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⚛️ Physics  ·  Oscillations  ·  NEET & JEE

A particle executes SHM with amplitude A. At time t=0, x = A/2 and velocity is positive. The phase constant φ in x = A sin(ωt + φ) is:

Answer: π/6.

  • A π/6
  • B 5π/6
  • C π/3
  • D 2π/3

Correct answer: A. π/6

Explanation: x(0) = A sin(φ) = A/2 → φ = π/6 or 5π/6. Velocity = Aω cos(φ). For positive velocity: cos(φ) > 0, so φ = π/6.

Displacement, Velocity, Acceleration in SHMx(t)v(t)a(t)v leads x by 90°; a is exactly out of phase with x (a = −ω²x)

In SHM, displacement and velocity are 90° out of phase (v is maximum when x=0, and zero when x is extreme), while acceleration is always exactly opposite in sign to displacement, consistent with a = −ω²x.

Concept context

Simple harmonic motion, spring-mass, pendulum, energy in SHM, and resonance.

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