Try it on paper first. A hint, the key idea and the worked solution are here when you need them.
A particle of mass moves along a line under the force . It oscillates with an amplitude of . Find (a) its period, (b) the largest force on it, and (c) its acceleration when it is at .
A restoring force in proportion to the displacement, , gives simple harmonic motion with
The period does not depend on the amplitude.
Have you tried it?
Work it out on paper first. It is fine to get stuck or make a mistake: that is how we learn. When you are ready, go through the solution one step at a time, and check each step against your own.
(a) , so .
(b) The force is largest at the ends: .
(c) .
Answer: ; ; . The minus sign says the acceleration points back to the middle, while is positive.
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