Simple harmonic motion terminology — is motion from one extreme to the other called a “beat”?

Introduction / Context:
Terminology matters in vibration theory. “Beat” and “oscillation” are distinct concepts. A beat arises from superimposing two close frequencies, whereas motion from one extreme to the other in simple harmonic motion is half an oscillation.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Simple harmonic motion (SHM) with extremes at ±A.
• No damping or external forcing.
• Standard definitions from vibration theory.

Concept / Approach:
One complete oscillation in SHM is the path from +A to −A and back to +A (or vice versa). Traveling from one extreme to the opposite extreme corresponds to half an oscillation. “Beats” occur when two harmonic motions with close frequencies are combined, producing amplitude modulation at the difference frequency.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Observe a tuning fork example: two forks of slightly different frequencies produce audible beats, unrelated to a single oscillator’s traversal between extremes.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Agree (and variants): Conflate half-cycle motion with interference phenomena.
• Agree only in acoustics: Even in acoustics, beats arise from interference, not single-oscillator excursion.

Common Pitfalls:
Using “beat” loosely for any repetitive motion; forgetting that beat frequency equals the small difference between two close frequencies.

Final Answer:
Disagree