When a mass reaches its highest point in a swing, what type of energy is maximized?

When a mass reaches its highest point in a swing, what type of energy is maximized?

• A. Kinetic energy
• B. Potential energy
• C. Thermal energy
• D. Mechanical energy

Answer: (B)

At the highest point in a swing, the mass experiences maximum potential energy. This is due to the height of the mass relative to a reference point, typically the lowest point of the swing. As the mass rises, work is done against gravitational forces, increasing its potential energy, which is calculated using the formula \(PE = mgh\), where \(m\) is the mass, \(g\) is the acceleration due to gravity, and \(h\) is the height above the reference point. At this peak point, the speed of the mass is momentarily zero, indicating that kinetic energy is at its minimum (zero, in this case). As the swing progresses back down, the potential energy will decrease while kinetic energy will increase, demonstrating the conservation of mechanical energy throughout the motion. Thermal energy is not specifically relevant in this scenario since the question focuses on the energies associated with the swing's motion rather than energy losses due to friction or air resistance.

At the highest point in a swing, the mass experiences maximum potential energy. This is due to the height of the mass relative to a reference point, typically the lowest point of the swing. As the mass rises, work is done against gravitational forces, increasing its potential energy, which is calculated using the formula (PE = mgh), where (m) is the mass, (g) is the acceleration due to gravity, and (h) is the height above the reference point.

At this peak point, the speed of the mass is momentarily zero, indicating that kinetic energy is at its minimum (zero, in this case). As the swing progresses back down, the potential energy will decrease while kinetic energy will increase, demonstrating the conservation of mechanical energy throughout the motion. Thermal energy is not specifically relevant in this scenario since the question focuses on the energies associated with the swing's motion rather than energy losses due to friction or air resistance.