Physics · Energy in S.H.M.: kinetic and potential energies

A body executes simple harmonic motion. The potential energy (P.E.), the kinetic

A body executes simple harmonic motion. The potential energy (P.E.), the kinetic energy (K.E.) and total energy (T.E.) are measured as a function of time t. Which of the following statements is true. Assume that the particle started at \( t=0 \) at its mean position

  • A. P.E. is maximum when \( t=0 \)
  • B. T.E. is zero when \( t=0 \)
  • C. K.E. is maximum when \( t=0 \)
  • D. K.E. is minimum when t =

Step-by-step solution

In simple harmonic motion, when the particle starts from the mean position at t=0, its displacement is zero and velocity is maximum. Kinetic energy (K.E.) is proportional to the square of velocity, so K.E. is maximum at t=0. Potential energy (P.E.) is zero at the mean position, and total energy (T.E.) remains constant throughout the motion.
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