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⚛️ Physics  ·  Oscillations  ·  NEET & JEE

A particle of mass m is in SHM. At time t, its displacement is x = a cos(ωt). The time it takes to go from x=a to x=a/2 is:

Answer: T/6.

  • A T/6
  • B T/4
  • C T/3
  • D T/12

Correct answer: A. T/6

Explanation: x = a cos(ωt). x = a at t=0. x = a/2 when cos(ωt) = 1/2, so ωt = π/3, giving t = π/3ω = T/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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