2023 · Q70
A simple harmonic motion of a particle is represented as, y = 10 cos ωt 10. The acceleration of the particle at time t = π/2ω will be: (symbols here carry their usual meanings)
general-sciencephysics-mechanics
- A10 ω
- B− 10 ω²
- C0
- D10/ω
Explanation
For the simple harmonic motion y = 10 cos(wt), differentiating twice gives acceleration a = -10 w^2 cos(wt). At time t = pi/(2w), the argument wt equals pi/2 and cos(pi/2) = 0, so the acceleration is zero. Physically the particle is then passing through the mean position, where displacement and restoring acceleration vanish. Hence option C.