Simple Harmonic Motion and Oscillations

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts relating to Simple Harmonic Motion, periodic motion, and oscillations based on the lecture notes.

Simple Harmonic Motion

A type of periodic motion where the restoring force is directly proportional to the displacement from the equilibrium position.

Amplitude (A)

The maximum displacement from the equilibrium position in simple harmonic motion, measured in meters.

Spring Potential Energy (PEsp)

The energy stored in a spring when it is compressed or stretched, calculated as PEsp = (1/2)kx².

K (spring constant)

A measure of the stiffness of a spring, represented in N/m.

Period (T)

The time it takes to complete one full cycle of motion, with SI unit in seconds.

Frequency (f)

The number of cycles per second, measured in Hertz (1/s).

Angular Frequency (ω)

The rate of rotation in radians per second, defined as ω = 2πf.

Conservation of Energy

In simple harmonic motion, total energy remains constant, oscillating between kinetic energy (KE) and potential energy (PE).

Equilibrium Position

The point in simple harmonic motion where the net force acting on the mass is zero.

Cyclic Motion

A type of motion that repeats at regular intervals, comparable to periodic motion.