Classical Dynamics of Particles and Systems · Problem 3-4

Nonlinear Oscillations and Chaos — Marion & Thornton

Physics — Mechanics · simple-harmonic-oscillator-energy

Problem

Consider a simple harmonic oscillator. Calculate the time averages of the kinetic and potential energies over one cycle, and show that these quantities are equal. Why is this a reasonable result? Next calculate the space averages of the kinetic and potential energies. Discuss the results.

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