All Flashcards
What are the key differences between a pendulum's motion and a mass-spring system in SHM?
Pendulum: Restoring force is a torque, SHM is an approximation for small angles. | Mass-Spring: Restoring force is linear (Hooke's Law), SHM is more accurate.
Differentiate between period and frequency in SHM.
Period: Time for one oscillation. | Frequency: Number of oscillations per second.
Compare potential and kinetic energy in SHM.
Potential Energy: Maximum at maximum displacement, zero at equilibrium. | Kinetic Energy: Zero at maximum displacement, maximum at equilibrium.
Define Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM).
A special type of periodic motion where the restoring force is directly proportional to the displacement.
What is periodic motion?
Motion that repeats in a regular cycle over time.
Define the period (T) of an oscillation.
The time it takes to complete one full cycle.
Define the frequency (f) of an oscillation.
The number of cycles per unit time, measured in Hertz (Hz).
What is a restoring force?
A force that always acts to bring an object back to its equilibrium position.
Define equilibrium position.
The point where the net force on an object is zero, resulting in zero acceleration.
How do you apply Newton's Second Law to SHM?
- State Newton's Second Law: . 2. Substitute the restoring force: . 3. Rearrange the equation: .
Describe the energy transformation in SHM.
- At maximum displacement, all energy is potential. 2. As the object moves towards equilibrium, potential energy converts to kinetic energy. 3. At equilibrium, all energy is kinetic. 4. As the object moves past equilibrium, kinetic energy converts back to potential energy.