How Is Maximum Acceleration Calculated in a Harmonic Oscillator?

[loyol2degame]

I need help with this question.

The potential energy stored in a harmonic oscillator at time t0 = -0.5 s is 1 mJ. The
spring-constant associated with the oscillator has the value k = 103 N m-1 and the
oscillation amplitude is A = 10-6 m.

Calculate the magnitude of the maximum acceleration.

 

[gneill]

Is that k = 103 Nm^-1 or k = 10³ nm^-1 ?

Actually, neither make much sense with an amplitude of only 10^-6m and given the figure for energy stored. The maximum stored potential energy should be

$$PE_{max} = \frac{1}{2}k A^2$$

which is about 5 x 10^-10 Joules if k = 10³ N/m.