The discussion clarifies the relationship between acceleration and velocity in simple harmonic motion (SHM). It establishes that the acceleration is always directed towards the equilibrium point, which contradicts the common perception that negative acceleration equates to deceleration. As the pendulum approaches equilibrium, its velocity increases despite having a negative acceleration, indicating that both acceleration and velocity share the same sign on either side of the equilibrium. This understanding resolves the apparent contradiction in SHM dynamics.
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The restoring force, and the resulting acceleration, always points towards the equilibrium point.Bim said:
That's what acceleration does!
The acceleration is always toward the equilibrium point. Thus when the object moves towards equilibrium, its speed increases: both its acceleration and velocity will have the same sign. (Both negative on one side of equilibrium, both positive on the other.)