Oscillations Ques 32

32. A body executes S.H.M with an amplitude $ A$. At what displacement from the mean position is the potential energy of the body is one fourth of its total energy?

[1993]

(a) $A/4$

(b) $A/2$

(c) $3A/4$

(d) Some other fraction of $A$.

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Answer:

Correct Answer: 32.(b)

Solution:

  1. (b) $P \cdot E=\frac{1}{2} m \omega^{2} x^{2}$.

Total energy $E=\frac{1}{2} m \omega^{2} A^{2}$

P.E. $=\frac{1}{4} E \Rightarrow \frac{1}{2} m \omega^{2} x^{2}=\frac{1}{8} m \omega^{2} A^{2}$

$\therefore x=\frac{1}{2} A$.