Simple harmonic motion trouble

In summary, the conversation discusses the difficulty in determining if an object is undergoing simple harmonic motion. The criteria for this type of motion is for the position and velocity to follow a sin curve, but the conversation raises questions on how to determine this. It is mentioned that if the velocity of an object goes to zero when it changes direction, it could be considered simple harmonic. Additionally, the concept of force being directly proportional to displacement in the opposite direction is also discussed. The example of a basketball bouncing is used to explain why this motion is not considered simple harmonic.
  • #1
Lalasushi
11
0
hey guys I am having trouble figuring out if something is undergoing simple harmonic motion. i know that for an object to be executing simple harmonic motion, its position and velocity must follow a sin curve...but I am still having trouble. ok for example, a question on a worksheet said "a basketball player dribbles a ball with a steady period of T seconds. is the motion simple harmonic?" the answer was no. but i don't understand. how do u tell if its postiion and velocity follows a sin curve? can anyone explain to me?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
When the particle is changing direction, does its velocity go to zero? If so, you're looking at something that could be simple harmonic.
 
  • #3
If the force on an object is directly propotional to the displacement of an object, but in a direction which is opposite to the displacement, then the object will undergo Simple Harmonic motion.
ie,
F=-kx
Now, can you see why the basketball bouncing is not Simple Harmonic motion?
 

Related to Simple harmonic motion trouble

What is simple harmonic motion?

Simple harmonic motion is a type of periodic motion in which an object oscillates back and forth between two points with a constant period and amplitude. It is caused by a restoring force that is directly proportional to the displacement from the equilibrium point.

What causes simple harmonic motion?

Simple harmonic motion is caused by a restoring force, which is a force that pulls or pushes an object back towards its equilibrium position when it is displaced from that position. This force is usually proportional to the displacement and acts in the opposite direction of the displacement.

How is simple harmonic motion different from other types of motion?

Simple harmonic motion is different from other types of motion because it follows a specific pattern of oscillation with a constant period and amplitude. Other types of motion, such as linear or circular motion, do not follow this specific pattern.

What are some real-life examples of simple harmonic motion?

Some examples of simple harmonic motion in everyday life include the swinging of a pendulum, the vibration of a guitar string, and the motion of a mass on a spring. These systems all exhibit a restoring force that causes them to oscillate back and forth with a constant period and amplitude.

What factors affect the period and amplitude of simple harmonic motion?

The period and amplitude of simple harmonic motion can be affected by factors such as the mass of the object, the stiffness of the restoring force, and the initial displacement of the object. The period also depends on the length of the pendulum or the spring constant of the spring, while the amplitude is affected by the initial velocity of the object.

Similar threads

How to prove that motion is periodic but not simple harmonic?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
51
Views
2K
Position and acceleration in simple harmonic motion given velocity
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
16
Views
452
Bungee jump | simple harmonic motion
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
What is the max amplitude before the sand particles slip off the vibrating plate?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
367
Equation Demonstration -- Comparing a pendulum's motion to an LC circuit
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
982
Zero Amplitude Damped Simple Harmonic Motion with k=0.7s^-1 and f=3Hz
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
883
How to know whether motion is simple harmonic motion or not?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
17
Views
1K
Simple Harmonic Motion Experiment Problem
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
Prove that a mass has simple harmonic motion
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
970
Simple Harmonic Oscillator with Boundary Conditions
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top