Six pendulums of various masses m are released from various heights h above a ta

Question

Six pendulums of various masses m are released from various heights h above a tabletop, as shown in the figures below. All the pendulums have the same length and are mounted such that at the vertical position their lowest points are the height of the tabletop and just do not strike the tabletop when released. Assume that the size of each bob is negligible.

Part B

Rank each pendulum on the basis of the maximum kinetic energy it attains after release?

Rank from largest to smallest To rank items as equivalent, overlap them.

Part C

Rank each pendulum on the basis of its maximum speed?

Rank from largest to smallest To rank items as equivalent, overlap them.

Explanation / Answer

From conservation of energy a pendulum with mass "m" released from rest at height "h" will have max. speed "v" at its lowest point according to the energy eq;
mgh = (1/2)mv^2
v = SqRt[2gh]

So the mass cancels and the maximum speed will be greater for those pendulums released from the greater height.
So just order your answers according to height, regardless of mass.
For example, two pendulums with different masses, but released from the same height, will have the same maximum speed.

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