Wave

[Temperature101]

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A block attached to the end of a horizontal spring oscillates on a frictionless surface with amplitude A. When the block is A / 2 from its equilibrium position, what fraction of its total mechanical energy is kinetic.

A. 1/4

B. 1/2

C. 3/4

D. Cannot be determined

Answer: C

 

[N1st]

A block attached to the end of a horizontal spring oscillates on a frictionless surface with amplitude A. When the block is A / 2 from its equilibrium position, what fraction of its total mechanical energy is kinetic.

A. 1/4

B. 1/2

C. 3/4

D. Cannot be determined

Answer: C

The potential energy of the spring is 1/2 k x^2. So, if you are at half the amplitude, you've only got 1/4 of the potential energy that you would get at the full amplitude. The rest (3/4) has to be kinetic.