Which of the following is an example of simple harmonic motion? A. Earth spinning on its axis B. Simple pendulum motion C. Ball bouncing on floor D. Motion of a ceiling fan

The correct answer is B. Simple pendulum motion.

Simple harmonic motion is a

type of periodic motion where the restoring force is directly proportional to the displacement. This means that the further the object is displaced from its equilibrium position, the stronger the force that will return it to that position.

A simple pendulum consists of a mass suspended from a pivot by a string. When the pendulum is displaced from its equilibrium position, it will swing back and

forth under the influence of gravity. The restoring force in this case is the force of gravity, which pulls the mass towards its equilibrium position.

The motion of a simple pendulum is an example of simple harmonic motion because the restoring force is directly proportional to the displacement. The further the pendulum is displaced from its equilibrium position, the stronger the force of gravity that will return it to that position.

The other options are not examples of simple harmonic motion.

Option A: Earth spinning on its axis is not an example of simple harmonic motion because the restoring force is not directly proportional to the displacement. The Earth is spinning on its axis due to the conservation of angular momentum. The angular momentum of the Earth is constant, so the Earth’s spin rate does not change.

Option C: Ball bouncing on floor is not an example of simple harmonic motion because the restoring force is not directly proportional to the displacement. When a ball bounces on the floor, the force that returns the ball to its equilibrium position is the force of the floor pushing up on the ball. The force of the floor pushing up on the ball is not directly proportional to the displacement of the ball.

Option D: Motion of a ceiling fan is not an example of simple harmonic motion because the restoring force is not directly proportional to the displacement. The motion of a ceiling fan is due to the rotation of the fan blades. The force that returns the fan blades to their equilibrium position is the force of the fan motor spinning the blades. The force of the fan motor spinning the blades is not directly proportional to the displacement of the fan blades.