Energy Transformation in SHM

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About This MicroSim

This animated visualization shows how energy continuously transforms between kinetic and potential forms during simple harmonic motion, while total mechanical energy remains constant.

Energy in SHM

• Kinetic Energy: KE = ½mv²
• Potential Energy: PE = ½kx²
• Total Energy: E = ½kA² (constant!)

Key Observations

• At maximum displacement (x = ±A): PE is maximum, KE = 0
• At equilibrium (x = 0): KE is maximum, PE = 0
• Total energy stays constant (horizontal dashed line)
• Energy "sloshes" back and forth between KE and PE

Controls

• Amplitude slider: Change maximum displacement (affects total energy)
• Spring k slider: Change spring constant (affects total energy)
• Pause/Start: Control the animation

Lesson Plan

Discussion Questions

1. What happens to total energy if you double the amplitude?
2. Why is KE zero at maximum displacement?
3. How does the spring constant affect the energy?