When the position of a simple harmonic oscillator is equal to A/2, where A is the amplitude, the kinetic energy is A) (3/4)kA² B) (1/4)kA² C) (3/8)kA² D) (1/8)kA² E) (1/2)kA²

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The total energy in SHM is (1/2)kA^2. At x = A/2, potential energy is (1/2)k(A/2)^2 = (1/8)kA^2. Thus, kinetic energy is total energy minus potential energy: (1/2)kA^2 - (1/8)kA^2 = (3/8)kA^2.

When the Position of a Simple Harmonic Oscillator Is Equal