Question

Which of the following expressions corresponds to simple harmonic motion along a straight line, where x is the displacement and a, b, and c are positive constants?

Options

• a + bx - cx²

• bx²

• a - bx + cx²

• -bx

Answer 1

-bx

Explanation:

When applying linear S.H.M., the restoring force should always be proportionate to the particle's displacement and pointed in the direction of the equilibrium position.

i.e., F ∝ x

or F = -bx where b is a positive constant.