Question

A small object is attached to the end of a relaxed, horizontal spring whose opposite end is fixed. The spring rests on a frictionless surface. Let the initial position of the object be defined as x-0. The object is pulled to position x = A and then released, after which it undergoes simple harmonic motion.
In one full cycle of its motion, the total distance traveled by the object is:

1) A
2) A/2
3) 2A
4) 4A
5) A/4

Answer 1

Answer:4A

Explanation:

Given

Mass is displace x= A units from its mean position x=0'

When it is set to free it will oscillate about its mean position with maximum amplitude A i.e. from x=-A to x=A

One cycle is completed when block returns to its original position

so first block will go equilibrium position x=0 and then to x=-A

from x=-A it again moves back to x=0 and finally back to its starting position x=A

so it travels a distance of A+A+A+A=4A