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. Thank you!

1 answer

At the highest points of the swing's motion, where the child momentarily stops before changing direction, her potential energy is at a maximum, while her kinetic energy is at a minimum. Conversely, at the lowest point of the swing, where she is moving fastest, her kinetic energy is at a maximum, and her potential energy is at a minimum.