Answer to Question #171542 in Physics for Jerick

Question

  If a particle undergoes SHM with amplitude 0.21 m, what is the total distance it travels in one period?

Answer 1

If a particle undergoes simple harmonic motion with an amplitude of 0.21 meters, this means that the maximum displacement of the particle from its resting position is 0.21. For one period, it traveled from its starting position which is twice the amplitude and then back to its original position which is another distance that is twice the amplitude as well. Therefore, the total distance it traveled is

$$S=2A+2A=4A=4(0.21)=0.84\ m$$