Question

Which of the following statements is true about a mass, which is attached to a spring and moves with simple harmonic motion on a frictionless horizontal surface?
Choose one answer.
a. The kinetic energy of the mass is maximum at the end positions.
b. The kinetic energy of the mass is maximum at the equilibrium position.
c. The potential energy of the mass is maximum at the equilibrium position.
d. The potential energy of the mass is minimum at the end positions.

Answer 1

Kinetic energy of the mass is related to the square of the velocity of the mass. Therefore to look for the maximum kinetic energy of the mass, we look for the location where the mass has the highest speed (squared). The kinetic energy of the mass is zero at the extreme positions because the velocity is zero there.

Potential energy of the spring is proportional to the square of the displacement from the equilibrium position. It is zero at the equilibrium position.

Make your choice and post for a check if you wish.

Answer 2

The kinetic energy of mass is maximum at the equilibrium position