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Can you really swing over the bar?

Stardust

Entry posted by Stardust

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As a kid, I always loved swinging, the higher the better. Eventually I got to wondering, after remembering watching that episode of Recess when I was younger, if I swing high enough, can I go over the bar? Is it even possible? (Episode in question:)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddnQu2gMfNM

Well, it turns out you can, but not on a normal swing (fast forward to around 2 minutes) :

Since most people don't feel like making their own swing here's what happens on the normal kind:

On a regular playground swing that has chains, as you reach the peak of the curve, the chains slacken and gravity will send you back down. There isn't enough momentum to keep the swing moving fast enough to complete the arc. Sorry kids, the dream is gone.

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4 Comments

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hollyferg

hollyferg 10

Posted

I never realized that the reason you cant do a full circle on a normal swing has so much to do with the loose chains. Now it makes soo much more sense

Cheetay

Cheetay 12

Posted

I had never put much thought into this... but it makes sense- how the loose chains keep us from flipping. Very cool!

FizziksGuy

FizziksGuy 93

Posted

I gotta build one of those for the girls in the backyard!

SvonLaven

SvonLaven 0

Posted

It has been done. Yes, the chain goes slack as gravity slows you down. The last part of your trajectory is parabolic, not circular, and you don’t clear the bar by a lot. Yes, it’s dangerous.

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