Question

A tall flagpole is a harmonic oscillator, flexing back and forth with a steady period. The pole rises from a base that is fixed in the ground, but you can push it forward from chest height. To increase the amplitude of the pole's motion, you should push it forward when it isA. moving toward you.

B. as close to you as possible.
C. moving away from you.
D. as far from you as possible.

Answer 1

C. moving away from you.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to Newton's second law of motion when we multiply the mass of an object and the acceleration that the body is experiencing we get the force applied.

If the flagpole is coming towards me and I push it the velocity of the oscillation will slow as the acceleration would be in the negative direction of the motion

If the flagpole is moving away from me then the acceleration that I provide will be added to the acceleration of the oscillating flagpole which will increase the amplitude.