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

  • Thread starter Thread starter Eagles342
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Harmonic
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the potential energy of a particle in simple harmonic motion when it is at a position of (1/2A), where A is the amplitude. The context involves concepts of potential energy related to springs and harmonic motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the formula for potential energy and substitute the position (1/2A) into the equation. Some participants question the validity of the calculations and the interpretation of the results, particularly regarding the relationship between total energy and potential energy.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with some participants providing guidance on the correct application of formulas and questioning the original poster's calculations. There is an exploration of different interpretations of the energy relationships in the context of simple harmonic motion.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential confusion regarding the definitions and relationships between total energy, potential energy, and the specific calculations being made. There is an emphasis on careful application of the formulas involved.

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.
 

Similar threads

Hooke's Law using Potential Energy
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
Using energy considerations to analyse particle motion
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Position and acceleration in simple harmonic motion given velocity
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
Sliding block hits and compresses a spring
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
Harmonic Motion of a Mass between two springs
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Need help to solve an oscillation problem.
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Energy of particle in simple harmonic motion
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
1K
Initial velocity of bird landing on horizontal wire modeled as spring
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
A piece of clay stuck to a SHM oscillator
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
How Is Potential Energy Converted to Kinetic Energy in Physical Systems?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K