Question

For a particle executing simple harmonic motion, which of the following statements is not correct?

(a) Total energy is always directed toward a fixed point

(b) Restoring force is always directed towards a fixed point

(c) Restoring force is maximum at the extreme positions

(d) Acceleration of the particle is maximum at the equilibrium position

The question was asked in a job interview.

This intriguing question comes from Simple Harmonic Oscillation in chapter Oscillations of Engineering Physics I

Answer 1

Right option is (d) Acceleration of the particle is maximum at the equilibrium position

Best explanation: At the equilibrium position, the velocity of a particle in simple harmonic motion is maximum and consequently its acceleration is minimum.