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...
The child's potential energy is at a maximum at the highest points of her swing, when she is momentarily at rest and reaching the peak height on each side. Her kinetic energy is at a maximum at the lowest points of her swing, when she is moving fastest and closest to the ground.
The child's potential energy is at a maximum when she reaches the highest point of her swing, while her kinetic energy is at a maximum at the lowest point of her swing.
To determine the points where kinetic and potential energy are at a maximum during swinging, you need to understand that energy interchanges between these two forms. At the highest points of the swing arc (when the child reaches the furthest point on either side), potential energy is at a maximum, while at the lowest point (when the child is nearest to the ground), kinetic energy is at a maximum.
