Pendulum

• Conservation of energy


  Energy can be transferred usefully, stored or dissipated, but it cannot be created or destroyed
• Energy transfer within a system

  1. Gravitational potential energy at the top

  2. Kinetic energy at the bottom

  3. Gravitational potential energy as it swings back up
• Friction in the system

  Causes energy to be transferred to thermal energy stores
• Dissipated energy


  Energy that is wasted and less useful
• Reducing friction can reduce unwanted energy transfers
• Lubricant such as oil can reduce friction in the pendulum system
• Removing air particles from around the pendulum can reduce friction