Question

A particle performs linear SHM of amplitude 10 cm. At what displacement of the particle from its mean position will the potential energy (PE) of the particle be 1 % of the maximum PE ?

Answer 1

PE = 1/2kx² and (PE)_max = 1/2kA²

\(\therefore\) \(\frac{PE}{(PE)_{max}}\) = \((\frac xA)^2\)

\(\therefore\) \(\frac1{100}\)= \((\frac x{10\,cm})^2\)

\(\therefore\) x² = 1 cm²

\(\therefore\) x = ±  1 cm is the required displacement.