Question

A flagpole is a harmonic oscillator, flexing back and forth with a steady period. If you want to increase the amplitude of the pole's motion by pushing it near its base, when should you push - as it flexes toward you or away from you?

a) Toward you
b) Away from you
c) Timing doesn't matter
d) Push at the top

Answer 1

In order to increase the amplitude of the flagpole's motion, you should push it as it flexes toward you.

Step-by-step explanation:

When you push the flagpole near its base, you should push as it flexes toward you. This is because pushing toward the direction of the motion of the oscillator helps to increase the amplitude of the pole's motion. When you push it away from you, it can decrease the amplitude instead. When dealing with a harmonic oscillator like a flagpole, it's most effective to apply a force (in this case, by pushing) in the direction of the motion you want to encourage. Pushing the flagpole toward you as it flexes toward you helps to amplify the amplitude of its oscillation. This is because you are adding energy to the system at a point where it is already moving in the desired direction. Therefore, option (a) "Toward you" is the correct choice.