AP Physics C: Simple Harmonic Motion Review (Mechanics)

The video reviews simple harmonic motion (SHM) as part of the AP Physics C mechanics curriculum. It explains the conditions for SHM, using a mass-spring system as an example. Key equations are derived, including those for acceleration, velocity, and position as functions of time. The video distinguishes between frequency and angular frequency, and discusses phase shifts. Graphical representations of position, velocity, and acceleration are analyzed, and the conservation of mechanical energy in SHM is confirmed. The video concludes with a reminder that SHM is not uniformly accelerated motion.

What is the condition for an object to be in simple harmonic motion?

• The acceleration is constant.

• The velocity is constant.

• The acceleration is proportional to the displacement and directed towards the equilibrium position.

• The displacement is always zero.

In a mass spring system, what does the angular frequency depend on?

• The length of the spring.

• The mass and the spring constant.

• The gravitational force.

• The amplitude of motion.

How is the phase constant used in the equation for position in simple harmonic motion?

• It affects the angular frequency.

• It changes the amplitude.

• It shifts the wave horizontally on the graph.

• It determines the maximum velocity.

What is the maximum velocity of an object in simple harmonic motion?

• Amplitude divided by the mass.

• Angular frequency squared.

• Amplitude times the angular frequency.

• Amplitude times the spring constant.

At which positions is the velocity of a block in a mass spring system zero?

• At any random position.

• At the equilibrium position.

• At the midpoint between maximum displacements.

• At the maximum displacement positions.

What is the nature of the acceleration graph in simple harmonic motion?

• It is a vertical line.

• It is a negative cosine graph.

• It is a horizontal line.

• It is a positive sine graph.

Is simple harmonic motion considered uniformly accelerated motion?

• Yes, because the acceleration is constant.

• No, because the acceleration is not constant.

• Yes, because the velocity is constant.

• No, because the displacement is constant.

Why is mechanical energy conserved in simple harmonic motion?

• Because energy is added by external forces.

• Because energy is dissipated by friction.

• Because no energy is added or removed from the system.

• Because the system is not isolated.

What type of energy does the block have at the equilibrium position in simple harmonic motion?

• Gravitational potential energy.

• Thermal energy.

• Elastic potential energy.

• Kinetic energy.

What is the total mechanical energy of a block at its maximum displacement in simple harmonic motion?

• The sum of kinetic and potential energy.

• Zero, because the block is at rest.

• 1/2 times the mass times the velocity squared.

• 1/2 times the spring constant times the amplitude squared.