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in a mechanical clock, the swinging of a pendulum causes the hands to move. the diagram shows the path of the pendulum as it swings. at

Question

In a mechanical clock, the swinging of a pendulum causes the hands to move. The diagram shows the path of the pendulum as it swings. At which point in its swing does the pendulum have the least gravitational potential energy? point A point B point C point D

Answer

4.7 (185 Votes)
Verificación de expertos
Quilla Elite · Tutor for 8 years

Answer

C

Explanation

Gravitational potential energy is dependent on the height of an object in a gravitational field. The higher the object, the greater the potential energy. Conversely, the lower the object, the lesser the potential energy. In the context of a pendulum swing, the pendulum has the least potential energy at the lowest point of its swing. Looking at the given options, point C represents the lowest point in the pendulum's swing. Therefore, the pendulum has the least gravitational potential energy at point C. Points A, B, and D are at higher positions in the swing and thus have more potential energy than point C.