The figure shows a graph of the position x as a function of time t for a system undergoing simple harmonic motion.Which one of the following graphs represents the velocity of this system as a function of time?

A)graph a
B)graph b
C)graph c
D)graph d

Question

The figure shows a graph of the position x as a function of time t for a system undergoing simple harmonic motion.Which one of the following graphs represents the velocity of this system as a function of time?

A)graph a 
B)graph b 
C)graph c 
D)graph d

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The velocity of a system undergoing simple harmonic motion is the derivative of its position with respect to time. This means that the velocity is zero at the extremes of the motion (where the position curve crosses the horizontal axis) and is greatest when the position curve is passing through its midpoint (where the position curve has its maximum slope). Graph B shows a curve with these properties, indicating that it represents the velocity of the system.

The Figure Shows a Graph of the Position X as a Function