EDIT: Yes, I indeed answered my own question. Never mind!
EK says there are two important aspects of simple harmonic motion explained by this equation a (t) = -w^2x(t) (EK physics 109)
1. Acceleration is proportional to displacement (but opposite in sign) Conceptually, why would the acceleration be always opposite in sign to the displacement?
Is it because simple harmonic motion is always subjected to a "restoring force" that aims to push the object back to its equilibrium position? Edit: Yes, just found in Kaplan this statement: Restoring forces are always directed opposite to displacement. Since acceleration is always in direction of net force, acceleration will be opposite in sign to the displacement. Sometimes just typing out question helps...
EK says there are two important aspects of simple harmonic motion explained by this equation a (t) = -w^2x(t) (EK physics 109)
1. Acceleration is proportional to displacement (but opposite in sign) Conceptually, why would the acceleration be always opposite in sign to the displacement?
Is it because simple harmonic motion is always subjected to a "restoring force" that aims to push the object back to its equilibrium position? Edit: Yes, just found in Kaplan this statement: Restoring forces are always directed opposite to displacement. Since acceleration is always in direction of net force, acceleration will be opposite in sign to the displacement. Sometimes just typing out question helps...
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