Practice question
Question
Which statement best explains why uniform circular motion is not considered oscillatory despite being
periodic?
Explanation
**Angular frequency** ω = 2πf = 2π/T characterizes rapidity, independent of amplitude for SHM. Phase constant φ shifts sine/cosine, allowing any initial condition, e.g., x(0)=0 requires φ=0 for sine form. Displacement, velocity, acceleration share ω but differ in phase by 90° and 180°. Oscillatory motion requires to-and-fro movement about an equilibrium, while uniform circular motion involves continuous rotation without reversing direction. Applying x = A cos(ωt + φ), v = -ωA sin(ωt + φ), a = -ω²x and E = ½kA² = ½mω²A², result It does not involve to-and-fro motion follows, reflecting SHM dependence on amplitude A, ω and system parameters.
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