Distance Traveled by Harmonic Oscillator in 1 Period

[Aoiumi]

Homework Statement

A harmonic oscillator oscillates with an amplitude A. In one period of oscillation, what is the distance traveled by the oscillator?

Homework Equations

I'm not sure which equation applies if any?

The Attempt at a Solution

My guess was 2A but the answer was 4A.

I'm sure this is very easy, but can you please point me in the right direction?

 

[ShayanJ]

A harmonic oscillator is a system with two degrees of freedom,position and momentum.Any two points within the range of oscillation is passed twice but the state of the oscillator is not the same in the moments that the oscillator is passing that point.In fact the state of the oscillator is uniquely determined by its momentum and position(there maybe other choices too). So only when you reach a point that both position and momentum are the same as a nearly past moment,you can tell one period is finished.

 

[Aoiumi]

I think I understand...