Exam-style question
Try this first
In a simple harmonic oscillator, if the displacement is at its maximum, what can be said about the velocity and acceleration of the object?.
- A.Velocity is maximum, acceleration is zero.
- B.Velocity is zero, acceleration is maximum.
- C.Both velocity and acceleration are zero.
- D.Both velocity and acceleration are maximum.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- Velocity is zero, acceleration is maximum.
Explanation
Why this works
At maximum displacement, the object momentarily stops, resulting in zero velocity, while the acceleration is at its maximum due to the restoring force acting towards the equilibrium position.
Common mistake
No common mistake is linked to this question yet.