Energy in SHM: In simple harmonic motion, the speed is greatest at that point in the cycle when
A) the magnitude of the acceleration is a maximum.
B) the displacement is a maximum.
C) the magnitude of the acceleration is a minimum.
D) the potential energy is a maximum.
E) the kinetic energy is a minimum.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In simple harmonic motion (SHM), the speed is greatest at the equilibrium position, where the displacement is zero and thus the potential energy is at its minimum. At this point, the magnitude of the acceleration is also at its minimum because acceleration in SHM is proportional to displacement (a = -ω²x). The kinetic energy is at its maximum at this point, not the minimum, making the other options incorrect.

Energy in SHM: in Simple Harmonic Motion, the Speed Is