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Energy in Simple Harmonic Motion

The total energy that a particle possesses while performing simple harmonic motion is energy in simple harmonic motion. Take a pendulum for example. When it is at its mean position, it is at rest. When it moves towards its extreme position, it is in motion and as soon as it reaches its extreme position, it comes to rest again. Therefore, in order to calculate the energy in simple harmonic motion, we need to calculate the kinetic and potential energy that the particle possesses.

Kinetic Energy (K.E.) in S.H.M

Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by an object when it is in motion. Let’s learn how to calculate the kinetic energy of an object. Consider a particle with mass m performing simple harmonic motion along a path AB. Let O be its mean position. Therefore, OA = OB = a.
The instantaneous velocity of the particle performing S.H.M.  at a distance x from the mean position is given by
v= ±ω √a2 – x2 
∴  v= ω2 ( a – x2) 
∴ Kinetic energy= 1/2 mv = 1/2 m ω2 ( a – x2) 
As, k/m = ω 
∴ k = m ω2 
Kinetic energy= 1/2 k ( a – x2) . The equations Ia and Ib can both be used for calculating the kinetic energy of the particle. 
Potential Energy(P.E.) of Particle Performing S.H.M.
Potential energy is the energy possessed by the particle when it is at rest. Let’s learn how to calculate the potential energy of a particle performing S.H.M. Consider a particle of mass m performing simple harmonic motion at a distance x from its mean position. You know the restoring force acting on the particle is F= -kx where k is the force constant.
Now, the particle is given further infinitesimal displacement dx against the restoring force F. Let the work done to displace the particle be dw. Therefore, The work done dw during the displacement is
dw = – fdx = – (- kx)dx = kxdx 
Therefore, the total work done to displace the particle now from 0 to x is 
∫dw=  ∫kxdx = k ∫x dx 
Hence Total work done = 1/2 K x2 = 1/2 m ω2x2 
The total work done here is stored in the form of potential energy. 
Therefore Potential energy = 1/2 kx2 = 1/2 m ω2x2 
Equations IIa and IIb are equations of potential energy of the particle. Thus, potential energy is directly proportional to the square of the displacement, that is P.E. α x2. 

Total Energy in Simple Harmonic Motion (T.E.)

The total energy in simple harmonic motion is the sum of its potential energy and kinetic energy.
Thus, T.E. = K.E. + P.E.  = 1/2  k ( a – x2) + 1/2 K x= 1/2 k a2 
Hence, T.E.= E = 1/2 m ω2a2 
Equation III is the equation of total energy in a simple harmonic motion of a particle performing the simple harmonic motion. As ω, aare constants, the total energy in the simple harmonic motion of a particle performing simple harmonic motion remains constant. Therefore, it is independent of displacement x. 
As ω= 2πf , E= 1/2 m ( 2πf )2a 
∴ E=  2mπ22a2 
As 2 and πconstants, we have T.E. ∼ m, T.E. ∼ f 2, and T.E. ∼ a2 
Thus, the total energy in the simple harmonic motion of a particle is: 

  • Directly proportional to its mass
  • Directly proportional to the square of the frequency of oscillations and
  • Directly proportional to the square of the amplitude of oscillation.

The law of conservation of energy states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed. Therefore,  the total energy in simple harmonic motion will always be constant. However, kinetic energy and potential energy are interchangeable. Given below is the graph of kinetic and potential energy vs instantaneous displacement.
Energy in Simple Harmonic Motion | Physics for JAMB

In the graph, we can see that,

  • At the mean position, the total energy in simple harmonic motion is purely kinetic and at the extreme position, the total energy in simple harmonic motion is purely potential energy.
  • At other positions, kinetic and potential energies are interconvertible and their sum is equal to  1/2 k a2.
  • The nature of the graph is parabolic.

Solved Question

Q: At the mean position, the total energy in simple harmonic motion is  ________
(a) purely kinetic      
(b) purely potential      
(c) zero        
(d) None of the above

Ans: (a)
Solution: At the mean position, the velocity of the particle in S.H.M. is maximum and displacement is minimum, that is, x=0. Therefore, P.E. =1/2 K x= 0 and K.E. =  1/2  k ( a – x2) =  1/2  k ( a – o2) = 1/2  ka2. Thus, the total energy in simple harmonic motion is purely kinetic.

The document Energy in Simple Harmonic Motion | Physics for JAMB is a part of the JAMB Course Physics for JAMB.
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FAQs on Energy in Simple Harmonic Motion - Physics for JAMB

1. What is simple harmonic motion?
Ans. Simple harmonic motion refers to the repetitive back-and-forth movement of an object about its equilibrium position. It occurs when the restoring force acting on the object is directly proportional to the object's displacement from the equilibrium position and is directed towards the equilibrium position.
2. How is energy related to simple harmonic motion?
Ans. In simple harmonic motion, the total mechanical energy of the system remains constant. It is the sum of the kinetic energy and the potential energy. As the object oscillates, its energy continuously converts between kinetic and potential energy, but the total energy remains constant.
3. What is the formula for calculating the potential energy in simple harmonic motion?
Ans. The formula for calculating the potential energy in simple harmonic motion is given by the equation U = (1/2)kx^2, where U represents the potential energy, k is the spring constant, and x is the displacement from the equilibrium position.
4. How does the amplitude affect the energy in simple harmonic motion?
Ans. The amplitude of the oscillation in simple harmonic motion does not affect the total energy of the system. The amplitude only determines the maximum displacement from the equilibrium position, but it does not influence the energy conversion between kinetic and potential energy.
5. Can the energy in simple harmonic motion ever be negative?
Ans. No, the energy in simple harmonic motion is always positive or zero. The kinetic energy and potential energy can vary, but their sum, which is the total mechanical energy, cannot be negative.
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