Question

A particle is in linear simple harmonic motion between two points, A and B, 10 cm apart. Take the direction from A to B as the positive direction and give the signs of velocity, acceleration and force on the particle when it is

(a) at the end A,

(b) at the end B,

(c) at the mid-point of AB going towards A,

(d) at 2 cm away from B going towards A,

(e) at 3 cm away from A going towards B, and

(f) at 4 cm away from B going towards A.

Answer 1

Concept :- in Simple harmonic motion , velocity of particle at extreme position is zero. And mean position is maximum ±wA . but acceleration in extreme position doesn't zero. acceleration is zero at every mean position ( a = ±w²y) Acceleration of particle always directed towards the mean position .

(a) At A
Velocity = 0
Acceleration → positive
Force → positive

(b) At B
Velocity = 0
Acceleration → negative
Force → negative

(c) at O
velocity → negative
Acceleration = zer0
force = 0

(d) at P1
velocity → negative
Acceleration →negative
Force → negaitve

(e) At P2
Velocity → positive
Acceleration →positive
Force → positive

(f) at P3
Velocity → negative
Acceleration → negative
Force → negative