Physics Practice Test – Simple Harmonic Motion (Questions with Answers and Explanations)

A mass m attached to a light spiral is caused to perform simple harmonic motion of frequency f =   where k is the force constant of the spring. If m = 0.30 kg, k = 30 Nm^-1 and the maximum displacement of the mass from the equilibrium position is 0.015 m, calculate the maximum kinetic energy of the system [  = 3.142] (WASSCE 2005)

A. 0.30 J       B. 3.38 x 10^-3  J      C. 3.38 x 10^-2  J     D. 3.38 x 10^-1 J

Which of the following statements about an object performing simple harmonic motion is correct? Its acceleration _______ (WASSCE 2005)

A. is maximum at the extreme ends
B. is constant and directed towards a fixed point
C. is zero when it is displaced from the equilibrium position.
D. varies linearly with the displacement from a fixed point and is directed towards the fixed point.

A simple pendulum makes 50 oscillations in one minute. Determine its period of oscillation. (WASSCE 2012)

A. 0.04 s   B. 0.83 s   C. 1.20 s   D. 50.00 s

The maximum displacement on either side of the equilibrium position of an object in simple harmonic motion represents ______ (WASSCE 2013)

A. period
B. amplitude.
C. wavelength
D. frequency

A body moving with simple harmonic motion in a straight line has velocity, v and acceleration, a, when the instantaneous displacement, x in cm, from its maximum position is given by x = 2.5 sin 0.4π t, where t is in seconds. Determine the magnitude of the maximum acceleration. (WASSCE 2005)

A. 0.025 ms^-1   B. 0.0314 ms^-1   C. 0.0395 ms^-1   D. 0.314 ms^-1