Final answer:
In simple harmonic motion, the maximum speed of the glider is reached at the equilibrium position, where all potential energy is converted into kinetic energy. The magnitude of the maximum acceleration of the glider can be calculated using the formula a = (k/m)A. The glider's acceleration is maximum at the extreme points and zero at the equilibrium position. The total mechanical energy of the glider at any point in its motion is the sum of its potential energy and kinetic energy.
Step-by-step explanation:
In simple harmonic motion, the maximum speed of the glider is reached when it is at the equilibrium position, where the restoring force provided by the spring is at its maximum. At this point, all the potential energy is converted into kinetic energy. Using the formula for velocity in simple harmonic motion, we can calculate the maximum speed as v = √(k/m)A, where k is the force constant of the spring, m is the mass of the glider, and A is the amplitude of the motion.
When the glider is at the equilibrium position, its speed is zero. As it moves away from the equilibrium position, the speed increases, reaching the maximum at the equilibrium position, and then decreases as it moves back towards the other extreme.
The magnitude of the maximum acceleration of the glider can be calculated using the formula a = (k/m)A, where a is the acceleration, k is the force constant, m is the mass, and A is the amplitude of the motion.
The acceleration of the glider at any point in its motion depends on its position. It is maximum when the glider is at the extreme points, and zero when it is at the equilibrium position.
The total mechanical energy of the glider at any point in its motion is the sum of its potential energy and kinetic energy. The potential energy is given by U = (1/2)kx^2, where U is the potential energy, k is the force constant, and x is the displacement from the equilibrium position. The kinetic energy is given by K = (1/2)mv^2, where K is the kinetic energy, m is the mass, and v is the velocity.