7.4 Energy of Simple Harmonic Oscillators

Describe the mechanical energy of a system exhibiting SHM.

• The total energy of a system exhibiting SHM is the sum of the system’s kinetic and potential energies. Relevant equation: EUtotal =+K
• Conservation of energy indicates that the total energy of a system exhibiting SHM is constant.
• The kinetic energy of a system exhibiting SHM is at a maximum when the system’s potential energy is at a minimum.
• The potential energy of a system exhibiting SHM is at a maximum when the system’s kinetic energy is at a minimum.
  • i. The minimum kinetic energy of a system exhibiting SHM is zero.
  • ii. Changing the amplitude of a system exhibiting SHM will change the maximum potential energy of the system and, therefore, the total energy of the system. Relevant equation for a spring–object system: Ek= 1 total A2 2 TOPIC 7.4 Energy of Simple Harmonic Oscillators