During a simple harmonic motion, which of the following quantities will always be negative?

Step-by-step solution

In simple harmonic motion, the restoring force F and acceleration a are always directed towards the mean position, while the displacement r is directed away from the mean position. Mathematically, F = -k r and a = - ^2 r , where k and ^2 are positive constants. Evaluating the given dot products: F a = (-k r ) (- ^2 r ) = k ^2 r^2 0 v r can be positive (when the particle is moving away from the mean position) or negative (when moving towards the mean position). F r = (-k r ) r = -kr^2 0 a r = (- ^2 r ) r = - ^2 r^2