Long Q/A Simple Harmonic Motion and Waves

Show that a vibrating mass-spring system performs simple harmonic motion. What is its time period? On what factors does it depend?

Consider a mass attached to a vertical spring with a force constant . When displaced from its equilibrium position, the restoring force acts in the opposite direction, according to Hooke’s Law: F= -kx Applying Newton’s second law, ma= -kx a= -kx/m Since acceleration is proportional to displacement and directed toward the equilibrium position, the motion … Read more

What do you mean by oscillation? Define simple harmonic motion. What are the conditions for a body to perform SHM? Give examples of bodies that perform SHM.

Oscillation refers to the repeated motion of a body about a fixed point or equilibrium position. It can be periodic or non-periodic, depending on whether the motion follows a regular time pattern. Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) is a special type of oscillatory motion in which the restoring force acting on the body is directly proportional … Read more