A particle of mass m oscillates with simple harmonic motion between points x₁ and x₂, the equilibrium position being O. Its potential energy is plotted. It will be as given below:
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Question

A particle of mass m oscillates with simple harmonic motion between points x₁ and x₂, the equilibrium position being O. Its potential energy is plotted. It will be as given below:

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Step 1: For a linear restoring force F = −kx, potential energy relative to the mean position is U(x) = ½kx². Step 2: This function is nonnegative for all x and is smallest, U = 0, at equilibrium x = 0. Step 3: The graph is symmetric about the energy axis and opens upward (a U-shaped parabola). Step 4: Among the given plots, option (A) has this shape. Final answer: (A) Image 1.