This is a problem and the solution that I need to convey to students in a power point. I’m so bad at explaining I need someone to help type a “script” of a step by step process to explain this to students. I can present this through powerpoint, but I need to break down everything and verbally explain it in detail so having a script will help.

A pendulum consists of a paint can weighing 5.9 kg at the end of a string the length of 3 m.

The paint can is released from rest with the string making an angle of 45 degrees with the vertical.

What is the maximum speed of the pendulum?

Given

length of pendulum, L = 3 m

mass of paint m = 5.9 kg

angle, θ = 45o

initial speed, u = 0 ( at rest )

If v is maximum speed of the pendulum, then by conservation of energy

kinetic energy = potential energy

=> (mv2)/2 = mgL*( 1 – cosθ )

=> v = sqrt[ 2gL*( 1 – cosθ ) ]

where g is the acceleration due to gravity = 9.8 m/s2

By substituting the values we get

v = sqrt[ 2gL*( 1 – cosθ ) ]

= sqrt[ 2*( 9.8 m/s2)*( 3 m )*{ 1 – cos(45) }

= 4.15 m/s