In simple harmonic motion, what happens to the velocity of the object ...
Understanding Extreme Positions in Simple Harmonic Motion
In simple harmonic motion (SHM), an object moves back and forth around an equilibrium position. The extreme positions are the farthest points the object reaches from this equilibrium.
Velocity at Extreme Positions
- When the object reaches its extreme position, it momentarily comes to a stop.
- At this point, all the energy is potential energy, and the kinetic energy is at its minimum.
- Since velocity is directly related to kinetic energy, when kinetic energy is zero, velocity must also be zero.
Key Points to Remember
- The extreme positions in SHM are where the displacement is maximum (either positive or negative).
- The restoring force acting on the object is also at its maximum at these positions, attempting to pull the object back towards equilibrium.
- As the object moves towards the extreme position, its speed decreases, and at the extreme point, the speed (and hence, the velocity) becomes zero.
Conclusion
- Therefore, the correct answer is option 'B': The velocity becomes zero when the object reaches its extreme position in simple harmonic motion.
This understanding is crucial in analyzing SHM, as it helps in predicting the behavior of oscillating systems.
In simple harmonic motion, what happens to the velocity of the object ...
In simple harmonic motion, when the object reaches its extreme position, its velocity becomes zero. This occurs because the object momentarily stops before changing direction.