For each release height, a gate was located at half the release height. explain why the bob does not appear to have half of its maximum speed at this point.

= √2

Explanation:

Let's use the law of conservation of energy, to find the speed at medium height

Starting point Higher

             Em₀ = U = m g y

Final point. Lower

              = K = 1/2 m v²

             Em₀ =  

             mg y = ½ m v²

             v = √ 2g y

For the average height y = h / 2

           v = √ 2 g h / 2 = (√ 2gh) √ ½

Let's divide the two relationships

          v / v_media = √ mgh / (√ mgh / √2)

          v / v_medio = √2

From here we see that the speed is lower