Topic Menu

Cyber-chess a chess instruction site
Simple Harmonic Motion - Multiple Choice Questions

Q17. A mechanical system is oscillating at resonance with a constant amplitude. Which one of the following statements is not correct?

A The applied force prevents the amplitude from becoming too large.

B The frequency of the applied force is the same as the natural frequency of oscillation of the system.

C The total energy of the system is constant.

D The amplitude of oscillations depends on the amount of damping.

 

The applied force is what is producing resonance not limiting it - A is false.

Constant amplitude means that there is equilibrium - applied force's expected increase in the system's energy will be balanced by the system's loss of energy. C is tue.

For resonance to occur B could be true - or the applied force could be at a multiple of the frequency - but for constant amplitude to be maintained the applied force would need to be at the frequency - no time for a slow down inbetween applications.

D is true - heavily damped systems have lower amplitude.