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 to its displacement from the equilibrium position and acts in the opposite direction. Mathematically, it is expressed as:
F= -kx
where ‘k’ is the force constant and ‘x’ is the displacement.
Conditions for SHM:
A restoring force must be present that pulls the object back toward the mean position.
The acceleration of the object must be directly proportional to its displacement and directed toward the mean position.
The system should not experience any resistive force, such as friction, in an ideal case.
Examples of SHM:
- A mass attached to a spring moving up and down.
- A simple pendulum oscillating with small displacements.
- Vibrations of a tuning fork.
- The motion of a child swinging on a swing (for small angles).