Unit Six: Simple Harmonic Motion- essentail knowledge

How does the period of a mass-spring oscillator change with mass and spring stiffness?

The period of a mass-spring oscillator increases with mass and decreases with spring stiffness.

How does the period of a simple pendulum change with the length of the pendulum and the gravitational field?

The period of a simple pendulum increases with the length of the pendulum and decreases with the magnitude of the gravitational field.

What is internal energy in a system with internal structure, and how can it change?

Internal energy is the energy associated with the internal structure of a system. Changes in the internal structure can result in changes in internal energy.

How does the work done by a conservative force depend on the path taken?

The work done by a conservative force is independent of the path taken by the object.

What is the difference between work and potential energy in terms of forces acting on a system?

Work describes forces external to the system, while potential energy is associated with internal interactions between parts of the system.

How can changes in internal structure affect potential energy?

Changes in internal structure can result in changes in potential energy, as seen in mass-spring oscillators and objects falling in a gravitational field.

How does potential energy relate to kinetic energy in a closed system?

Since energy is constant in a closed system, changes in potential energy can result in corresponding changes in kinetic energy.

How might the construction of a system constrain changes in potential and kinetic energies?

The specific construction of a system can impose constraints on how potential and kinetic energies can change, potentially limiting the types or magnitudes of energy transformations.