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JAMB Physics 2012 Paper

Question : 6

Total: 42

If a freely suspended object is pulled to one side and released, it oscillates about the point of suspension because the

acceleration is directly proportional to the displacement
motion is directed away from the equilibrium point
acceleration is directly proportional to the square of the displacement
velocity is minimum at the equilibrium ponit

Validate

Solution:

Concept:

A suspended object released from one side executes simple harmonic motion because the restoring acceleration is proportional to its displacement from equilibrium.

Explanation:

For small displacements, the restoring force is

F = -mg\sin\theta \approx -mg\frac{x}{L}

So the acceleration is

a = -\frac{g}{L}x

This shows acceleration is directly proportional to displacement and directed toward the equilibrium position.

The oscillation occurs because this acceleration keeps pulling the object back toward the point of suspension.

Answer:

A. acceleration is directly proportional to the displacement

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