9702 · 17.2
Energy in simple harmonic motion
In **Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)**, an object oscillates rhythmically, but what drives this motion? It's all about **energy interconversion**! We'll explore how **kinetic energy (KE)** and **potential energy (PE)** continuously swap roles, maintaining a constant **total mechanical energy** in ideal systems. Get ready to visualise the energy dynamics of SHM, from ideal cases to the real-world effects of **damping** and **resonance**. This pilot aligns with **Senpai Corner** A Level notes (2025–2027) for topic **17.2**.
Need to know
What you need to know
- 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
- 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).