18.4- APPLICATIONS OF SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

Question 1

For an oscillating object, where does the resultant force acting on it act towards?

Answer 1

towards equilibrium position

Question 2

What is the resultant force acting on an oscillating object described as?

Answer 2

restoring force

Question 3

Whys is the resultant force acting on an oscillating object described as a restoring force?

Answer 3

as it always acts towards equilibrium

Question 4

As long as the restoring force is proportional to the displacement from equilibrium, what is proportional to what and where does it act towards?

Answer 4

acceleration proportional to displacement + always acts towards equilibrium

Question 5

As the restoring force is proportional to the displacement from equilibrium, and so acceleration is proportional to displacement + always acts towards equilibrium, what does the object oscillate with?

Answer 5

simple harmonic motion

Question 6

Using two stretched strings and a trolley, how can the frequency of oscillations of the trolley be changed? (2)

Answer 6

by loading trolley with extra mass or by replacing springs with springs of different stiffness

Question 7

How is frequency of oscillation reduced by adding extra mass?

Answer 7

as extra mass increases inertia of system
at given displacement, trolley would be slower than if extra mass had not been added
so each cycle of oscillation would take longer

Question 8

How is frequency of oscillation reduced by using weaker springs?

Answer 8

restoring force on trolley at any given displacement would be less, so trolleys acceleration + speed at any given displacement would be less
so each cycle of oscillation would take longer