SHM - Basics Flashcards
What is simple harmonic motion?
Objects that vibrate back and forth with no loss in energy.
What are the two most common examples of SHM?
Pendulum and spring
What shape is the position vs. time graph for an object in SHM?
Sine function
What happens to net force as a SHM object increases distance from equilibrium?
Increases
What direction does the net force always point in an object with SHM?
Toward equilibrium
What is amplitude?
The maximum distance from equililbrium
What is the abbreviation and units for amplitude?
A, meters
What is period?
The time an object takes to complete one oscillation
What is the abbreviation and units for period?
T, seconds
What is frequency?
How many oscillations an object makes every second
What is the abbreviation and units for frequency?
f, Hz
What factors affect a spring’s period?
Mass attached to spring and spring constant (k)
What factors affect a pendulum’s period?
Length of pendulum and gravity
