Question

Difficulty: MediumSimple Harmonic Motion

A particle executes simple harmonic motion along a straight line with an angular frequency of 6.0 rad/s6.0\text{ rad/s}. What is the magnitude of the acceleration of the particle, in m/s2\text{m/s}^2, when its displacement from the mean position is 0.50 m0.50\text{ m}?

Answer: 18 m/s^2

Answer

18.0 m/s^2
The magnitude of acceleration in simple harmonic motion is calculated using a=ω2xa = \omega^2 x. Substituting ω=6.0 rad/s\omega = 6.0\text{ rad/s} and x=0.50 mx = 0.50\text{ m} gives a=(6.0)2×0.50=36×0.50=18.0 m/s2a = (6.0)^2 \times 0.50 = 36 \times 0.50 = 18.0\text{ m/s}^2.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the formula relating acceleration to angular frequency and displacement in SHM.
a=ω2xa = \omega^2 x
In simple harmonic motion, the magnitude of acceleration is directly proportional to displacement from the equilibrium position.
2
Substitute the given physical values into the equation.
a=(6.0)2×0.50a = (6.0)^2 \times 0.50
The given values are angular frequency ω=6.0 rad/s\omega = 6.0\text{ rad/s} and displacement x=0.50 mx = 0.50\text{ m}.
3
Compute the numerical product.
a=18.0 m/s2a = 18.0\text{ m/s}^2
Squaring 6.06.0 yields 3636, and multiplying by 0.500.50 gives 18.018.0.

Key Concept

Acceleration in Simple Harmonic Motion
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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