Question

For a particle executing SHM the displacement x is given by x = A cos $\omega t$. Identify the graph which represents the variation of potential energy (PE) as a function of time t and displacement x.

• A. I, III
• B. II, IV
• C. II, III
• D. I, IV

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Potential energy, $U =\frac{1}{2} m \omega^{2} x ^{2}=\frac{1}{2} m \omega^{2} A ^{2} \cos ^{2} \omega t$
On plotting a graph between potential energy U and time t, we shall get a curve
II and graph between $U$ and $x$ we shall get curve IV.