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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_
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