A block of mass attached to a light horizontal spring executes simple harmonic motion…
PHYSICS · Subjective · A Level · Physics · Further mechanics and thermal physics · Further mechanics and thermal physics
Problem
A block of mass m attached to a light horizontal spring executes simple harmonic motion on a smooth table with amplitude A and period T.
(i) Explain qualitatively how the mechanical energy of the system remains constant while the energies associated with motion and configuration vary with the displacement of the block.
(ii) Draw separate, clearly labelled graphs of kinetic energy and potential energy versus linear displacement x for one complete oscillation.
(iii) Using the graphs, state at which points of the motion (extreme positions, equilibrium position, or intermediate points) the acceleration of the block is (a) maximum, (b) zero, and justify your answer.