All Flashcards
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.
What happens when an object is displaced from equilibrium in SHM?
The restoring force pushes or pulls it back towards the equilibrium position.
What is the effect of increasing the displacement from equilibrium on the restoring force?
The restoring force increases linearly.
What happens to the total mechanical energy in SHM?
The total mechanical energy (potential + kinetic) is conserved; energy is constantly exchanged between potential and kinetic forms.
What happens if the mass in a mass-spring system is doubled?
The period of oscillation increases by a factor of .
What happens if the length of a pendulum is quadrupled?
The period of oscillation is doubled.
What is the effect of increasing the spring constant (k) in a mass-spring system?
It increases the restoring force for a given displacement, leading to a higher frequency and shorter period of oscillation.
What happens when a pendulum's angular displacement is large?
The motion is no longer accurately described by SHM, as the restoring torque is no longer proportional to the angular displacement.
What is the effect of increasing the mass on a spring in SHM?
Increasing the mass increases the period of oscillation, making the oscillations slower.
What is the effect of displacement from equilibrium in SHM?
A restoring force is generated, causing the object to accelerate back towards the equilibrium position.
What happens to the energy in SHM?
Energy is constantly exchanged between potential and kinetic energy during the oscillation.