Exam-style question
Try this first
Which of the following statements about the energy changes during simple harmonic motion is correct?.
- A.Kinetic energy is maximum at maximum displacement.
- B.Potential energy is maximum at the equilibrium position.
- C.Total mechanical energy remains constant throughout the motion.
- D.Kinetic energy is zero at the equilibrium position.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- Total mechanical energy remains constant throughout the motion.
Explanation
Why this works
The evidence shows that in SHM, energy oscillates between kinetic and potential forms, but the total mechanical energy remains constant if no external forces act on the system. This implies that energy conservation is a key principle in SHM, leading to the conclusion that the system's total energy does not change over time.
Common mistake
No common mistake is linked to this question yet.