Physics » D. Oscillations » D.1. Simple Harmonic Motion

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Introduction to Harmonic Motion

• Overview
• Recognizing examples and non-examples of harmonic motion

Hooke’s Law

• Overview
• Solving problems using the equation F_s = -kx
• Comparing the spring constant (stiffness of springs) of springs using a “force (F) vs. stretched length (x) ” graph

Kinematics of Spring-Block Oscillators

• Overview
• Recognizing that the period represents the amount of time for one cycle to complete
• Recognizing that the frequency represents that number of cycles that complete in 1 second
• Calculating period using the equation period = time / cycles
• Calculating the frequency using the equation Frequency = cycles / time
• Calculating the frequency and period using the equations f = 1 / T and T = 1 / f
• Determining the frequency from the mass of the block and the spring constant using f = 1/2π √ (k/m)
• Determining the period from the mass of the block and the spring constant using T = 2π√ (m/k)

Simple Pendulums

• Overview
• Determining the factors that affect the period of a pendulum
• Determining the restoring force for a pendulum using the equation F_restoring = mgsinθ
• Determining the frequency of a pendulum from the length of the pendulum and g using f = 1/2π √ (g/L)
• Determining the period of a pendulum from the length of the pendulum and g using T = 2π√ (L/g)