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9702 · 17.2

Energy in simple harmonic motion

Cambridge 9702 Paper 4 — Energy in simple harmonic motion (17.2). Senpai Corner diagram-backed pilot with premium structure and live visuals.

Need to know

What you need to know

  • 17.2 Energy in simple harmonic motion.
  • During SHM, energy is constant exchanged between KE and PE.
  • When one goes up, the other goes down and vice versa.
  • E.g., the PE of a pendulum swing is maximum when it is at the top of the swing whereby it momentarily stops (KE=0) and reverse direction.
  • The KE is maximum at the point of equilibrium (bottom PE=0).
  • Speed (v) is max when displacement x = 0. Hence KE is maximum.

Explanation

Energy in simple harmonic motion

  1. 17.2 Energy in simple harmonic motion.
  2. During SHM, energy is constant exchanged between KE and PE.
  3. When one goes up, the other goes down and vice versa.
  4. E.g., the PE of a pendulum swing is maximum when it is at the top of the swing whereby it momentarily stops (KE=0) and reverse direction.