MECHANICS - Linear Motion

 

Simple Harmonic Motion

 

 

S.H.M. theory

S.H.M. & circular motion

 

 

 

S.H.M. Theory

 

A particle is said to move with S.H.M when the acceleration of the particle about a fixed point is proportional to its displacement but opposite in direction.

 

 

SHM diagram

 

 

Hence, when the displacement is positive the acceleration is negative(and vice versa).

This can be described by the equation:

 

SHM equation

 

where x is the displacement about a fixed point O(positive to the right, negative to the left), and w2 is a positive constant.

An equation for velocity is obtained using the expression for acceleration in terms of velocity and rate of change of velocity with respect to displacement(see 'non-uniform acceleration').

 

acceleration - v dv by dx

 

separating the variable and integrating,

 

SHM equation derivations

 

note cos-1() is the same as arc cos()

 

 

So the displacement against time is a cosine curve. This means that at the end of one completete cycle,

 

period equation derivation

 

 

Example

 

A particle displaying SHM moves in a straight line between extreme positions A & B and passes through a mid-position O.

 

If the distance AB=10 m and the max. speed of the particle is 15 m-1, find the period of the motion to 1 decimal place.

 

shm problem #1

 

 

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SHM and Circular Motion

 

 

shm and the circle

 

 

The SHM-circle connection is used to solve problems concerning the time interval between particle positions.

 

To prove how SHM is derived from circular motion we must first draw a circle of radius 'a'(max. displacement).

 

Then, the projection(x-coord.) of a particle A is made on the diameter along the x-axis. This projection, as the particle moves around the circle, is the SHM displacement about O.

 

 

shm circle proof

 

 

Example

 

A particle P moving with SHM about a centre O, has period T and amplitude a .

Q is a point 3a/4 from O. R is a point 2a/3 from O.

 

What is the time interval(in terms of T) for P to move directly from Q to R?

(answer to 2 d.p.)

 

 

shm-circle problems #1

 

shm-circle problem #1 answer

 

 

 

 

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