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Course: AP®︎/College Physics 1 > Unit 5

Lesson 2: Energy of simple harmonic oscillator
Science
AP®︎/College Physics 1
Simple harmonic motion and rotational motion
Energy of simple harmonic oscillator
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Energy of a simple harmonic oscillator

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Problem

A student sets up the harmonic oscillator in which a mass is attached to a spring with constant k that is attached to a wall. The student pulls the mass a distance x from equilibrium and releases it from rest. The student then measures the maximum speed of the mass during its oscillation and calculates the total mechanical energy, Etotal, of the system. Assume no energy is lost to friction.
If the student changes the initial displacement from x to x2, in terms of Etotal, what will the new mechanical energy of the system be?
Choose 1 answer: