The maximum displacement on either side of the equilibrium position of an object in simple harmonic motion represents

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the name of the maximum displacement of an object in simple harmonic motion (SHM), measured from the equilibrium (rest) position to either side.

Step 2: Explain the concept In SHM, such as a pendulum swinging or a mass bouncing on a spring, the object oscillates back and forth about a central point called the equilibrium position. These are the key terms:

• Amplitude (A): the maximum displacement from the equilibrium position. It is measured in metres.
• Period (T): the time taken to complete one full oscillation. It is measured in seconds.
• Frequency (f): the number of oscillations per second, f = 1/T. It is measured in hertz (Hz).
• Wavelength (λ): the distance between two successive points in phase on a wave. It applies to waves, not to the displacement of a single oscillating object.

Step 3: Solution Check each option against the definitions:

• A. Period is a time, not a distance, so it is wrong.
• B. Amplitude is the maximum displacement from the equilibrium position, so it is correct.
• C. Wavelength is a distance along a wave between repeating points, so it is wrong.
• D. Frequency is the number of oscillations per second, so it is wrong.

Step 4: Answer The maximum displacement on either side of the equilibrium position is the amplitude, which is option B.

Tip: Think of the A in Amplitude as the "Away distance" from the centre. For a pendulum, it is how far the bob swings away from the middle. Period and frequency are about time, so they are never a displacement.