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 ▸

Calculate the root mean squared speed for 16g of oxygen gas at 50(deg Celsius) and explain why we use this instead of the average velocity of all the particles.


Alex's rocket lands after 4.56s and Billy's lands after 5.21s. What was the initial (maximum) vertical velocity of both of their rockets as they left the launchpad to 3s.f.?


Calculate the length of a 120m (as measured by the astronaut) spaceship travelling at 0.85c as measured by a stationary observer


The mercury atoms in a fluorescent tube are excited and then emit photons in the ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Explain (i) how the mercury atoms become excited and (ii) how the excited atoms emit photons.