Periodic Motion

An object on the end of a spring is oscillating in simple harmonic motion. If the amplitude of oscillation is doubled, how does this affect the oscillation period T and the object’s maximum speed v_max?

• T and v_max both double.

• T remains the same and v_max doubles.

• T and v_max both remain the same.

• T doubles and v_max remains the same.

This is an x-t graph for an object in simple harmonic motion. At which of the following times does the object have the most negative velocity v_x?

• t = T/4

• t = T/2

• t = 3T/4

• t = T

This is an x-t graph for an object in simple harmonic motion. At which of the following times does the object have the most negative acceleration a_x?

• t = T/4

• t = T/2

• t = 3T/4

• t = T

This is an a_x-t graph for an object in simple harmonic motion. At which of the following times does the object have the most negative velocity v_x?

• t = 0.10 s

• t = 0.15 s

• t = 0.20 s

• t = 0.25 s

This is an x-t graph for an object connected to a spring and moving in simple harmonic motion. At which of the following times is the kinetic energy of the object the greatest?

• t = T/8

• t = T/4

• t = T/2

• t = 3T/8

The force on a damped oscillator is F_x = –kx – bv_x. During its motion, the oscillator loses mechanical energy most rapidly

• when it is at maximum positive displacement.

• when it is at maximum negative displacement.

• when it is passing through the equilibrium position.

• when it is at either maximum positive or maximum negative displacement.

• Misleading question—the oscillator loses mechanical energy at the same rate at all times during the motion