Simple Harmonic Motion Basics

Simple Harmonic Motion

Amplitude

• Maximum displacement of an object from its equilibrium position, represented by symbol 'A' and measured in meters (m)
• Affects the energy of the oscillation, but not the frequency

Frequency

• Number of oscillations per second, represented by symbol 'f' and measured in hertz (Hz)
• Related to period by equation: f = 1/T

Period

• Time taken for one complete oscillation, represented by symbol 'T' and measured in seconds (s)
• Related to frequency by equation: T = 1/f

Damping

• Reduction of amplitude over time due to external forces
• Types of damping:
  • Viscous damping: frictional force proportional to velocity
  • Coulomb damping: frictional force constant and independent of velocity
  • Air resistance: frictional force proportional to velocity squared
• Affects amplitude, but not frequency or period

Energy Transfer

• Energy is transferred between kinetic and potential forms during oscillation
• At equilibrium position, all energy is kinetic
• At maximum displacement, all energy is potential
• Energy is conserved, but can be lost due to damping
• Examples of energy transfer:
  • Pendulum: gravitational potential energy → kinetic energy
  • Spring-mass system: elastic potential energy → kinetic energy