What is the potential energy at 1/2A in simple harmonic motion?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Eagles342
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Harmonic
AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the potential energy (U) of a particle in simple harmonic motion when its position is at (1/2A). The correct formula for potential energy is identified as U = 1/2kx^2, and the substitution of x = 1/2A is correctly noted. However, there is confusion regarding the relationship between U and the total energy (E), with a miscalculation suggested in the interpretation of the results. Participants emphasize the importance of clarity in the calculations and understanding the distinction between potential energy and total energy. The conversation highlights the need for careful application of formulas in physics problems.
Eagles342
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
A particle of mass is connected to a spring with a force constant K. The particle undergoes simple harmonic with an amp A. What is the potential energy of the partic when the position is (1/2A)?



Homework Equations


E=1/2kA^2
1/2kdelta^2=1/2mv^2+1/2kx^2


The Attempt at a Solution



U=1/2kx^2=1/2k(1/2A)^2=1/4(1/2KA^2)=1/4E= K=E-U= 3/4? Not really sure at all can somebody help i don't think i did it correctly
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Welcome to PF;
You started strong - the formula for PE is correct.
You substituted x=A/2 fine.

You have been asked to find U - so stop when you have.
 
Besides, E-U = 3/4 makes no sense.
 
1/4(1/2KA^2) doesn't equal 1/4E, it equals 1/4 Umax.
gotta be careful.
 

Thread 'Struggling to understand the concept of this question (ice cube in water optics question)'

TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
View full post »
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
View full post »

Similar threads

Hooke's Law using Potential Energy
Replies
21
Views
1K
Using energy considerations to analyse particle motion
Replies
3
Views
881
Position and acceleration in simple harmonic motion given velocity
Replies
16
Views
1K
Harmonic Motion of a Mass between two springs
Replies
7
Views
2K
Need help to solve an oscillation problem.
Replies
6
Views
2K
Energy of particle in simple harmonic motion
Replies
13
Views
1K
A piece of clay stuck to a SHM oscillator
Replies
14
Views
2K
Initial velocity of bird landing on horizontal wire modeled as spring
Replies
7
Views
974
How Is Potential Energy Converted to Kinetic Energy in Physical Systems?
Replies
6
Views
1K
Potential/Kinetic Energy of Particles in Harmonic Oscillator
Replies
2
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top