Question

If the equation of motion of a particle is given by s(t)=acos(wt+d, what does the 'a' represent?

A) Amplitude
B) Angular velocity
C) Phase shift
D) Time period

Answer 1

In the equation of motion s(t)=acos(wt+d), the variable 'a' represents the amplitude, which is the maximum displacement from the mean position of the particle in simple harmonic motion. The correct option is A) Amplitude.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the equation s(t)=acos(wt+d), the variable 'a' represents the amplitude of the particle's motion. The amplitude is the maximum extent of a vibration or oscillation, measured from the position of equilibrium. It is the highest (or deepest) point reached by the particle during its motion.

This applies to sinusoidal functions such as simple harmonic motion (SHM), where a would represent the maximum displacement from the mean position.

The 'a' in the equation of motion, s(t)=acos(wt+d), represents the amplitude of the motion. Amplitude is the maximum displacement of the particle from its equilibrium position. In simple harmonic motion, the particle oscillates between two turning points, and the amplitude represents the distance from the equilibrium position to either turning point.

The correct option is A) Amplitude.