Conceptual Physics (12th Edition)

Published by Addison-Wesley
ISBN 10: 0321909100
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-910-7

Chapter 19 - Think and Explain - Page 371-372: 50

Answer

The period of oscillation is shorter when you stand (rather than sit) on a playground swing.

Work Step by Step

Some internet research about pendulums, or referring to Footnote 2 on page 358, shows that the period $T = 2 \pi \sqrt{\frac{L}{g}}$. When you stand on the swing, the pendulum's effective length L is reduced because you have moved the pendulum bob (your body) closer to the pivot. This decreases T, the period.
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