Circular Motion and Simple Harmonic Motion

Flashcards covering key definitions and concepts related to Circular Motion and Simple Harmonic Motion.

Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)

The motion of a particle whose acceleration is always directed towards a fixed point and proportional to the distance from that point.

Examples of SHM

1. The to-and-fro motion of a simple pendulum 2. The oscillation of mercury in a U-tube 3. A weight attached to a spiral spring 4. A spherical ball rolling in a circular bowl 5. Electromagnetic radiation.

Acceleration in SHM

The acceleration of an object in simple harmonic motion is given by a = - rac{G}{r^2} directed towards the center of the circular path.

Period of SHM

The time taken for one complete cycle of oscillation, often denoted as $T$.

Angular velocity in circular motion

Angular velocity, denoted by $heta$, relates to the time it takes to move through a certain angle.

Acceleration towards the center in circular motion

The acceleration of an object moving in a circular path is $a = w^2r$ towards the center of the circle.

Degrees of planetary motion

Different planets have different periods; for example, one planet may take 365 days to orbit while another takes 88 days.

Formula for SHM acceleration

Acceleration is mathematically expressed as a_x = -rac{G}{r^2}, with the negative sign indicating the direction is towards the center.