Practice question
Question
In an oscillatory system, if the displacement and acceleration are always in opposite directions, what
type of motion is exhibited?
Explanation
**Distinction between periodic and oscillatory** clarifies all SHM is periodic but not all periodic is SHM. SHM requires linear restoring force and inertia, a ∝ -x, with ω = √(k/m). Functions like sin²ωt have period π/ω but lack a = -ω² x, thus periodic not SHM, while uniform circular motion is periodic without linear oscillation. In SHM, acceleration ( a = -ω² x ) is always opposite to displacement, a hallmark of harmonic motion due to the restoring force. Applying x = A cos(ωt + φ), v = -ωA sin(ωt + φ), a = -ω²x and E = ½kA² = ½mω²A², result Simple harmonic motion
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