Answer: Acceleration is always opposite to displacement.
- A Acceleration is always opposite to displacement
- B Acceleration and displacement are in the same direction
- C Acceleration is constant
- D Acceleration is maximum at equilibrium
Correct answer: A. Acceleration is always opposite to displacement
Explanation: The negative sign means acceleration is always directed opposite to displacement (toward equilibrium). This is the defining characteristic of SHM.
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.