Measuring Simple Harmonic Motion

In a system in simple harmonic motion, the amplitude depends on

• frequency.

• wavelength.

• the position of the equilibrium point.

• maximum displacement from the equilibrium point.

In an oscillating mass-spring system, the distance of the maximum compression of the spring is a measure of

• amplitude.

• frequency.

• period.

• equilibrium.

The frequency of a certain pendulum is 0.5 Hz. The period of this pendulum is

• 0.2 s.

• 0.5 s.

• 2 s.

• 5 s

A total of 5 s passes as a child completes one complete swing on a playground swing. The period of the swing is

• 1/5 s.

• 20 s.

• 5 s.

• 1 s.

Which of the following factors has the greatest effect on the frequency of a swinging pendulum?

• friction

• amplitude

• mass

• length

If a given pendulum is moved from Earth to a location where the gravitational acceleration is greater than Earth’s, the frequency of the pendulum’s swing will

• increase.

• decrease.

• be unchanged

• vary with the mass of the bob.

A certain oscillating mass-spring system has a period of 1.2 s with a 1.0 kg mass. What will the period be when a 4.0 kg mass is substituted for the 1.0 kg mass?

• 4.8 s

• 2.4 s

• 0.6 s

• 0.3 s

You have constructed an oscillating mass-spring system for an experiment. In order to increase the frequency of the system, you could

• decrease the initial displacement.

• use a greater mass.

• use a spring with a higher spring constant.

• increase the period of oscillation.

A student builds two pendulums, both 40 cm long. One has a 500 g mass and the other has a 1 kg mass attached. The student starts both pendulums swinging and is surprised to discover that they have identical periods (and frequencies). How could you explain this observation?

• The student did start with a high enough amplitude.

• The period (and frequency) of pendulums depends only on the length.

• The student did start with a high enough angle of displacement.

• The student did start with a large enough displacement.

The _________ is the number of cycles or vibrations per unit of time.

• amplitude

• period

• frequency (f)

• bob