Swaying and Compression
Some people love to swing, while others view it as a terror. Every child who swings is experiencing a different sensation that can be both thrilling and calming, depending on the individual person. In physics, swaying and compression are two linked concepts that can explain why the swinging process is so fun.
Swaying, also sometimes referred to as oscillation, is simply the rhythmic and repeated movement of something back and forth. This could be any kind of physical or abstract object, from a swinging pendulum to the waves of a lake. When something is a swaying motion, the swinging will always occur at the same rate and follow the same pattern. In the case of a pendulum, as the pendulum is swung, its speed will decrease as it reaches the end of its arc and then increase again as it moves to the other end. The pattern of this is known as a simple harmonic oscillation.
By its nature, swaying places a great deal of pressure on an object, as the object is pushed first one way and then the other. This pressure is known as compression, and it is what keeps the object in motion. Compression occurs when an object is being subjected to an external force that causes it to become smaller. As the object becomes smaller, it will also become denser, providing a greater amount of resistance to the external force. This results in an increase in pressure that propels the object forward. In the case of swinging, the swings of the pendulum keep it in motion.
Swaying and compression are often used in recreational activities, such as roller coasters or swings. The swinging motion of a roller coaster provides riders with the sensation of weightlessness, which is actually caused by compression. As the car rounds each corner, the centrifugal force compresses the riders and pushes them toward the center of the loop. This feeling of weightlessness is what gives riders an adrenaline rush.
Similarly, the experience of swinging on a swing involves compression as well. As the swing goes back and forth, the compression created by the swinging causes the rider to feel lighter. This is because the force of the swinging is pushing the rider downwards each time the swing moves forward. This causes a feeling of weightlessness, which many people find very calming and enjoyable.
Swaying and compression are two important concepts in physics that explain why many people find the swinging motion so pleasurable. By understanding how these forces interact, we can better appreciate just how enjoyable and calming a swinging motion can be. Whether on a roller coaster or a playground swing, swaying and compression can help us understand why the sensation of weightlessness is so fun.
