Physics Of The Trapeze

One of my favorite circus acts was always the flying trapeze. The talented acrobats swinging high up in the big top then becoming airborne flying gracefully and terrifyingly through the air only to be caught by another trapeze just as their flight started its decent was thrilling for all. I didn’t have a trapeze growing up, but I did have a swing. I used to swing for hours. Sometimes, I would pretend I was swinging from a trapeze bar high up in air.

When I was on my swing, sometimes I would get started with a push from mom or dad. Other times, I had to pump with my legs to get going. If I wanted to keep swinging, I quickly learned I had to add some more energy of my own. I didn’t know it then, but I was experimenting with the laws of physics.

Join me at The Happy Housewife to learn more about the Physics of The Trapeze.