I am studying plasma and I am trying to figure out how can the idea of potential energy compare to simple harmonic motion in this regard. And why an oscillating system would have the highest potential energy? Some one help me to understand this conceptually. I think I am supposed to understand simple harmonic motion as it relates to a spring oscillating back and forth.

Question

ookawaiioo · Answer

P.E = potential energy of a spring = 1/2*k*x^2

x= the distance away from the initial position

Think about how this related to a rubberband,the further you pull on it the further it flies in the ar.

anonymous · Answer

How does that relate to plasma oscillating and propagating a wave?

ookawaiioo · Answer

|dw:1377679649949:dw| Look at the highest and lowest point, those points are where the system(rubberband,spring,wave) has the highest potential

anonymous · Answer

didn't get your question. But if you find the answer, don't forget to mention here before closing this question.