Physics

Kinetic Energy of a Pendulum Calculator

Find a pendulum's speed and kinetic energy at the bottom of its swing.

Parameters Live Compute
Calculated Output
Kinetic energy at bottom (J) 1.314
Speed at bottom 1.621
Formula: KE = m·g·L·(1 − cosθ)
Step-by-Step Breakdown
1. Values used:
2. Mass = 1
3. Length = 1
4. Release angle = 30 °
5. Gravity = 9.81 m/s²
6.
7. Kinetic energy at bottom = 1.314J
8. Speed at bottom = 1.621
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A pendulum trades height for speed, reaching maximum kinetic energy at the lowest point.

The math behind it

The height drop is L(1 − cosθ). All that potential energy m·g·h becomes kinetic energy at the bottom.

Worked Example

1 kg, 1 m, 30° → about 1.31 J, 1.62 m/s.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is speed greatest?

At the bottom of the swing, where height is lowest.

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