Question

olivia is on a swing at the playground. if the swing is moving from w to z, at which point is her kinetic energy increasing and her potential energy decreasing? (based on a starting point of w)

Explanation:

Step1: Recall energy - conversion concept

Kinetic energy ($KE=\frac{1}{2}mv^{2}$) increases with speed, and potential energy ($PE = mgh$) decreases with height.

Step2: Analyze the motion of the swing

As the swing moves from a higher - position to a lower - position, its height $h$ decreases and speed $v$ increases.

Step3: Identify the correct point

Point $Y$ is lower than point $W$ and $Z$. As the swing moves from $W$ to $Z$, when it reaches $Y$, it is at a lower height compared to $W$ and $Z$, so its potential energy is decreasing and its speed is increasing, thus its kinetic energy is increasing.

Answer:

C. Y