An object undergoes simple harmonic motion. When it momentarily passes through the equilibrium position, which statement is true about its potential energy U and kirnetic energy K? minimum U, maximum K, maximum U, minimum K, O minimum U, minimum K, maximum U, maximum K,

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Chapter1: Units, Trigonometry. And Vectors
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**Question:**

An object undergoes simple harmonic motion. When it momentarily passes through the equilibrium position, which statement is true about its potential energy \( U \) and kinetic energy \( K \)?

- \( \circ \) minimum \( U \), maximum \( K \)
- \( \circ \) maximum \( U \), minimum \( K \)
- \( \circ \) minimum \( U \), minimum \( K \)
- \( \circ \) maximum \( U \), maximum \( K \)

**Explanation for Educational Website:**

In simple harmonic motion, an object oscillates back and forth through an equilibrium position. At the equilibrium position, the object's potential energy \( U \) is at a minimum because it is at the lowest point in the potential energy curve. At the same time, the object’s kinetic energy \( K \) is at a maximum because it is moving the fastest. Therefore, the correct statement is "minimum \( U \), maximum \( K \)." 

This reflects the energy conservation principle where the total mechanical energy (sum of kinetic and potential energy) remains constant, assuming no external forces such as friction.
Transcribed Image Text:**Question:** An object undergoes simple harmonic motion. When it momentarily passes through the equilibrium position, which statement is true about its potential energy \( U \) and kinetic energy \( K \)? - \( \circ \) minimum \( U \), maximum \( K \) - \( \circ \) maximum \( U \), minimum \( K \) - \( \circ \) minimum \( U \), minimum \( K \) - \( \circ \) maximum \( U \), maximum \( K \) **Explanation for Educational Website:** In simple harmonic motion, an object oscillates back and forth through an equilibrium position. At the equilibrium position, the object's potential energy \( U \) is at a minimum because it is at the lowest point in the potential energy curve. At the same time, the object’s kinetic energy \( K \) is at a maximum because it is moving the fastest. Therefore, the correct statement is "minimum \( U \), maximum \( K \)." This reflects the energy conservation principle where the total mechanical energy (sum of kinetic and potential energy) remains constant, assuming no external forces such as friction.
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