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⚛️ Physics  ·  Oscillations  ·  NEET & JEE

Which of the following is NOT an example of simple harmonic motion?

Answer: A ball bouncing off a floor.

  • A A ball bouncing off a floor
  • B A mass on a spring
  • C A simple pendulum (small angles)
  • D A tuning fork vibrating

Correct answer: A. A ball bouncing off a floor

Explanation: A ball bouncing off a floor has non-uniform motion (impact and free fall). It is not SHM. The restoring force is not proportional to displacement.

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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