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Unit 7: Oscillations

Energy of Simple Harmonic Oscillators

Track kinetic and potential energy through an SHM cycle, use E = ½kA² to find speeds and amplitudes, and predict what changing the amplitude does.

Topic 7.4 · 8 min read

This lesson comes with the AP Physics C: Mechanics plan

In this lesson

  1. 01Total energy is kinetic plus potential, and it stays constant
  2. 02Where kinetic and potential energy peak
  3. 03Amplitude sets the energy
  4. 04Hanging springs and pendulums
  5. 05Worked examples
  6. 06Where students lose points
  7. 07On the exam

The first units’ lessons are free. The plan opens every lesson, every practice question with worked solutions, your study plan and calendar, for $14.49 a month. Cancel any time.

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