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clairez93
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Homework Statement
A particle is in simple harmonic motion along the x axis. The amplitude of the motion is xm.
When it is at x = x1, its kinetic energy is K = 5J and its potential energy (measured with U = 0 at x = 0) is U = 3J. When it is at x = –1/2xm, the kinetic and potential energies are:
A) K = 5J and U = 3J
B) K = 5J and U = –3J
C) K = 8J and U = 0
D) K = 0 and U = 8J
E) K = 0 and U = –8J
Homework Equations
[tex]
E = 1/2kA^2
[/tex]
[tex]1/2kA^2 = 1/2mv^2 + 1/2kx^2[/tex]
The Attempt at a Solution
[tex]
1/2kA^2 = 8[/tex]
[tex]1/2mv^2 + 1/2kx^2^ = 8[/tex]
[tex]A = 4/\sqrt{k}[/tex]
[tex]x = -1/2(4/\sqrt{k}) = -2/\sqrt{k}[/tex]
[tex]1/2mv^2 + 1/2k(-2/\sqrt{k})^2^ = 8[/tex]
[tex]1/2mv^2 + 2 = 8[/tex]
[tex]K = 6 J[/tex]
[tex]U = 8 - 6 = 2 J
[/tex]
As you see, this is not one of the choices. Am I doing something wrong?
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