SHM

Periodic Motion

Motion that repeats itself at regular intervals of time.

Oscillatory Motion

A type of motion where an object moves back and forth about a mean position.

Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)

The simplest form of oscillatory motion where the restoring force is directly proportional to the displacement from the mean position.

Amplitude (A)

The maximum displacement from the equilibrium position in SHM.

Frequency (ν)

The number of oscillations that occur per unit time, measured in hertz (Hz).

Period (T)

The time required for one complete cycle of a periodic motion.

Restoring Force

The force acting on an object in SHM that is directed towards the mean position, proportional to displacement.

Angular Frequency (ω)

The rate of change of the phase of a sinusoidal waveform, related to frequency by ω = 2πν.

Damping

The effect of reducing the amplitude of oscillations in a system often due to friction or resistance.

Equilibrium Position

The central point in oscillatory motion where the net force acting on the system is zero.

Phase Constant (φ)

A constant that represents the phase of the motion at time t=0 in SHM.

Wave Motion

The propagation of oscillations through a medium, characterized as a traveling disturbance.

Potential Energy (U)

The stored energy of a system in SHM, given by the formula U = 1/2 k x².

Kinetic Energy (K)

The energy of motion for an object, expressed as K = 1/2 mv².

Simple Pendulum

A mass attached to a light, inextensible string that swings back and forth under the influence of gravity.

Hertz (Hz)

The unit of frequency that represents one cycle per second.

Displacement (x)

The distance and direction from a reference position; in SHM, measured from the equilibrium position.

Damped Oscillation

Oscillation that decreases in amplitude over time due to energy loss from the system.

Forced Oscillation

Oscillation in which a periodic force causes an object to continue to oscillate.