S.H.M.: Is Acceleration Directly Proportional to Displacement?

Thread starter krissh
Start date Dec 30, 2013

AI Thread Summary

In simple harmonic motion (S.H.M.), acceleration is indeed directly proportional to displacement, expressed mathematically as a = -ω²x. The negative sign indicates that acceleration acts in the opposite direction to displacement, which does not negate the direct proportionality. The concept of direct proportionality is independent of the sign of the relationship. Therefore, the negative gradient in the graph is acceptable in this context. Understanding this principle is essential for analyzing motion in S.H.M.

Dec 30, 2013

krissh

Acceleration is directly proportional to DISPLACEMENT in S.H.M.

Is that true? a=-w^2x, so the graph has negative gradient, is this okay for direct proportion? I though it wasn't okay.

Thanks

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Dec 30, 2013

mfb

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"directly proportional" is independent of the sign. Yes it can be negative.

Dec 30, 2013

krissh

mfb said:

"directly proportional" is independent of the sign. Yes it can be negative.

Thank you:)

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