In simple harmonic motion, at what point in the oscillation cycle is the velocity at its maximum magnitude?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. At the equilibrium position (x = 0)
- Step 1: Total mechanical energy E = 0.5mv^2 + 0.5kx^2 is conserved. Step 2. When x = 0, potential energy vanishes, so all energy is kinetic, making velocity v_max = omegaA. Answer: At the equilibrium position (x = 0). Why not the others:* At the turning points x = +/- A, velocity is zero while acceleration is maximized.
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