A particle is moving from the positive extreme towards the negative extreme in SHM. After passing x = +A/2, it reaches x = −A/2. If the time taken between these two positions is T/N, find N.

Question

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Use x = A cosφ for motion beginning at the positive extreme. At x = +A/2, φ₁ = π/3. At x = −A/2 on the same journey, φ₂ = 2π/3. Thus, Δφ = π/3. Therefore, Δt = (π/3)/ω = T/6. Hence, N = 6.