A 30 kg child on a 2 m long swing is released from rest when the swing supports make an angle of 34 ◦ with the vertical. The acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s 2. If the speed of the child at the lowest position is 2.31547 m/s, what is the mechanical energy dissipated by the various resistive

Energy dissipated = 13.453 Joules

Explanation:

In order to solve this problem, we first compute the gravitational potential energy the child has, and then find the kinetic energy at the lowest position.

The gravitational potential energy (relative to lowest position) is found as follows:

G. P. E = mass * gravity * height

Where, Height = 2 - 2 * Cos (34°)

Height = 0.3193 meters

G. P. E = 30 * 9.8 * 0.3193

G. P. E = 93.874 J

Kinetic energy:

K. E = 0.5 * mass * velocity^2

K. E = 0.5 * 30 * 2.31547^2

K. E = 80.421 J

Energy dissipated = G. P. E - K. E

Energy dissipated = 93.874 - 80.421

Energy dissipated = 13.453 J