What is the phase difference between displacement and velocity of a particle executing Simple Harmonic Motion?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. pi / 2 radians

  1. Step 1: Displacement is x = A sin(omega t). Velocity is v = dx/dt = A omega cos(omega t) = A omega sin(omega t + pi/2). Step 2. Thus velocity leads displacement by a phase angle of pi / 2 radians (90 degrees). Answer: pi / 2 radians. Why not the others: pi radians is the phase difference between displacement and acceleration; 0 radians means in phase; 2 pi is full cycle.

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