Simple Harmonic Motion and Oscillations

This set of flashcards covers the key vocabulary and concepts related to Simple Harmonic Motion and oscillations.

Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)

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

Equilibrium Position

The point where the net force on the system is zero.

Displacement

The distance moved from the natural resting position.

Amplitude

The maximum displacement from the equilibrium position.

Period

The time required for one complete cycle or oscillation.

Frequency

The number of oscillations per unit of time, typically measured in Hertz (Hz).

Restoring Force

The net force that 'restores' the mass to its equilibrium position.

Kinetic Energy in SHM

Energy that increases as the object approaches the equilibrium position.

Potential Energy in SHM

Energy that increases as the object moves away from the equilibrium position.

How do oscillations occur?

Results when the magnitude of the restoring force is proportional to the displacement from equilibrium position.

Natural resting point

state of the system with no disturbance.

Restoring force for a pendelum and vertical mass-spring system

it’s a component of gravitational force.

Restoring force for a horizontal mass-spring

the spring force (Fsp = kx)

What happens to the object’s energy as it approaches equilibrium position?

Kinetic energy increases and potential energy decreases

What happens to the object’s restoring force as it approaches the equilibrium position?

it does work in the direction of motion. (object speeds up)

What happens to the object’s energy as it moves away from equilibrium?

Potential energy increases and kinetic energy decreases

What happens to the object’s restoring force as it moves away from equilibrium?

Restoring force is opposing the object’s motion, doing work against the direction of motion (object slows down)

What effect does length have on the period of a pendulum?

Changing the length of a pendulum alters the distance it must cover during one cycle, resulting in a different time period for oscillation.

How does gravitational field strength (g) affect the period of a pendulum?

results in different average restoring forces, leading to variations in average acceleration and average velocity, thus changing the period.

Does amplitude affect the period of a pendulum?

No, although larger amplitude increases distance covered, it also increases restoring force, allowing for the same period due to faster acceleration.

How does mass affect the period of a pendulum?

Mass does not affect the period when other variables are constant because it increases both restoring force and net force by the same factor, keeping average acceleration and velocity unchanged.

What is the impact of mass on the period of a mass-spring system?

Increasing it raises the required restoring force for the same acceleration and distance, thus increasing the period of oscillation.

How does spring constant (k) influence the period of a mass-spring system?

A larger spring constant provides a greater restoring force, resulting in larger acceleration and shorter period

Does amplitude affect the period of a mass-spring system?

No, it leads to higher restoring force and faster motion, so the period remains unchanged.

How does acceleration due to gravity influence a vertical mass-spring system's period?

Although gravity affects the work done during a cycle, it doesn't impact the average velocity over the cycle, hence no change in period.