Question 1

A mass attached to an ideal spring oscillates with simple harmonic motion. If the spring constant is doubled and the mass remains the same, what happens to the period of oscillation?

Accepted Answer

The period decreases by a factor of $$\sqrt{2}.$$

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the force exerted by a spring according to Hooke's Law?

Accepted Answer

The force is proportional to the displacement and acts opposite to the direction of displacement.

Question 3

A ball moves in uniform circular motion on a turntable. Its shadow, cast by a light beam, moves back and forth on a screen. What type of motion does the shadow exhibit?

Accepted Answer

Simple harmonic motion

Question 4

The general solution for the position of a mass in simple harmonic motion is $$x(t) = A \cos(\omega t + \phi). $$What does the parameter $$\phi$$ represent?

Accepted Answer

The phase, or the initial angle at $$t=0$$

Question 5

For a mass-spring system in simple harmonic motion, which of the following expressions gives the angular frequency $$\omega$$?

Accepted Answer

$$\omega = \sqrt{\dfrac{k}{m}}$$

Question 6

At what point during the oscillation of a mass on a spring is its velocity zero?

Accepted Answer

When the mass is at maximum displacement (amplitude)

Question 7

A diatomic molecule vibrates near its stable equilibrium point. What type of motion does this vibration most closely resemble?

Accepted Answer

Simple harmonic motion

Question 8

Which of the following statements about the frequency of simple harmonic motion is correct?

Accepted Answer

The frequency is independent of the amplitude of oscillation.

Question 9

A mass attached to a spring oscillates with amplitude $$A. $$What is the total mechanical energy of the system?

Accepted Answer

$$E = \dfrac{1}{2} k A^2$

Question 10

A pendulum of length $$l$$ and small amplitude oscillates with angular frequency $$\omega. $$Which equation correctly relates $$\omega to$$ $$l$$ and $$g$$?

Accepted Answer

$$\omega = \sqrt{\dfrac{g}{l}}$$

Question 11

A mechanical wave travels through a medium. Which of the following is true?

Accepted Answer

The wave carries energy and momentum, but not mass.

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of a transverse wave?

Accepted Answer

Wave on a string

Question 13

A mass-spring system is driven by an external force at its natural frequency. What phenomenon occurs?

Accepted Answer

Resonance

Question 14

Which of the following best describes a wave pulse?

Accepted Answer

A localized disturbance that travels through a medium at the medium's wave velocity

Question 15

For a mass-spring system in SHM, at which position is the potential energy of the spring the greatest?

Accepted Answer

At maximum displacement (amplitude)

Question 16

A stadium wave is an example of which type of mechanical wave?

Accepted Answer

Transverse wave

Question 17

If the displacement of a mass in SHM is given by $$x(t) = A \cos(\omega t + \phi)$$, what is the expression for its velocity?

Accepted Answer

$$v(t) = -A \omega \sin(\omega t + \phi)$$

Question 18

A lightly damped oscillator is driven at its natural frequency. What happens to its amplitude?

Accepted Answer

The amplitude increases dramatically (resonance).

Question 19

Which of the following is true about the relationship between kinetic and potential energy in a mass-spring system undergoing SHM?

Accepted Answer

Kinetic energy is maximum when displacement is zero.

Question 20

A sound wave in air is best described as which type of wave?

Accepted Answer

Longitudinal wave

Oscillatory Motion, Simple Harmonic Motion, and Mechanical Waves

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