The energy of a simple harmonic oscillation depends upon the
- A. Frequency
- B. Time period
- C. Wavelength
- D. Amplitude
Explanation
This is the option marked correct in the official UHS answer key, and the total energy of a simple harmonic oscillator is proportional to the square of the amplitude, so doubling the amplitude quadruples the energy. Strictly the energy also depends on the square of the frequency, since the expression is half m omega squared A squared, but amplitude is the variable the question is pointing at. The energy stays constant through the cycle, merely exchanging between kinetic and potential forms.