Unit 6: Simple Harmonic Motion

AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based

What is Simple Harmonic Motion?

Simple Harmonic Motion is a type of periodic motion where the restoring force is directly proportional to the displacement from the equilibrium position and is directed towards it.

Is SHM periodic and repetitive?

Yes, SHM is periodic and repetitive.

What is the relationship between acceleration and displacement in SHM?

The acceleration is directly proportional to the displacement and is always directed towards the equilibrium position.

When is the velocity maximum in SHM?

The velocity is maximum at the equilibrium position and minimum at the extreme positions.

Are displacement, velocity, and acceleration sinusoidal functions of time in SHM?

Yes, the displacement, velocity, and acceleration are all sinusoidal functions of time in SHM.

Is the period of oscillation dependent on the amplitude in SHM?

No, the period of oscillation is independent of the amplitude in SHM.

What are some examples of SHM?

Examples of SHM include a mass attached to a spring and oscillating vertically or a pendulum swinging back and forth.

What is the displacement equation in SHM?

Displacement: x = A cos(ωt + φ), where A is the amplitude, ω is the angular frequency, t is the time, and φ is the phase angle.

What is the velocity equation in SHM?

Velocity: v = -Aω sin(ωt + φ), where A is the amplitude, ω is the angular frequency, t is the time, and φ is the phase angle.

What is the acceleration equation in SHM?

Acceleration: a = -Aω^2 cos(ωt + φ), where A is the amplitude, ω is the angular frequency, t is the time, and φ is the phase angle.

What is the total mechanical energy equation in SHM?

Total energy: E = 1/2 kA^2, where k is the spring constant and A is the amplitude.

What is the kinetic energy equation in SHM?

Kinetic energy: K = 1/2 mv^2, where m is the mass and v is the velocity.

What is the potential energy equation in SHM?

Potential energy: U = 1/2 kx^2, where k is the spring constant and x is the displacement.

What is the force equation in SHM?

F = -kx, where k is the spring constant and x is the displacement.

What is amplitude?

Amplitude is a measure of the magnitude of a wave. It is the maximum displacement of a particle from its equilibrium position in a wave.

How is amplitude measured?

Amplitude is measured in meters (m) for a mechanical wave and in volts (V) for an electromagnetic wave.

What does the amplitude of a wave determine?

The amplitude of a wave determines its intensity and energy.

How does the amplitude of a wave affect force?

The amplitude of a wave can also affect the force.

What is the period of a wave?

The period of a wave is the time it takes for one complete cycle of the wave to occur.

What is the frequency of a wave?

The frequency of a wave is the number of complete cycles of the wave that occur in one s