Consider a particle executing simple harmonic motion of amplitude under the action of…
PHYSICS · Subjective · A Level · Physics · Further mechanics and thermal physics · Further mechanics and thermal physics
Problem
Consider a particle executing simple harmonic motion of amplitude A under the action of a linear restoring force.
(a) Show that the total mechanical energy E of the particle remains constant and equals 21kA2, where k is the force constant of the spring.
(b) Explain why, even though the total energy stays constant, the kinetic energy and the potential energy individually vary with time during the motion.
(c) Sketch qualitatively on the same set of axes the variation of kinetic energy K, potential energy U, and total energy E as functions of displacement x over the range −A to +A. Label all intercepts and key points clearly.