State, with reference to displacement, what simple harmonic motion means.
A mass is oscillating in a vertical plane. The way the acceleration $a$ of the mass varies with displacement $x$ is shown in Fig. 3.1. 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 changes with time $t$. Use data from Fig. 3.3 to determine the angular frequency $\omega$ of the oscillations.
Use data from Fig. 3.3 to determine the block's maximum vertical acceleration.
The block has a mass of $120\,\text{g}$. Its oscillations are damped. Calculate the loss in energy of the block's oscillations during the first three complete periods.