PHYSICS · Subjective · A Level · Physics · Further mechanics and thermal physics · Further mechanics and thermal physics
Problem
For a horizontal mass–spring system, draw a qualitative graph of the restoring force F versus displacement x over the range −A≤x≤+A, where A is the amplitude.
(i) Clearly indicate the regions where F is positive, negative, or zero.
(ii) Using the graph, explain how the direction of acceleration of the block varies with the sign of x.
(iii) If the block is released from rest at x=+A, describe its subsequent motion in terms of force, acceleration, and velocity during the first half cycle.
(iv) How does the linear nature of the F–x graph ensure that the motion remains simple harmonic?