"Simple Harmonic Motion" Key Terms

Compression and extension are merged into one term on this Knowt set.

simple harmonic motion

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

equilibrium

state of balance; occurs when ∑F = 0 or net force acting on an object is zero

period

(T) time to complete one full cycle of motion

amplitude

(A) maximum linear displacement from equilibrium position

length

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

compression/extension

(x) length measured from fixed point to center of mass; usually with respect to elastic objects (used with rubber bands, springs, etc.)

Hooke’s Law

the distance of extension or compression (x) is directly proportional to the force applied by the string (F_s); only applies to materials not stretched beyond their limits

spring constant

(k) ratio of force to stretch; measured in N/m; applies to any elastic objects (spring, rubber band, person, hair, etc.), dependent upon shape, size, thickness, composition, etc.

elastic potential energy

energy by virtue of a spring being stretched or compressed

simple pendulum

an object (Bob) suspended from a string of length ℓ where the angle of swing θ is 15° or less

periodic motion

motion that repeats itself at regular intervals