AP Physics 1 Notes: Simple Harmonic Motion

A series of flashcards based on the lecture notes covering key concepts and definitions related to Simple Harmonic Motion in AP Physics.

What is periodic motion?

Periodic motion refers to repeated motion, such as a car around a racetrack or the moon orbiting the Earth.

What defines simple harmonic motion?

Simple harmonic motion is vibrations about an equilibrium position where a restoring force is proportional to the displacement from equilibrium.

Give two examples of simple harmonic motion.

1. Mass on a Spring 2. Simple Pendulum

What is Hooke’s Law?

Hooke’s Law states that the restoring force (Fe) in a spring is proportional to the displacement (x) and is given by Fe = -kx.

What is the definition of amplitude?

Amplitude (A) is the maximum distance from the equilibrium position.

Define period in the context of simple harmonic motion.

The period (T) is the time required to complete one full cycle of motion.

What is frequency and how is it measured?

Frequency (f) is the number of cycles or vibrations per second, measured in Hertz (Hz).

How are period and frequency related?

Period and frequency are inversely related; as one increases, the other decreases.

In a mass-spring system, what is the equation for velocity?

The velocity (vt) is given by vt = ωr = ωA.

When is velocity at its maximum in simple harmonic motion?

Velocity is maximum when the angle θ = 90°.

What is the formula for acceleration in simple harmonic motion?

Acceleration (ax) can be expressed as ax = - ω² A cos(ωt).

What is elastic potential energy in the context of simple harmonic motion?

Elastic potential energy (PEelastic) is the energy stored in a stretched or compressed elastic object, calculated by PEelastic = 1/2 k x².

What is the restoring force for a simple pendulum?

The restoring force for a simple pendulum is the weight (Wt) component acting perpendicular to the displacement, represented as Wt(sin θ).

What defines a physical pendulum?

A physical pendulum consists of a rigid extended object rather than a point mass at the end of a cable.

Explain damping in harmonic motion.

Damping is the effect of friction on an oscillating system that slows it down and eventually stops it.

What is resonance in the context of driven harmonic motion?

Resonance is a large increase in amplitude that occurs when the frequency of the driving force matches the natural frequency of the system.