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 two sentences, describe these points and which type of energy is at a maximum at each point.
The potential energy of the child on the swing is at a maximum at the highest point of her swing, when she is furthest from the ground. At this point, her kinetic energy is at a minimum. On the other hand, the kinetic energy of the child is at a maximum at the lowest point of her swing, when she is closest to the ground and moving the fastest. At this point, her potential energy is at a minimum.
An athlete is practicing shotput using a 16-pound shot, and he throws it 40 feet. He then uses a 12-pound shot and throws it 50 feet. In three to four sentences, explain why there is a difference in these throws using the ideas of mass and speed and how each relates to kinetic energy.
The difference in the throws can be attributed to the athlete's ability to accelerate the lighter 12-pound shot to a higher speed compared to the heavier 16-pound shot. Since kinetic energy is proportional to both mass and speed squared, the lighter shot will have higher kinetic energy due to its higher speed. As a result, the lighter shot will travel further as it possesses more kinetic energy that can be transferred into potential energy upon release. In contrast, the heavier shot, despite having more mass, lags in speed and hence has less kinetic energy, resulting in a shorter throw.
wait make it four sentances
The difference in the throws can be attributed to the athlete's ability to accelerate the lighter 12-pound shot to a higher speed compared to the heavier 16-pound shot. Since kinetic energy is proportional to both mass and speed squared, the lighter shot will have higher kinetic energy due to its higher speed. As a result, the lighter shot will travel further as it possesses more kinetic energy that can be transferred into potential energy upon release. In contrast, the heavier shot, despite having more mass, lags in speed and hence has less kinetic energy, resulting in a shorter throw.
