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 power be at each end? Make sure its short and simple

3 answers

In a swing:

  • Kinetic Energy (KE) is at its maximum at the lowest point of the swing (the midpoint) because the child is moving fastest there.

  • Potential Energy (PE) is at its maximum at the highest points of the swing (the two endpoints) because the child is highest above the ground at those positions.

In summary:

  • Maximum KE: Lowest point (midpoint)
  • Maximum PE: Highest points (endpoints)
shorter
  • Maximum KE: Lowest point (midpoint)
  • Maximum PE: Highest points (endpoints)