A student writes the following five statements about a horizontal mass–spring…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Further mechanics and thermal physics · Further mechanics and thermal physics
Problem
A student writes the following five statements about a horizontal mass–spring oscillator:
P. The magnitude of the restoring force is directly proportional to the displacement from equilibrium.
Q. The time period depends on the amplitude of oscillation.
R. The acceleration of the mass is always directed towards the mean position and is proportional to displacement.
S. The total mechanical energy is proportional to the square of the amplitude.
T. If the mass attached to the spring is increased, the frequency of oscillation decreases.
Examine the statements and answer the questions that follow:
(i) Identify the statement(s) that are incorrect.
(ii) For each incorrect statement, provide a correct form of the statement with a brief justification based on the principles of simple harmonic motion.