Exam-style question
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Explain how energy changes during oscillation in a simple harmonic motion system, such as a mass-spring system.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- In a mass-spring system undergoing simple harmonic motion, the energy oscillates between kinetic energy and elastic potential energy.
- At the maximum displacement, the energy is entirely potential, while at the equilibrium position, it is entirely kinetic.
Explanation
Why this works
This question assesses the understanding of energy transformations in simple harmonic motion. The answer highlights the interchange between kinetic and potential energy, demonstrating a clear grasp of the concept of energy conservation in oscillatory systems.
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