# A pendulum swings back and forth. Describe the energy changes that take place as the pendulum swings from its highest point on one side to its lowest point, and explain what happens to the total energy of the system.

> AQA GCSE Physics (8463) — 4.1.1 Energy changes in a system, and the ways energy is stored before and after such changes · Describe · 4 marks

> A pendulum is released from rest at its highest point and swings down to its lowest point.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. At the highest point the pendulum has (maximum) gravitational potential energy
2. As the pendulum swings down, gravitational potential energy is transferred to kinetic energy
3. At the lowest point the pendulum has (maximum) kinetic energy
4. The total energy of the system remains constant / is conserved (because energy cannot be created or destroyed)

## Key terms

- [system](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/system)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Physics (8463)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-pendulum-swings-back-and-forth-38e62117) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.