A diagram is drawn showing a swing set with a swing pulled backward prior to release. The diagram shows how the swing will move forward and then backward after it is initially released. At which point in the diagram is all of the energy gravitational potential energy?

Question

a. Just after the swing is released
b. at the highest point as the swing is moving forward
c. as the released swing begins moving backward
d. when the swing is pulled back prior to release

Answer 1

b. at the highest point as the swing is moving forward

At the highest point of the swing's motion, all of the energy is in the form of gravitational potential energy as the swing is at its highest point and has not yet started moving backward.