Symmetry behind charged spring-mass system in Electric field

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the symmetry in a charged spring-mass system within an electric field, where the rest position is defined as x = EQ/k and the maximum position as x = 2EQ/k. The symmetry observed is that the maximum position equals the rest position plus the amplitude of the motion, which is EQ/k. This scenario is analogous to a vertical spring-mass system, where the electric force EQ acts similarly to gravitational force mg. The confusion about symmetry arises from misinterpreting the relationship between amplitude and position. The key takeaway is that the amplitude directly influences the positions in this charged system.
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Homework Statement
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Relevant Equations
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For this problem,
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If we assume that x = 0 is where the spring connects to the wall, then the rest position of the mass-spring-electric field position is x = EQ/k and the max position is x = 2EQ/k. Is there a reason for the symmetry between the rest position and max position? (The symmetry being: max position = rest position + EQ/k)

Many thanks!
 
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The reason is that in this case EQ/k is the amplitude of the motion. Note that this problem is equivalent to a vertical spring mass system with EQ replacing mg.
 
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kuruman said:
The reason is that in this case EQ/k is the amplitude of the motion. Note that this problem is equivalent to a vertical spring mass system with EQ replacing mg.
Thanks for your reply @kuruman! Whoops, forgot amplitude was max position - rest position, why was I thinking about symmetry??!
 
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