrical energy into light and heat energy. There is no significant $\small{P.E.}$ to $\small{K.E.}$ conversion.
- Swinging of a pendulum: This is a classic example of energy conversion.
- At the highest points of the swing, the pendulum bob momentarily stops, possessing maximum $\small{P.E.}$ (due to height) and minimum $\small{K.E.}$ (near zero).
- As the bob swings downwards, its height decreases, reducing $\small{P.E.}$, while its speed increases, raising its $\small{K.E.}$. This is the $\small{P.E. \to K.E.}$ conversion.
- At the lowest point of the swing, the bob has minimum $\small{P.E.}$ and maximum $\small{K.E.}$.
- The process reverses as it swings upwards on the other side.
Conclusion on Energy Conversion
The swinging of a pendulum demonstrates a continuous cycle where potential energy is converted into kinetic energy and vice versa.
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Important Questions from Work and Energy
The founder of the Pala empire was:
- A $40$ kg object is moved horizontally from point A to point B on a table. What is the work done by gravity during this movement?
- An object of mass $8$ kg is placed $7$ meters above the ground. What is the energy it possesses? (Take $g=10$ $m/s^2$)
- Raising an object from the ground results in the storage of which type of energy?
- At time t=0, a body of mass 1 Kg starts to fall freely from rest from a height of 100 m. Compared to the kinetic energy at 3 seconds, the kinetic energy at 4 seconds ________.
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