Topic 3 Waves (SHM)

A system that is subject to a restoring force oscillates about an equilibrium position. For the motion to be simple harmonic, the restoring force must be proportional to

• the period of the oscillation

• the amplitude of the oscillation

• the potential energy of the system

• the displacement from the equilibrium position

Answer explanation

Option 4

What is true about the acceleration of a particle that is oscillating with simple harmonic motion (SHM)?

• It is in the opposite direction to its velocity

• It is proportional to the frequency of the oscillation

• It is at a minimum when the velocity is at a maximum

• It is decreasing when the potential energy is increasing

Answer explanation

Option 3

The graph shows the variation with time t of the velocity v of an object

undergoing simple harmonic motion (SHM). At which velocity does the displacement

from the mean position take a maximum positive value?

• A

• B

• C

• D

Answer explanation

D

A particle undergoes simple harmonic motion (SHM). The graph shows the variation of velocity v of the particle with time t. What is the variation with time of the acceleration a of the particle?

• 
• 
• 
• 

Answer explanation

Option 1

In simple harmonic oscillations which two quantities always have opposite directions?

• Kinetic energy and potential energy

• Acceleration and displacement

• Velocity and acceleration

• Velocity and displacement

Answer explanation

Option 2