Non-Zero Potential Energy in SHM: Is Spring Stretched in Mean Position?

In summary: You can set the zero wherever is convenient.In summary, the potential energy of an SHM system is typically defined as zero when the system is in its equilibrium position. However, it can be adjusted by adding an arbitrary constant. This means that the potential energy may not always be zero at certain points in the system's kinetic energy potential energy curve.
  • #1
vijayramakrishnan
90
0
in shm,if minimum potential energy of an shm is not zero,does that mean that in mean position ,spring is stretched.
eg mass attached to a vertical spring.
 
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  • #2
You can add an arbitrary constant to PE without changing any of the physics. So usually we just set the PE to zero wherever is most convenient.
 
  • #3
vijayramakrishnan said:
in shm,if minimum potential energy of an shm is not zero,does that mean that in mean position ,spring is stretched.
eg mass attached to a vertical spring.

One typically define the PE of the spring-mass system as having zero PE when it is in the equilibrium position (hang the mass, let it sit there without moving, and that's the equilibrium position). When it is stretched or compressed, then the spring-mass system will have an amount of potential energy based on the amount that it is stretched/compressed.

Zz.
 
  • #4
ZapperZ said:
One typically define the PE of the spring-mass system as having zero PE when it is in the equilibrium position (hang the mass, let it sit there without moving, and that's the equilibrium position). When it is stretched or compressed, then the spring-mass system will have an amount of potential energy based on the amount that it is stretched/compressed.

Zz.
so in kinetic energy potential energy curve of shm,why is minimum potential energy not zero at some instances?
 
  • #5
vijayramakrishnan said:
so in kinetic energy potential energy curve of shm,why is minimum potential energy not zero at some instances?

Give me one such instance.

You should really try to make your post a bit more "complete" and clear.

Zz.
 
  • #6
vijayramakrishnan said:
why is minimum potential energy not zero at some instances?
I already answered this. It does not make any difference to the physics where the zero for your PE is.
 

1. What is Non-Zero Potential Energy in Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)?

In SHM, the potential energy of a system is defined as the energy stored in the system due to its position or configuration. Non-zero potential energy means that the system has a non-zero potential energy at its equilibrium or mean position, where the restoring force is zero.

2. How is Non-Zero Potential Energy related to the spring being stretched in the mean position?

In SHM, the potential energy of a system is directly proportional to the square of the displacement from the equilibrium position. This means that when the spring is stretched or compressed in the mean position, the potential energy of the system is non-zero.

3. Why is Non-Zero Potential Energy important in SHM?

Non-zero potential energy is important in SHM because it represents the energy stored in the system, which is essential for the oscillatory motion to continue. When the potential energy is zero, the system is at its equilibrium position and the kinetic energy is at its maximum, allowing for the system to complete a full cycle of oscillation.

4. Can the spring have non-zero potential energy at any other point besides the mean position?

Yes, the spring can have non-zero potential energy at any point where it is stretched or compressed from its equilibrium position. However, the mean position is the most common point where the potential energy is non-zero in SHM.

5. How does changing the spring constant affect non-zero potential energy in SHM?

The spring constant, which is a measure of the stiffness of the spring, directly affects the potential energy in SHM. A higher spring constant means that the system will have a greater potential energy at the mean position, while a lower spring constant will result in a lower potential energy at the mean position.

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