Calculating Maximum Speed of a Child on a Swing | Simple Harmonic Motion

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the maximum speed of a child on a swing, framed within the context of simple harmonic motion and energy conservation principles. The original poster presents a scenario involving a swing rising to a height of 0.5 meters and seeks clarification on the method to determine the maximum speed, referencing a specific answer from a textbook.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants suggest using conservation of energy to approach the problem, while others express confusion about the relevance of simple harmonic motion equations in this context. The original poster seeks guidance on the method and expresses uncertainty about their calculations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants offering insights into the conservation of energy principle as a potential method for solving the problem. There is a clear exploration of different interpretations regarding the application of energy concepts versus SHM equations, but no consensus has been reached on the method to use.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions specific values such as the height of 0.5 meters and gravitational acceleration of 10 m/s², which are critical to the problem but may not be fully utilized in the discussion. There is also an indication of a discrepancy between the poster's calculations and the textbook answer.

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I don't find this topic too difficult but I am really stuggling on a question (im sure its really simple though)

A child on a swing rises through a height of 0.5m. Ignoring resistive energy losses, calculate the maximum speed of the child (the child doesn't increase/decrease swing height and take g=10m/s/s)

Please could someone tell me the method and the answers you get. (the book says 3.2m/s but i didn't get that)

Thanks.
 
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Use conservation of energy.
 
oh, how would you do that ? I thought it was to do with the SHM equations.
 
The speed will be maximal when all of the original potential energy is converted to kinetic energy. The PE is given by mgh. The KE is 0.5mv^2.
You can't use the SHM equations here cause all you have is the height.
 

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