The potential energy (PE) of a simple pendulum at its extreme point (maximum displacement from its equilibrium position) can be calculated using the formula:
PE = m * g * h
where: m = mass of the pendulum (in kg) g = acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.8 m/s^2 on Earth's surface) h = height or vertical displacement of the pendulum from its lowest point (in meters)
First, let's convert the mass from grams to kilograms:
Mass (m) = 10 g = 10 * 10^(-3) kg = 0.01 kg
Next, the height (h) is equal to the amplitude of oscillation (A) in this case because the pendulum is at its extreme point. The amplitude (A) is given as 2 cm, but it needs to be converted to meters:
Amplitude (A) = 2 cm = 2 * 10^(-2) m = 0.02 m
Now, we can calculate the potential energy (PE):
PE = m * g * h PE = 0.01 kg * 9.8 m/s^2 * 0.02 m PE = 0.00196 kg m^2/s^2
The unit of potential energy is joules (J). So, the potential energy of the simple pendulum at its extreme point is approximately 0.00196 joules.