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Jason Ko
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For the horizontal case of SHM, we only need to consider KE and EPE. But should we also take GPE into consideration when we are dealing with a vertical case?
Not necessarily. The equilibrium length of a spring will increase if a mass is hanging vertically. But, the period of oscillation is unaffected. It depends only on the mass and the spring constant.Jason Ko said:For the horizontal case of SHM, we only need to consider KE and EPE. But should we also take GPE into consideration when we are dealing with a vertical case?
Thks a lotPeroK said:Not necessarily. The equilibrium length of a spring will increase if a mass is hanging vertically. But, the period of oscillation is unaffected. It depends only on the mass and the spring constant.
If you do the maths, you'll see where the GPE cancels out.
Or, simply Google for SHM mass spring system. There's a good explanation on phys.libretexts.org.