The Physics behind the thrill The Swings

The swings, also known as the swinger or the Sky screamer is known for its exhilarating experience and thrilling height. Developed in the early 1800’s by Franz Schwarzkopf, the fairground ride is a variation of the carousel, in which chairs are suspended by chains from the rotating top of a carousel. Created in Germany, the design for the swings took off, and was present at even the earliest amusement parks. The ride is still found today, with the highest being found at Six Flags Amusement Park, at a whopping 24 stories high.

Circular Motion 
If we focus on one swing in particular, we notice that the swing carousel moves around the circle at constant velocity. Did you know it is actually accelerating? In the past we have learned that acceleration is a change in velocity, however, in circular motion, the object does not require a change in speed, but instead a change in direction. Because the direction of velocity is tangential to the circle, it is always changing, even if it is constant. This is called centripetal acceleration. 

Centripetal Forces
 If centripetal forces are constantly pulling us to the inside of the circle, why do you feel as though we are going to the outer portion of the circle? When on the swing ride, we feel as though we are leaning towards the outer portion of the circle, almost as if we are in flight. Our velocity is tangential to the circle, which means that our bodies want to continue traveling in that path, but the centripetal force acting on us doesn't allow us to do so. This is why our bodies feel as if they are being pushed to the outside of the circular path. Because the centripetal forces acting on the swing, and the swing’s inertia are fighting against each other, we feel a lift and motion towards the outer part of the circle. In conclusion, it is determined that the swing tower represent perfect circular motion theories. So the reason sitting in a seat and traveling in circles is so much fun is mainly due to the effects caused by circular motion. Centripetal acceleration, centripetal force, and directional changes in velocity, creates a fun-filled experience. The tension on the chain balances out both the centripetal force and gravity, to make sure the rider does not continue on the tangential velocity path, and enjoys a thrilling, safe ride. The ride demonstrates perfectly the principles of circular motion, as well as centripetal acceleration and force. As you can see, the forces are towards the center of the circle. In the diagram, 
the red shows the centripetal forces and acceleration while the black shows 
the direction of velocity.If we look at Newton’s first law of motion, also known as inertia, all objects will continue to move in the same direction they are moving unless another force is acted upon them. 

At a Chinese theme park, while the chair swing ride was in motion, the chains detached from the ride, and a man was projected in a linear path, falling about 20 ft away from the release point. Surviving the accident, this concept demonstrates Newton’s first law perfectly. Once the string was detached, there was no more tension on the string, and therefore, no more centrifugal or centripetal forces on the chair. History Another important concept to understand is tension. There is tension in the chain that is hooked to the top of the carousel. When the ride is not in motion, and the swings are hanging perpendicular to the ground, the tension is simply equal to the weight and the rider. Although, once the swings start to move in circular motion, the swings begin to move outward. As the velocity becomes uniform, the swings move outward and the tension in the chain balances out the force due to gravity and the centripetal force. This is why the mass of the rider does not affect the angle of the chain.