Give the definition simple harmonic motion and write down the defining equation for such motion stating the meaning of any symbols involved.

Simple harmonic motion is defined as a form of periodic motion in which a point or body oscillates in such a way that the acceleration of the point or body is directly proportional to its displacement from the equilibrium position (midpoint) and this acceleration is directed toward the equilibrium position. The defining equation is a = -w2x, where a is the acceleration of the point or body, w its angular frequency (angular displacement per unit time) of the point or body and x is the displacement of the point or body from the equilibrium position. Note the importance of the negative sign in the equation, which shows the acceleration is directed toward the equilibrium position.

BH

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why is an object moving in a circle at a constant speed said to be accelerating?


How did rutherford's gold leaf experiment prove the existence of the nucleus?


If one proton is travelling through space at 0.3c, what is it's kinetic energy in MeV?


What is the angular velocity of a car wheel which diameter is d = 15 mm if the car velocity is of 120 km/h?