Figure gives the x-t plot of a particle executing one-dimensional simple harmonic motion. Give the signs of position, velocity and acceleration variables of the particle at t=0.3s,1.2s,−1.2s.
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Solution
For simple harmonic motion (SHM) of a particle, acceleration (a) is given by the relation:
a=−ω2x..............(i)
ω is angular frequency
t=0.3s x is negative. The slope of the x-t plot is also negative. Therefore, both position and velocity are negative. However, using equation (i), acceleration of the particle will be positive. t=1.2s x is positive. The slope of the x-t plot will also be positive. Therefore, both position and velocity are positive. However, using equation (i), acceleration of the particle comes to be negative. t=−1.2s In this time interval, x is negative. The slope of the x-t plot is positive. Hence, the velocity comes to be positive. From equation (i), it can be inferred that the acceleration of the particle will be positive.