A child is swinging back and forth on a swing. Changes in her kinetic and potential energy are happening each moment. At which point, or multiple points, in her swinging would each of these two types of energy be at a maximum? In one to two sentences, describe these points and which type of energy is at a maximum at each point.
1 answer
The child's potential energy is at a maximum at the highest point of her swing when she is momentarily stationary at the top. This is because potential energy is directly related to height. On the other hand, her kinetic energy is at a maximum at the lowest point of her swing when she is moving the fastest back and forth.