Practice question
Question
Which condition must be satisfied for the potential energy in an SHM system to be expressible as a
quadratic function of displacement?
Explanation
**General equation of SHM** x = A sin(ωt + φ) or A cos(ωt + φ) includes amplitude A (m), angular frequency ω = √(k/m) (rad/s) for spring system, and initial phase φ (rad) setting t=0 position. Phase (ωt + φ) determines instantaneous state, phase difference Δφ governs interference of two SHM motions. Potential energy in SHM ( U = (1/2) k x² ) is quadratic when the force is conservative and linear ( F = -kx ), distinguishing SHM from non-linear systems. Applying x = A cos(ωt + φ), v = -ωA sin(ωt + φ), a = -ω²x and E = ½kA² = ½mω²A², result
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