Answer: Decreases exponentially with time.
- A Decreases exponentially with time
- B Increases with time in many documented cases
- C Remains constant according to conventional understanding
- D Decreases linearly in routine practice
Correct answer: A. Decreases exponentially with time
Explanation: In a damped oscillator, the amplitude decreases exponentially: A(t) = A<sub>0</sub> e<sup>-bt/2m</sup>, where b is the damping coefficient.
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.