Question

An object–spring system undergoes simple harmonic motion. If the amplitude increases but the mass of the object is not changed, the total energy of the system:______.a. undergoes a sinusoidal change. b. decreases exponentially. c. decreases. d. doesn't change. e. increases.

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct answer is:

doesn't change (d)

Explanation:

The total energy in a system is the sum of Kinetic and Potential energies in a system, assuming that energy is not lost to an external procedure. Now, let us define what potential and kinetic energies are:

Potential Energy: this is energy at rest or stored energy

Kinetic Energy: this is energy in motion

In a simple harmonic motion of a mass-spring system, there is no dissipative force, hence the total energy is equal to the potential and kinetic energies. The total energy is not changed rather, it varies between potential and kinetic energies depending on the point at which the mass is. The kinetic energy is greatest at the point of lowest amplitude (highest velocity) and lowest at the point of greatest amplitude (lowest velocity), while potential energy is greatest at the point of highest amplitude (lowest velocity) and lowest at the point of smallest amplitude ( highest velocity). However, at every point, the sum of kinetic and potential energies equals total energy.