alleryStart learning →A simple harmonic oscillator can be used as a clock because its period is:
AAlways constant
BAlways increasing
CAlways decreasing
DEntirely random
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. Always constant
1. A clock needs a repeatable event of fixed duration.
2. The time to complete one oscillation remains constant.
3. Because the period is constant, a simple harmonic oscillator can be used as a clock.
4. A period that drifted with amplitude would make the clock useless.
_Source: OpenStax College Physics for AP(R) Courses 2e (CC BY 4.0), Ch 16 'Oscillatory Motion and Waves', sections 16.1-16.11_
Keep practising Oscillatory Motion and Waves
Browse all Oscillatory Motion and Waves questions for AP Physics 1, or explore more Physics topics.
Related questions
Complete the pendulum ruleFollow one oscillation cycleTrue or false: oscillationsAffects a pendulum's period?Match each oscillation termTwo pendulums differing only in the mass of the bob will:If all the work done in deforming an object goes into deformation alone, that work is storA vibration differs from an oscillation in that a vibration may be: