If the amplitude of a simple harmonic oscillator is doubled, by what factor does the total energy increase?

a)no change

b)by a factor of two

c)by a factor of four

d)by a factor of eight

Respuesta :

Answer:

c)by a factor of four

Explanation:

The total energy of a simple harmonic oscillator is given by

[tex]E=\frac{1}{2}kA^2[/tex]

where

k is the spring constant of the oscillator

A is the amplitude of the motion

In this problem, the amplitude of the oscillator is doubled, so

A' = 2A

Therefore, the new total energy is

[tex]E'=\frac{1}{2}k(2A)^2=4(\frac{1}{2}kA^2)=4E[/tex]

So, the total energy increases by a factor 4.