Question

An object that is in simple harmonic motion is restored to its equilibrium position due to a force that is proportional to which quantity?

Answer 1

To the displacement from the equilibrium position

Step-by-step explanation:

In a simple harmonic motion, there is a force acting on the object in motion, and this force is given by

`F=-kx`

where

k is the elastic constant

x is the displacement of the object with respect to the equilibrium position of the system

The negative sign means that the force is a restoring force: it tends to bring the object back to the equilibrium position.

We see, therefore, that the force in a simple harmonic motion is proportional to the displacement (x) of the system: the larger the displacement from the equilibrium position, the greater the force that tries to bring it back to equilibrium.