Simple Harmonic Motion Basics Quiz

Question 1

In ideal simple harmonic motion, where is the object's speed greatest?

Accepted Answer

At the equilibrium position

Answer

At either extreme position

Answer

Halfway through every second cycle only

Answer

It is the same everywhere

Question 2

For a mass on an ideal spring, which change makes the oscillation period longer?

Accepted Answer

Increasing the mass

Answer

Using a stiffer spring

Answer

Reducing the mass

Answer

Decreasing the amplitude slightly

Question 3

In simple harmonic motion, the acceleration always points in which direction?

Accepted Answer

Toward equilibrium

Answer

In the direction of motion

Answer

Away from equilibrium

Answer

Perpendicular to the motion

Question 4

If the amplitude of an ideal mass-spring oscillator is doubled, what happens to its period?

Accepted Answer

It stays the same

Answer

It doubles

Answer

It is cut in half

Answer

It increases fourfold

Question 5

Which graph best matches displacement in simple harmonic motion as a function of time?

Accepted Answer

A sine or cosine curve

Answer

A straight line

Answer

A random zigzag pattern

Answer

A parabola opening upward

Question 6

For a simple pendulum near Earth's surface, which change makes the period increase?

Accepted Answer

Making the string longer

Answer

Making the string shorter

Answer

Using a heavier bob

Answer

Starting from a smaller angle

Question 7

At which position is the restoring force on an ideal spring-mass system greatest in magnitude?

Accepted Answer

At the extreme positions

Answer

At equilibrium

Answer

At one-quarter of the amplitude

Answer

It does not change with position

Question 8

During one complete cycle of simple harmonic motion, how many times does the object pass through equilibrium?

Accepted Answer

Two times

Answer

One time

Answer

Three times

Answer

Four times

Question 9

In an ideal simple harmonic oscillator, when is the kinetic energy greatest?

Accepted Answer

At equilibrium

Answer

At the extreme positions

Answer

At all positions equally

Answer

Only during the first half-cycle

Question 10

Which everyday device most directly uses the regular back-and-forth timing of oscillations similar to simple harmonic motion?

Accepted Answer

A pendulum clock

Answer

A thermometer

Answer

A compass

Answer

A magnifying glass

Simple Harmonic Motion Basics Quiz

Create a competition