Solved UPSC CDS/OTA Question
A solved UPSC CDS/OTA PYQ — decoded step-by-step.
Solve it the standard way once — then learn the shortcut.
Q · OscillationMedium · 45s
Which of the following is true about the total mechanical energy of a particle executing simple harmonic motion (SHM)?
TopicOscillation
Question Typemultiple choice
DifficultyMedium
Marking+1 / −0.33
Test Duration30 min
Step-by-Step Solution
The complete worked solution.
Every step explained — no skipped algebra.
In SHM, the total mechanical energy (sum of kinetic and potential energy) remains constant throughout the motion. It depends only on the amplitude of oscillation and is independent of the particle’s position at any instant.
Final Answer: Option D — It remains constant and depends only on the amplitude.