What is Harmonic motion: Definition and 1000 Discussions

In mechanics and physics, simple harmonic motion (sometimes abbreviated SHM) is a special type of periodic motion where the restoring force on the moving object is directly proportional to the object's displacement magnitude and acts towards the object's equilibrium position. It results in an oscillation which, if uninhibited by friction or any other dissipation of energy, continues indefinitely.
Simple harmonic motion can serve as a mathematical model for a variety of motions, but is typified by the oscillation of a mass on a spring when it is subject to the linear elastic restoring force given by Hooke's law. The motion is sinusoidal in time and demonstrates a single resonant frequency. Other phenomena can be modeled by simple harmonic motion, including the motion of a simple pendulum, although for it to be an accurate model, the net force on the object at the end of the pendulum must be proportional to the displacement (and even so, it is only a good approximation when the angle of the swing is small; see small-angle approximation). Simple harmonic motion can also be used to model molecular vibration as well.
Simple harmonic motion provides a basis for the characterization of more complicated periodic motion through the techniques of Fourier analysis.

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  1. C

    Equation for displacement in damped harmonic motion.

    This is not really a homework problem but rather a question about an equation for displacement in damped harmonic oscillations that I've come across during revision for midterms. In my notes and in various textbooks the equation is given as x=C\mathrm{exp}(-\frac{b}{2m}t)\cdot\mathrm{exp}(\pm...
  2. T

    Simple Harmonic Motion: Period depends on k coefficient of spring and mass right?

    Period does not depend on amplitude. Correct? I deduced this from the equations for simple harmonic motion: ω=2πf ω=√(k/m)
  3. T

    Difference between simple harmonic motion and stationary sinusoidal wave?

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  4. T

    Understanding Simple Harmonic Motion: Position and Velocity Functions Explained

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  5. Q

    Simple Harmonic Motion: Calculating Mass and Frequency

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  6. H

    Problems of statics, angular motion and simple harmonic motion

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  7. T

    Simple Harmonic Motion Problem 4

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  8. T

    Simple Harmonic Motion Typical Problem

    Hi friends the problem is - https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s480x480/60061_2656517749482_1458399262_n.jpg Attempt - As per the problem states, The net force on the particle will be ...
  9. T

    Simple Harmonic Motion problem 1

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  10. sankalpmittal

    Question regarding Simple Harmonic Motion

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  11. D

    Simple harmonic motion problem

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  12. W

    Simple Harmonic Motion: Period Dependence on Variables and Curve Fitting

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  13. K

    Simple harmonic motion of a machine part

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  14. D

    Simple Harmonic Motion and equilibrium

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  15. X

    I do not why the particle does the simple harmonic motion.

    Homework Equations I do not why the particle does the simple harmonic motion. And how to find such innitial condition to satify r decreases continually in time. [b]3. The Attempt at a Solution [/b Is it need to take derivative of r?
  16. H

    Simple harmonic motion of guitar string

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  17. T

    Harmonic Motion Lecture: Deriving Equations

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  18. D

    How is the Sine Term Transformed in the Harmonic Motion Equation?

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  19. D

    Simple Harmonic Motion without damping

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  20. E

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  21. S

    Understanding Simple Harmonic Motion: The Role of Frequency in Wave Equations

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  22. H

    Period for harmonic motion (horizontal)

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  23. T

    Simple Harmonic Motion: Two Springs One Mass

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  24. M

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  25. C

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  26. K

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  27. B

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  28. C

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  29. S

    Simple Harmonic Motion, Force as a Function of Time

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  30. F

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  31. S

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  32. L

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  33. M

    Simple Harmonic Motion: Displacement after s seconds

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  34. B

    Solved: Harmonic Motion - A, T, v=0, Acceleration, & Phase

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  35. S

    Particle moving in Simple Harmonic Motion

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  36. H

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  37. S

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  38. J

    Simple Harmonic Motion Test Question

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  39. O

    Simple Harmonic Motion for a block-spring system

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  40. S

    Finding Spring Constant through Simple Harmonic Motion

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  41. Jalo

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  42. S

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  43. G

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  44. S

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  45. M

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  46. K

    Simple Harmonic Motion Homework: Finding Velocity, Time, and Constant Values

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  47. N

    Simple Harmonic Motion, spring periods

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  48. S

    Simple Harmonic Motion Question

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  49. R

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  50. G

    Simple Harmonic Motion and Resonance

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