In simple terms, velocity and acceleration of a Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) oscillator can be defined as follows:
Velocity:
- It refers to the rate at which an object is changing its position. In SHM, the velocity of an oscillator changes direction periodically and is maximum at the turning points (where the displacement is zero) and minimum at the points of maximum displacement.
Acceleration:
- It refers to the rate at which an object is changing its velocity. In SHM, the acceleration of an oscillator is always directed towards the mean or rest position and is maximum at the points of maximum displacement and minimum at the turning points.
- The acceleration is proportional to the displacement and has a constant magnitude.