In simple harmonic motion, the magnitude of the acceleration is greatest when:
A)the displacement is zero
B)the displacement is maximum
C)the speed is maximum
D)the force is zero
E)the speed is between zero and its maximum

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The acceleration in simple harmonic motion is given by the equation a = -ω^2x, where ω is the angular frequency and x is the displacement from equilibrium. This means that the acceleration is directly proportional to the displacement, so it is greatest when the displacement is maximum, which is at the turning points of the motion. At these points, the speed is zero, but the acceleration is at its maximum.

In Simple Harmonic Motion, the Magnitude of the Acceleration Is