Im quite confused on how acceleration is max at the amplitude for a SHM oscillator? I always though the acceleration would be max as it passes through the equilibrium position, due to the biggest change in velocity happening there. However from the equation a=-w^2x where w is omega, the acceleration is max when x = A, and im not sure why? could anyone help explain it to me please.
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znx
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- 05-02-2018 16:18
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Edgemaster
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- 05-02-2018 17:13
The force is proportional and in the opposite direction (by F = -kx), hence as x increases F will also increase, and since the mass is constant the acceleration increases too (F = -kx = ma). The velocity is maximum as it passes through the eq. position and the acceleration is zero, since the displacement is zero.
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- 05-02-2018 17:14
Acceleration is proportional to force, from Newton's 2nd Law.
And the force is greatest when you're at the biggest displacement from the equilibrium position, therefore that's where the max acceleration is too.
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znx
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- 05-02-2018 17:23
Yes thank you both, explaining it in terms of force made it click for me. Thanks for taking the time to help me
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