6-Month-Old Boy Masters Physics!
Today we went Christmas shopping, Pat and I. As usual, an outing such as this cost me a lunch! (I knew it would!) We agreed on Wendy’s, breaking with our Texas tradition of eating at Whataburger when we’re “out and about.” But Wendy’s was close to Target, our next stop.
While eating, we were amazed and entertained by a small child who had mastered one of the principles of physics: simple harmonic motion! I was amazed at his ability to put this knowledge to practical use.
Remember how proud you were when you could stand up in a swing and “pump?” Pumping was the force which provided the energy to move the swing, move it according to the laws of simple harmonic motion! Now back to the little guy.
He was in a baby carrier or car seat which had a curved bottom so it could rock back and forth. He was laying nearly flat on his back. He’d lift one leg up and the seat would start to move. In short order, he was moving both legs up and down and the seat was rocking continuously! After a few tens-of-seconds, he’d stop and slowly the seat would stop rocking. The child was no longer adding energy to the chair, so it had no choice but to stop. At least that’s what physics teaches us.
I had no idea that a 6-month-old could so skillfully apply a principle of physics. I guess it’s another example which proves babies are way smarter than we think!