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PHY 104 Oscillatory Motion Objective Question
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Question

The acceleration of an object in Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) is given by a(t) = -ω²x(t). What does the negative sign in this equation indicate?
Options
A The acceleration is always away from the origin.
B The acceleration is constant.
C The acceleration is always towards the origin.
Correct Answer
D The acceleration is zero at all times.
Correct Answer

Option C is the correct answer.

Detailed Explanation

Page 6, after equation 7b, explains that 'The negative sign means that if x > 0 then a < 0, and if x < 0 then a > 0. This means that the acceleration is always towards the origin.'

Hint

Consider the direction of acceleration relative to displacement in SHM.

Question Info

Course: PHY 104
Topic: Oscillatory Motion
Type: Objective
Difficulty: Not specified
Question 241 of 947
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