Representing and Analyzing SHM AP Physics 1 MCQ – Exam Style Questions etc.
Representing and Analyzing SHM AP Physics 1 MCQ
Unit 7: Oscillations
Weightage : 10-15%
Exam Style Practice Questions, Representing and Analyzing SHM AP Physics 1 MCQ
Question
A block is attached to a vertical spring. The block is pulled down a distance A from equilibrium, as shown above, and released from rest. The block moves upward; the highest position above equilibrium reached by the mass is less than A, as shown. When the mass returns downward, how far below the equilibrium position will it reach?
(A) Greater than the distance A below equilibrium
(B) Less than the distance A below equilibrium
(C) Equal to the distance A below equilibrium
(D) No distance—the block will fall only to the equilibrium position.
Answer/Explanation
Ans:
B—If friction and air resistance are negligible, a mass on a spring oscillates about the equilibrium position, reaching the same maximum distance above and below. In this case, since the mass doesn’t get all the way to position A at the top, mechanical energy was lost (to friction or air resistance or some nonconservative force). Thus, without some external energy input, the mass won’t reach its maximum position at the bottom, either—at the bottom it will have no kinetic energy, so all the energy will be potential, and we’ve already established that some total mechanical energy was lost.
Question
A block hanging vertically from a spring undergoes simple harmonic motion. Which of the following graphs could represent the acceleration a as a function of position x for this block, where x = 0 is the midpoint of the harmonic motion?
(A) 
(B) 
(C) 
(D) 
Answer/Explanation
Ans:D
The net force of a spring is kx, and so changes linearly with distance (because the x is not squared or square rooted). Acceleration is related to the net force, so acceleration also changes linearly with distance. The force is always toward the equilibrium position: when the block is pulled down, it is forced (and thus accelerates) up; when the block is pushed up, it accelerates down. So a negative x gives a positive a, as in (D).