A block oscillating on a spring has a maximum speed of 20 cm/s. What will the block’s maximum speed be if the total energy is doubled? Explain.
Explanation
The total energy (kinetic+ potential) during motion is constant, equal at any displacement.
At x – =, the equilibrium point, where U = 0, v = vmax = 20cm/s, where all the energy is kinetic energy we have:
Answer: 28cm/s.