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.
At the highest point of the swing, the potential energy is at a maximum as the child has the most potential to fall. At the lowest point of the swing, the kinetic energy is at a maximum as the child has the most speed and motion.
The potential energy of the child on the swing would be at a maximum when she is at the highest point of her swing, as she has the maximum height above the ground. The kinetic energy of the child would be at a maximum when she is at the bottom of her swing, as she has the maximum speed at that point.
To determine the points where kinetic and potential energy would be at a maximum during the swinging motion, you need to understand the relationship between these energies. At the highest point of the swing, the child's potential energy is at a maximum, while at the lowest point, her kinetic energy is at a maximum.
