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In a simple harmonic oscillation, what fraction of the total mechanical energy is in the form of kinetic energy when the particle is midway between the mean and the extreme position?

Asked in JEE Main 25th July 2nd Shift 2021 · Kinetic, potential and total energy

• (1) 1/4
• (2) 1/2
• (3) 1/3
• (4) 3/4

Step-by-step solution

Why the other options are wrong

• (1) This is the potential-energy fraction at x=A/2, not the kinetic one.
• (2) A half occurs at x=A/(√2), not at A/2.
• (3) 1/3 is the ratio U:K at this point, not the kinetic fraction of the total.

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