State, with reference to displacement, the meaning of simple harmonic motion.
A mass is oscillating in a vertical plane. Fig. 3.1 shows how the acceleration $a$ of the mass varies with displacement $x$. State two reasons why the motion of the mass is not simple harmonic.
A block of wood is floating in a liquid, as shown in Fig. 3.2. The block is moved vertically and then let go. Fig. 3.3 shows how the displacement $y$ of the block from its equilibrium position varies with time $t$. Use the information in Fig. 3.3 to find the angular frequency $\omega$ of the oscillations.
Use the data in Fig. 3.3 to determine the maximum vertical acceleration of the block.
The block has mass $120\,\text{g}$. Its oscillations are damped. Calculate the loss in energy of the block's oscillations over the first three complete periods.