Physics Question: How a swing works **Not Homework

[Zorba]

Originally posted by: silverpig

Originally posted by: Marauder911
I think it has to do something with changing the moment of intertia of the swing. I=int(m*r^2)dr. THink about rotating in a chair with your arms extended, and then bringing them in; you speed up. I think that changing the moment of inertia combined with pendulum motion affects the period of the swing.

Bingo. Lower moment of inertia resulting in placing some of your weight higher on the chains (like 2-3 feet depending on your height, the distance from where your hands contact the chains to where your ass sits on the seat).

Makes since after the swing is already moving, but how are you starting the swing (without pushing off)?

 

[silverpig]

That's just you jerking yourself around to get a little swinging going... It's a different type of motion.

 

[Zorba]

Okay, I can accept that

 

[LucJoe]

Look up resonance in your science books.