📚 Simple Harmonic Motion Amplitude & Energy
Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) describes the oscillating movement of an object where the restoring force is directly proportional to the displacement. Amplitude, the maximum displacement from the equilibrium position, is intrinsically linked to the energy of the system. When the total energy of a SHM system increases, the amplitude of the oscillation also increases, and vice-versa. This activity explores this relationship practically, allowing you to visualize and understand how energy dictates the extent of motion in SHM. Think of it like a swing - the harder you push (more energy), the higher it goes (greater amplitude)!
🧮 Part A: Vocabulary
Match the following terms with their correct definitions:
| Term |
Definition |
| 1. Amplitude |
A. The energy due to motion. |
| 2. Kinetic Energy |
B. The maximum displacement from the equilibrium position. |
| 3. Potential Energy |
C. The total energy of a system remains constant if no external forces act. |
| 4. Total Energy |
D. The energy stored in a system due to its position or condition. |
| 5. Conservation of Energy |
E. The sum of kinetic and potential energy in a system. |
(Match: 1-B, 2-A, 3-D, 4-E, 5-C)
✏️ Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following paragraph with the correct words:
In Simple Harmonic Motion, the ______ is directly related to the total ______. As the total energy of the system ______, the amplitude also increases. At the equilibrium position, the kinetic energy is ______ while the potential energy is ______. Conversely, at maximum displacement (amplitude), the potential energy is ______ and the kinetic energy is ______.
(Answers: amplitude, energy, increases, maximum, minimum, maximum, minimum)
🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking
Explain how increasing the initial potential energy of a mass-spring system affects its amplitude and total energy. Use the concept of conservation of energy in your explanation.