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Episode 305: Energy in SHM
Qualitatively, students will appreciate that there is a continuous interchange between potential and kinetic energy during SHM. Here, they can also learn about the mathematical basis for calculating energy.
Summary
Demonstration: An experimental displacement-time graph. (10 minutes)
Discussion: Maximum values of quantities in SHM. (15 minutes)
Student questions: Practice with the equations. (30 minutes)
Discussion: Energy changes in SHM. (20 minutes)
Student questions: Energy of a pendulum. (20 minutes)
Demonstration:
An experimental displacement-time graph
Use a ‘water pendulum’ to draw a large displacement-time graph for a pendulum. You could ask a group of students to prepare this in advance and demonstrate it to the class.
Discussion:
Maximum values of quantities in SHM
Refer back to the sin and cos equations for SHM. Show that the maximum values of displacement, velocity and acceleration are given by (the term in front of sin or cos):
- maximum displacement = A
- maximum velocity = Aw
- maximum acceleration = Aw2
- Compare these relationships with the equations for circular motion:
- displacement = r
- velocity = rw
- acceleration = rw2
If you have adopted the ‘auxiliary circle’ approach earlier, the parallels should be clear.
Student questions:
Practice with the equations
It will help to provide some more practice in using the equations and analyzing motion.
Discussion:
Energy changes in SHM
Think about the energy changes in a mechanical oscillator. Recap that, as it passes through its equilibrium position, its speed and hence its kinetic energy are a maximum. At the maximum displacement, the speed and hence the kinetic energy are both zero. The potential energy will be a maximum when the speed is zero and vice versa. Assuming that there is no friction or air drag the total energy input E of the oscillator must remain constant For the mass and spring system, the work done stretching a spring by an amount x is the area under the force extension graph = 1/2 kx2. The PE-extension graph is a parabola. The kinetic energy will be zero at +A and a maximum when x = 0, so its graph is an inverted version of the strain energy graph. At any position kinetic + elastic strain energy is a constant E, where E = KEmax = PEmax. PEmax µ A2, so the total energy E of SHM is proportional to (amplitude) 2. |  |
Draw a graph from x = {–A to +A}, to show kinetic energy, strain energy and total energy. You can also draw graphs of KE and PE against time.
TAP 305-4: Energy flow in an oscillator
Student questions:
Energy of a pendulum
Some useful questions on energy of a pendulum.
TAP 305-5: Energy and pendulums
Download Word version of Episode 305 (264 Kb)
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