For what displacement the P.E becomes 1/4 of its maximum value ?
Correct answer: B. x = x'/2
- A. x = x'
- B. x = x'/2
- C. x = x'/4
- D. x = x(2)'/2
Explanation
In SHM, potential energy is PE = 1/2 kx², while its maximum value occurs at displacement x'. Setting 1/2 kx² = 1/4(1/2 kx'²) gives x² = x'²/4, so the magnitude of displacement is x = x'/2. The likely mistake is choosing x = x'/4 by treating potential energy as directly proportional to displacement rather than to its square.
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