Lecture 18: Simple Harmonic Motion

Flashcards to review key concepts and vocabulary related to Simple Harmonic Motion as discussed in Lecture 18.

Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)

The repeated and symmetric motion about an equilibrium position due to a restorative force.

Equilibrium Position

The point where the net force acting on an object is zero.

Period (T)

Time taken to complete one full cycle of motion; unit: seconds (s).

Frequency (f)

Number of cycles per unit time; unit: Hertz (Hz).

Amplitude (A)

Maximum distance from the equilibrium position.

Sinusoidal Functions

Mathematical functions representing periodic oscillations, such as position, velocity, and acceleration in SHM.

Angular Velocity (ω)

Rate of change of the angular displacement; ω = 2πf = 2π/T.

Restorative Force

The force that brings the object back towards the equilibrium position.

Spring Constant (k)

A measure of a spring's stiffness, defined in Hooke's Law.

Total Energy (E)

The sum of kinetic and potential energies in an oscillating system, E = 1/2 mv² + 1/2 kx².

Simple Pendulum

A weight (bob) swinging back and forth under the influence of gravity, where the motion is periodic and governed by a restorative force.