Physics Practice Test – Simple Harmonic Motion (Questions with Answers and Explanations)

Which of the following statements about an object performing simple harmonic motion is correct? Its acceleration _______ (WASSCE 2005)

A. is maximum at the extreme ends
B. is constant and directed towards a fixed point
C. is zero when it is displaced from the equilibrium position.
D. varies linearly with the displacement from a fixed point and is directed towards the fixed point.

Which of the following graphs correctly represents the relationship between the kinetic energy (K.E.) and the displacement (d) from point of release of a swinging pendulum bob? (WASSCE 2017)

A vertical string, suspended from a fixed point and having a small mass attached to the free end is set into oscillations. Which of the following statements about the system are correct?

I. The potential energy of the mass is minimum at the middle of the swing.
II. Its kinetic energy is maximum at the middle of the swing.
III. The sum of the potential and kinetic energies is constant throughout the swing.

A. I, II and III
B. I and II only
C. II and III only
D. I and III only