If the amplitude of a simple harmonic oscillator is increased, what happens to i

Practice Questions

Q1
If the amplitude of a simple harmonic oscillator is increased, what happens to its total energy? (2021)
  1. Increases
  2. Decreases
  3. Remains the same
  4. Becomes zero

Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions

If the amplitude of a simple harmonic oscillator is increased, what happens to its total energy? (2021)
  • Step 1: Understand what a simple harmonic oscillator is. It is a system that moves back and forth in a regular pattern, like a swinging pendulum or a mass on a spring.
  • Step 2: Know that the total energy (E) of a simple harmonic oscillator is calculated using the formula E = (1/2)kA², where 'k' is a constant related to the system and 'A' is the amplitude.
  • Step 3: Recognize that amplitude (A) is the maximum distance the oscillator moves from its rest position.
  • Step 4: If the amplitude (A) increases, you need to look at the formula E = (1/2)kA². Notice that A is squared in the formula.
  • Step 5: Understand that squaring a larger number (increased amplitude) results in a much larger value. This means that as A increases, A² increases significantly.
  • Step 6: Since E is directly proportional to A², if A increases, E also increases.
  • Step 7: Conclude that increasing the amplitude of a simple harmonic oscillator leads to an increase in its total energy.
  • Total Energy in Simple Harmonic Motion – The total energy of a simple harmonic oscillator is directly proportional to the square of its amplitude.
  • Amplitude and Energy Relationship – An increase in amplitude leads to an increase in total energy, as energy is proportional to the square of the amplitude.
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