A particle executes SHM of time period T, the time period with which t...
Potential energy is a function of height. Now the motion of a simple pendulum can be expressed in terms of the angle at which the string makes with the normal (the angle it would hang at if it didn't swing.)Now Because the bob of the pendulum is always in motion except at the two turning points where the angle is at a maximum (and even at these points the bob is only motionless at one instant in time but for no inteval) the hight is always changing for every inteval of time and thus the potential energy is always changing.Also the potential energy is the same for all values of the angle that have the same magnatude (independent of the sign.)
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A particle executes SHM of time period T, the time period with which t...
Understanding Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)
In Simple Harmonic Motion, a particle oscillates back and forth around a mean position. The energy of the particle is divided into two components: kinetic energy and potential energy.
Time Period of SHM
- The time period (T) of SHM is the time taken to complete one full oscillation.
- In one complete cycle, both kinetic energy and potential energy vary periodically.
Energy Distribution in SHM
- At the mean position, the kinetic energy is maximum, while potential energy is minimum.
- At the extreme positions (maximum displacement), potential energy is maximum, and kinetic energy is minimum.
Potential Energy Variation
- The potential energy (U) in SHM varies as the particle moves from the mean position to the extremes.
- It reaches its maximum value at the endpoints of the motion (1/4T and 3/4T).
Time Period of Potential Energy Changes
- The potential energy completes a cycle of high to low and back to high within a quarter of the time period of SHM.
- Therefore, the potential energy changes from maximum to minimum and back to maximum in T/2.
Conclusion
- Since potential energy oscillates more quickly than the overall motion (which is represented by T), it effectively has a time period of T/2.
- Thus, the correct answer is option D: T/2.