Simple Harmonic Motion

simple harmonic motion

relative motion of an object where its acceleration is directly proportional to its displacement. (vibration or oscillation about equilibrium position in which a restoring force is proportional to the displacement from equilibrium.)

equilibrium

state of balance, occurs when net force acting on an object is zero

period

time to complete one full cycle of motion

amplitude

maximum linear displacement from equilibrium position.

length

distance from point of rotation to center of mass; usually with respect to pendulums

compression/extension

length measure from a fixed point to center of mass; usually with respect to elastic objects

Hooke’s law

the distance of extension or compression is directly proportional to the force applied by the spring; only applies to materials not stretched beyond their limits

spring constant

ratio of force to stretch; measured in N/m; applies to any elastic object, dependent upon shape, size, etc.

elastic potential energy

energy by virtue of a spring being stretched or compressed

simple pendulum

an object suspended from a string of length where the angle of swing is 15 degrees or less

periodic motion

motion that repeats itself at regular intervals