How Does the Conservation of Energy Principle Apply to a Gymnast's Swing?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on applying the conservation of energy principle to a gymnast's swing, specifically analyzing the energy transformations during her motion. The gymnast, weighing 50 kg, swings from a height of 1.0 m above the bar with an initial speed of 1.2 m/s. The relevant equations include kinetic energy (K = 1/2 mv²), gravitational potential energy (Eg = mgh), and elastic potential energy (Es = 1/2 kx²). The user seeks assistance in setting up the energy conservation equation to determine the speed of the gymnast's center of mass at the bottom of her swing, where she is 1.0 m below the bar.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinetic energy (K = 1/2 mv²)
  • Knowledge of gravitational potential energy (Eg = mgh)
  • Familiarity with the conservation of energy principle
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of conservation of energy in mechanical systems
  • Learn how to derive energy equations for different physical scenarios
  • Explore the role of elastic potential energy in oscillatory motion
  • Investigate real-world examples of energy conservation in sports
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, educators teaching energy concepts, and anyone interested in the physics of athletic performance.

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Homework Statement



Example: A 50 kg gymnast does giant circles around a horizontal bar. At the top of her swing her center of mass is 1.0 m above the bar traveling 1.2 m/s. what is the speed of her center of mass at the bottom of her swing where her center at mass is 1.0 m below the bar? ( No given diagram)




Homework Equations


[K + Eg + Es] = [K + Eg + Es + Ef]
Initial Final

K=1/2mv^2
Eg=mgh
Es= 1/2 kx^2
Ef= uND



The Attempt at a Solution


What I did: [K] = [K + Eg]
or either [ Eg] = [K}. Please help me with setting this problem up. The first set up didn't work for me and I'm just needing help setting the problem up. No need for figuring out the problem. Thank You
 
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If we take the bar she is swinging from as having 0 potential and kinetic energy, that the top of her swing, what types of energy does he have and what the total energy she has due to these two types?
 

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