Question

Can the potential energy in a simple harmonic motion be negative? Will it be so if we choose zero potential energy at some point other than the mean position?

Answer 1

Answer ⇒ No, the Potential energy in a simple harmonic motion can never be negative.

Explanation ⇒ From the formula,

Potential energy = U₀ + 1/2kx², where k is the S.H.M. Constant, or Force constant. or Spring Constant.

U₀ is the potential energy at means position, which is taken as zero but it is not always zero.

Now, x may be positive or negative but its square will always be positive.

When U₀ = 0 (At Mean Position),

then U = 1/2 kx²

Hence, potential energy can never be negative.

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But, if some other reference point may be choose where potential energy is zero, then answer may vary, this is because this formula will also not be valid there.

Hope it helps.

Answer 2

No. It can't be negative since a particle performing specific harmonic motion or movement at mean place is zero, with the minimum or lowest potential energy.

Explanation:

• No. It can't be negative since a particle performing specific harmonic motion or movement at mean place is zero, with the minimum or lowest potential energy. Potential energy on the extreme place rises in positive way.
• However, if at some other point or place we select zero potential energy, say extreme place, the potential energy at mean place may be negative.

Potential energy:- The potential energy of a system or a body in relation to the body's position or the situation of the system's particles.

To know more about potential energy, visit:

Define potential energy? Give SI unit? State two factors on which the magnitude of potential energy depends. Give one example for each the change of potential energy due to.

(a) position

(b) configuration of the body

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