2021 OscillationsEnergy in Simple Harmonic Motion Medium Question 2 of 6 in Energy in Simple Harmonic Motion

A body is executing simple harmonic motion with frequency $n$, the frequency of its potential energy is:

A $2n$
B $3n$
C $4n$
D $n$

The answer is A.

Solution

Displacement in SHM of frequency n: $x = A\sin(2\pi nt)$ $U = \frac{1}{2}kx^2 = \frac{1}{2}kA^2\sin^2(2\pi nt) = \frac{1}{2}kA^2\left[\frac{1 - \cos(2\pi(2n)t)}{2}\right]$ So the frequency of potential energy = 2n.

Concept frequency of potential energy

Energy in Simple Harmonic Motion in past papers

6 questions from this chapter have appeared across 5 exam years.