Understanding Phase Shift in Simple Harmonic Motion

What does the phase in simple harmonic motion determine?

• The frequency of the wave

• The starting point of the oscillation in the cycle

• The amplitude of the wave

• The speed of the wave

In a cosine wave with a phase shift of zero radians, where is the wave at time equals zero?

• At a quarter cycle

• At the midpoint

• At its maximum position

• At its minimum position

How is a phase shift of 0.785 radians represented in terms of a cycle?

• Three quarters of a cycle

• One eighth of a cycle

• One half of a cycle

• One quarter of a cycle

What is the phase shift in radians for a wave that is shifted by one quarter of a cycle?

• 0.785 radians

• 1.57 radians

• 3.14 radians

• 2.0 radians

How does a positive phase shift affect the peak of a wave compared to a phase shift of zero?

• The peak is at the midpoint

• The peak is later than expected

• The peak is earlier than expected

• The peak is at the same position