A mass attached to a spring oscillates with simple harmonic motion. At a particular instant, the mass is at its maximum displacement from equilibrium. Which of the following statements about the mass at this instant is correct?
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Correct answer
C. Its speed is zero and its acceleration is maximum.
Principle or equation
In simple harmonic motion, at maximum displacement (amplitude), the restoring force and hence acceleration are maximum, while the speed is zero because the mass momentarily stops before reversing direction.
Why this answer is correct
At the extreme position, the displacement is maximum, so the spring force is maximum, giving maximum acceleration toward equilibrium. The velocity is zero at the turning point. Therefore, speed is zero and acceleration is maximum.
Example
A mass on a spring is pulled to x = 0.10 m and released. At x = 0.10 m, the mass has zero speed and maximum acceleration.
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