Question

Draw a labelled diagram of the
potential energy function for a simple
harmonic oscillator.

Answer 1

Explanation

• If the maximum amplitude of the motion is A (m) & the spring constant is k, then the maximum potential energy is at there which is $\small \frac{1}{2}kA^2$ .
• $\qquad\qquad \begin{aligned} \small PE &= \small \frac{1}{2}kA^2 \to y=ax^2 \end{aligned}$
• A parabolic shaped graph is the result.