Simple harmonic motion of the earth

In summary, the rotation of the Earth and its revolution around the sun are not simple harmonic in nature, as they do not follow the characteristics of SHM. While they are periodic, they are not linear and do not have a restoring force proportional to the displacement from equilibrium. However, both SHM and uniform circular motion can be described using sinusoidal functions, allowing for similar formulas to be used in problem solving. Ultimately, uniform circular motion cannot be classified as simple harmonic motion.
  • #1
monty37
225
1
is the rotation of the Earth and the revolution of it around sun simple harmonic in nature?
it is periodic but not linear.
 
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  • #2
monty37 said:
is the rotation of the Earth and the revolution of it around sun simple harmonic in nature?
it is periodic but not linear.

The orbit is an ellipse, not a circle. So neither the position nor the velocity exactly describe a sine wave, so its not simple harmonic motion.
 
  • #3
SHM is caused by a restoring force that is linearly proportional to the extension of an object from its equilibrium position. Like a spring, the force that it pushes back with is directly proportional to how much you squeeze it.

The result is periodic motion that is sinusoidal with time.

As a planet moves in orbit, even if it is a perfect circle, there is no movement from or to an equilibrium position. Uniform Circular motion is also periodic, and when you examine the component of motion in a single dimension, this too is sinusoidal. This conveniently allows many of the same formulas to be used when solving advanced problems of both SHM and UCM.

But at its fundamental definition, Uniform Circular Motion is not Simple Harmonic Motion.
 

Related to Simple harmonic motion of the earth

What is simple harmonic motion?

Simple harmonic motion is a type of periodic motion in which an object moves back and forth along a straight line, with a restoring force that is directly proportional to the displacement from the equilibrium position.

How does the earth exhibit simple harmonic motion?

The earth exhibits simple harmonic motion in its orbit around the sun. The gravitational force between the earth and the sun acts as the restoring force, bringing the earth back towards its equilibrium position as it moves around the sun.

What factors affect the simple harmonic motion of the earth?

The main factors that affect the simple harmonic motion of the earth are the mass of the earth, the distance between the earth and the sun, and the gravitational constant. These factors determine the strength of the gravitational force and the shape and size of the earth's orbit.

Does the motion of the earth always follow a perfect harmonic pattern?

No, the motion of the earth is affected by other forces such as the gravitational pull of other planets and the moon, which can cause slight deviations from a perfect harmonic pattern. However, the overall motion of the earth can be approximated as simple harmonic motion.

How is simple harmonic motion related to other types of motion?

Simple harmonic motion is a type of oscillatory motion and is closely related to other types of periodic motion such as circular motion and pendulum motion. It can also be mathematically described using the same equations as other types of harmonic motion.

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