In the show Mythbusters, they do use the scientific method. The purpose of this experiment is to see if one can achieve enough speed to complete a 360 degree revolution on a swing set without falling out. The team researched average swing sets and the normal force of a swinger. They hypothesized that it would not be possible because as the swing gets higher off the ground, it’s centrifugal force become less than the force of gravity, causing the chains to go slack and the swinger to fall. Kari Byron was the first to test the myth without any assistance from a pusher. At her maximum, she reached a height of 11ft and swung at 24ft/s, which is far from a complete 360. The myth was tested to the limit the second time with Grant Imahara. With two pushers, Grant only reached 11.5ft at 23ft/s, which was no closer to a 360 than Kari was on her own. The myth was only labeled “busted” after the mythbuster team failed to achieve a 360 with a 65 pound crash dummy, shortened swing chains, and two ropes attached to the seat which were being pulled for greater speed. 

The team found that it was possible when they made a scale model of the swing and had to use twice the force. The team found that it was possible when they made a scale model of the swing and had to use twice the force. They also found that it would take even less force if if the chain arms were replaced with rigid arms. With rigid arms, no energy was wasted in keeping the chains straight. All of the force was concentrated in velocity which allowed the miniature swing to complete a full 360 without using as much energy. Speed, velocity, and centrifugal force are all major components in the 360 swing set experiments that proves itself as a scientific experiment.