AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based Practice Quiz: Defining Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Test your understanding with short quizzes. This quiz has 11 questions to check your progress.
Question 1 of 11
All Questions (11)
A) The motion must be periodic.
B) The restoring force is proportional to the displacement from equilibrium.
C) The net force on the object is always zero.
D) The restoring force is constant regardless of position.
Correct Answer: B
The text states that SHM results when the magnitude of the restoring force exerted on an object is proportional to that object’s displacement from its equilibrium position. While SHM is a type of periodic motion (A), this proportionality is its specific defining characteristic.
A) The location where the object's displacement is at its maximum.
B) A location where the net force exerted on the object is zero.
C) The point where the restoring force is strongest.
D) Any position where the object is momentarily at rest.
Correct Answer: B
The content explicitly defines an equilibrium position as "a location at which the net force exerted on an object or system is zero."
A) To the right, in the same direction as the displacement.
B) To the left, opposite to the direction of the displacement.
C) Upwards, perpendicular to the displacement.
D) The direction cannot be determined from the information given.
Correct Answer: B
The provided text defines a restoring force as a force that is "exerted in a direction opposite to the object’s displacement from an equilibrium position." Therefore, if the displacement is to the right, the restoring force must be directed to the left.
A) All periodic motion is simple harmonic motion.
B) Simple harmonic motion is a special case of periodic motion.
C) Simple harmonic motion and periodic motion are two unrelated types of motion.
D) Periodic motion occurs when net force is zero, while simple harmonic motion does not.
Correct Answer: B
The text directly states, "Simple harmonic motion is a special case of periodic motion." This implies that while all SHM is periodic, not all periodic motion meets the specific force requirements of SHM.
A) It is at its maximum value.
B) It is zero.
C) It is a non-zero constant value.
D) It is equal to the net force at maximum displacement.
Correct Answer: B
SHM requires the restoring force to be proportional to the displacement from equilibrium. At the equilibrium position, the displacement is zero. Therefore, the restoring force, being proportional to a zero displacement, must also be zero. This is consistent with the definition of the equilibrium position as the location where the net force is zero.
A) Its magnitude is always constant.
B) It always acts in the direction of the object's motion.
C) It is always exerted in a direction opposite to the object's displacement from equilibrium.
D) It is only present when an object is at its equilibrium position.
Correct Answer: C
The provided content defines a restoring force as "a force that is exerted in a direction opposite to the object’s displacement from an equilibrium position."
A) It is the same.
B) It is half as large.
C) It is twice as large.
D) It is four times as large.
Correct Answer: C
The definition of SHM states that the magnitude of the restoring force is proportional to the object's displacement. If the displacement is doubled (from x to 2x), the proportional restoring force must also double in magnitude.
A) Yes, because any motion with a restoring force is SHM.
B) Yes, because the force acts to return the object to equilibrium.
C) No, because the restoring force must be zero everywhere for SHM.
D) No, because the restoring force must be proportional to the displacement, not constant.
Correct Answer: D
The key condition for SHM is that the restoring force is *proportional* to the displacement. A constant restoring force does not change with displacement and therefore does not satisfy the specific definition of simple harmonic motion provided.
A) Frictional force
B) Gravitational force
C) Proportional force
D) Restoring force
Correct Answer: D
The text explicitly states that SHM results when a restoring force, which has the property of being proportional to displacement, is exerted on an object.
A) The net force on the object is zero.
B) The restoring force on the object is zero.
C) The magnitude of the restoring force is at its maximum.
D) The object is at its equilibrium position.
Correct Answer: C
According to the provided text, the restoring force is proportional to the displacement from equilibrium. Therefore, when the displacement is at its maximum, the magnitude of the restoring force must also be at its maximum. The net force is only zero at the equilibrium position.
A) The net force on the object must be proportional to its velocity.
B) The object must move in a circle at a constant speed.
C) The net force on the object must be zero at all points in its motion.
D) The restoring force must be proportional to the object's displacement from an equilibrium position.
Correct Answer: D
The provided content defines SHM based on the relationship between the restoring force and displacement. It states, "SHM results when the magnitude of the restoring force exerted on an object is proportional to that object’s displacement from its equilibrium position." The other options describe different physical situations not covered by this definition.