Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Umax refers to the maximum potential energy stored in a system when an object is displaced from its equilibrium position. It represents the highest point of potential energy before it starts converting into kinetic energy.
Related terms
k (spring constant): The spring constant represents the stiffness or rigidity of a spring. It determines how much force is required to stretch or compress the spring by a certain distance.
A (amplitude): Amplitude refers to the maximum displacement or distance from equilibrium that an object experiences during oscillation.
Potential energy is the stored energy possessed by an object due to its position or condition. In this case, Umax represents the maximum potential energy stored in a system.