Question

Problem 1

Answer 1

Given information

Given:

At the point when displacement equals zero, the acceleration is zero.

 

When the velocity goes from growing to decreasing, the acceleration drops to zero at the centre and switches direction.

 

As it approaches the equilibrium point, the acceleration is zero.

Step-by-step explanation

Step 1.

When the velocity reaches its maximum or the equilibrium point, the acceleration is zero. Because the force (and hence the acceleration) always operates in the direction of equilibrium (because it is a restorative force), the force and acceleration must change sign as the mass reaches the equilibrium point, and so must be zero at the equilibrium point instantly. During simple harmonic motion, the acceleration varies, and it is zero at equilibrium.