Table of contents

0. Math Review31m
- Math Review
  31m
1. Intro to Physics Units1h 29m
2. 1D Motion / Kinematics3h 56m
3. Vectors2h 43m
4. 2D Kinematics1h 42m
5. Projectile Motion3h 6m
6. Intro to Forces (Dynamics)3h 22m
7. Friction, Inclines, Systems2h 44m
8. Centripetal Forces & Gravitation7h 26m
9. Work & Energy1h 59m
10. Conservation of Energy2h 54m
11. Momentum & Impulse3h 40m
12. Rotational Kinematics2h 59m
13. Rotational Inertia & Energy7h 4m
14. Torque & Rotational Dynamics2h 5m
15. Rotational Equilibrium3h 39m
16. Angular Momentum3h 6m
17. Periodic Motion2h 9m
18. Waves & Sound3h 40m
19. Fluid Mechanics4h 27m
20. Heat and Temperature3h 7m
21. Kinetic Theory of Ideal Gases1h 50m
22. The First Law of Thermodynamics1h 26m
23. The Second Law of Thermodynamics3h 11m
24. Electric Force & Field; Gauss' Law3h 42m
25. Electric Potential1h 51m
26. Capacitors & Dielectrics2h 2m
27. Resistors & DC Circuits3h 8m
28. Magnetic Fields and Forces2h 23m
29. Sources of Magnetic Field2h 30m
30. Induction and Inductance3h 38m
31. Alternating Current2h 37m
32. Electromagnetic Waves2h 14m
33. Geometric Optics2h 57m
34. Wave Optics1h 15m
35. Special Relativity2h 10m

17. Periodic Motion

Intro to Simple Harmonic Motion (Horizontal Springs)

Physics

17. Periodic Motion

Intro to Simple Harmonic Motion (Horizontal Springs)

Previous problemNext problem

Struggling with Physics?

Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video

Multiple Choice

Which of the following describes the motion of a mass attached to a horizontal spring undergoing simple harmonic motion?

The mass oscillates back and forth around the equilibrium position with a restoring force proportional to its displacement.

The mass moves in a circular path with a constant radius.

The mass moves back and forth around the equilibrium position with a constant speed.

The mass moves in a straight line with a constant acceleration.

Previous problemNext problem

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of simple harmonic motion (SHM): In SHM, an object oscillates back and forth around an equilibrium position. The restoring force that brings the object back to the equilibrium position is proportional to the displacement from that position.

Identify the characteristics of SHM: The motion is periodic, meaning it repeats in a regular cycle. The speed of the object is not constant; it varies as the object moves through its cycle.

Analyze the options given: The first option describes the motion as oscillating back and forth with a restoring force proportional to displacement, which matches the definition of SHM.

Evaluate the incorrect options: The second option describes circular motion, which is not applicable to SHM. The third option suggests constant speed, which contradicts the varying speed in SHM. The fourth option implies constant acceleration, which is not characteristic of SHM.

Conclude that the correct description of the motion of a mass attached to a horizontal spring undergoing SHM is that it oscillates back and forth around the equilibrium position with a restoring force proportional to its displacement.