Question

A 20 Kg child is on a swing that hangs from 2.4-m-long chains.

What is her maximum speed if she swings out to a 47° angle? Express your answer to two significant figures and include the appropriate units.

Answer 1

The maximum speed of the child on the swing is approximately 4.29 m/s.

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the maximum speed of the child on the swing, we need to apply the principle of conservation of mechanical energy. At the highest point of the swing, all the potential energy is converted to kinetic energy. Therefore,

Initial potential energy = Final kinetic energy

mgh = 0.5mv^2

Where m is the mass of the child, g is the acceleration due to gravity, h is the height of the swing, and v is the maximum speed of the child.

Substituting the given values, we have:

(20 kg)(9.8 m/s^2)(0.47 m) = 0.5(20 kg)(v^2)

Simplifying the equation, we find that the maximum speed of the child on the swing is approximately 4.29 m/s.