simple harmonic motion, potential energy

[AntonFreeman]

From what I understand in simple harmonic motion, initial state of a spring or pendulum has the maximum potential energy and at equilibrium it has the highest kinetic energy. What I don't get it is potential energy of SHO can be described as U= 1/2kx^2 right? So in a spring, how can it have the highest potential energy when X (distance/amplitude) is zero?

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[Jepstein30]

From what I understand in simple harmonic motion, initial state of a spring or pendulum has the maximum potential energy and at equilibrium it has the highest kinetic energy. What I don't get it is potential energy of SHO can be described as U= 1/2kx^2 right? So in a spring, how can it have the highest potential energy when X (distance/amplitude) is zero?

Could be wrong but I think the spring has highest KE at 0 displacement and highest PE at the amplitude.

 

[milski]

x is displacement from the equilibrium position. Highest potential energy will be when x has the largest absolute value (most far away from the equilibrium position).

 

[AntonFreeman]

it makes sense now. thanks alot