Key relationship
E=½kA²; U=½kx²; K=E−U.
Physics · Class 11
Track energy through one oscillation
At turning points the oscillator stores all energy as spring potential energy. At equilibrium it has maximum kinetic energy. Their sum stays constant even though each part changes twice during a complete oscillation.
Open the interactive experiment →Track energy through one oscillation
முனைகளில் நிலை ஆற்றல் அதிகம்; சமநிலை நிலையில் இயக்க ஆற்றல் அதிகம். இரண்டு ஆற்றல்களின் கூட்டுத்தொகை மாறாது.
Key notes, relationships and model limits
Remember
At turning points the oscillator stores all energy as spring potential energy. At equilibrium it has maximum kinetic energy. Their sum stays constant even though each part changes twice during a complete oscillation.
Common trap
Energy returns twice per oscillation to the same partition, while signed displacement does not.
Model limits
Ideal frictionless mass–spring SHM with constant total mechanical energy. Bars show energy amounts at the current phase, using a common scale.
What you will learn
Relate oscillator position to the exchange of kinetic and potential energy.
Try the experiment
Try both scenarios, change one control, and predict the result before checking the graph and readouts.
Think of it this way
Change one input while keeping the others fixed, as you would in a controlled experiment.
Worked example
With k=10 N/m and A=0.2 m, total energy=0.2 J. At x=A/2, U=0.05 J and K=0.15 J.
Why this matters
The model connects track energy through one oscillation with an observable reading. Check the equation and assumptions before applying it.
Before you start
SI units · algebra · graph reading
Check your understanding
Where is SHM kinetic energy greatest?
- At either turning point
- At the equilibrium position
- At every position equally
Read the explanation
At x=0 the spring potential energy is zero and K equals total energy.
Course connection: Class XI Chapter 13. Consult the roadmap for CBSE, NEET, JEE Main and Advanced scope.