When the displacement of a simple harmonic oscillator is one third of its amplitude, the ratio of total energy to the kinetic energy is x/8, where x = _________.

Question

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Total energy, E = ½kA² At displacement, x₀ = A/3 Potential energy, U = ½k(A/3)² = E/9 Kinetic energy, K = E - U = E - E/9 = 8E/9 Therefore, Total energy / Kinetic energy = E/(8E/9) = 9/8 Given ratio = x/8, x = 9