There are many laws and principles in physics that contribute to an object’s motion from one spot to another. One such important term in physics is Simple Harmonic Motion. To define, simple harmonic motion or SHM is a motion in which the restoring force is directly proportional to the body’s displacement from its mean position.
Also, the direction of this restoring force is always towards the mean position.
Acceleration of a particle executing SHM is:-
a(t) = -ω2 x(t), where ω is the angular velocity of the particle.
In this guide, we’ll help you learn about Simple Harmonic Motion’s main aspects and the differences between the three motion types.
Also read:-
Centripetal vs. Centrifugal Force: Main Differences
Differences Between Periodic Motion, Oscillation Motion, and SHM
The basic differences between the three include:
Periodic Motion
- A motion repeats itself after an equal interval of time
- There is no equilibrium position, restoring force, and stable equilibrium.
Oscillation Motion
- It is the to and fro motion of a particle about a mean position
- It is a restoring force directed towards the equilibrium or mean position
- The net force on the particle is zero at the mean position
SHM
- It is the oscillation along with a straight line between the two extreme points
- The object’s path is a straight line
Types of Simple Harmonic Motion
Simple harmonic motion can be classified into two types:-
- Linear SHM
- Angular SHM
To help you understand the two SHM types better, here is a brief explanation with examples.
Linear Harmonic Motion
This is the type of SHM in which a particle moves to and fro about a fixed point or equilibrium position along with a straight line.
Example of LHM
Spring-mass system
Conditions for Linear SHM
In Linear SHM, the restoring force or acceleration acting on the particle is always directly proportional to the particle’s displacement. Also, the force is directed towards the equilibrium position.
Angular Simple Harmonic Motion
Angular SHM is the type of motion in which the system oscillates angular long concerning a fixed axis.
Example of ASHM
A disc is allowed to rotate freely about an axis.
Conditions of Angular SHM
In Angular SHM, the restoring torque, also known as an angular acceleration, acts on the particle and should always be proportional to the angular displacement. Also, the force is directed towards the equilibrium position.
Τα – θ or αθ – Τ
Where,
- Τ – Torque
- α angular acceleration
- θ – angular displacement
SHM key Terms
Some of the key terms that define Simple Harmonic Motion are:-
- Mean Position – The point at which net force acting on the particle is zero
- Amplitude – It is the maximum displacement of the particle from the mean position.
- Time-period – It is the minimum time after which the particle keeps on repeating its motion.
- Frequency – It is the number of oscillations per second
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