Exploring Simple Harmonic Motion

What is the definition of simple harmonic motion?

• Motion that occurs in a straight line only

• Simple harmonic motion is periodic motion where the restoring force is proportional to the displacement from an equilibrium position.

• Any motion that is not periodic

• Motion with a constant speed regardless of position

What is the formula for the period of a simple harmonic oscillator?

• T = 2π(m/k)

• T = 2π√(m/k)

• T = √(k/m)

• T = 2πk/m

How does the mass of a pendulum affect its period in simple harmonic motion?

• The mass increases the period of the pendulum.

• Heavier pendulums swing faster than lighter ones.

• The mass of a pendulum does not affect its period in simple harmonic motion.

• The period is directly proportional to the mass of the pendulum.

What role does the spring constant play in simple harmonic motion?

• The spring constant only affects the mass of the spring.

• The spring constant has no impact on the motion of the spring.

• The spring constant determines the stiffness of the spring and affects the frequency of oscillation in simple harmonic motion.

• The spring constant determines the color of the spring.

Describe the energy transformations that occur in simple harmonic motion.

• Energy transforms between kinetic and potential energy in simple harmonic motion.

• Energy remains constant throughout simple harmonic motion.

• Only potential energy is present in simple harmonic motion.

• Kinetic energy is converted to thermal energy in simple harmonic motion.

What is the relationship between frequency and period in simple harmonic motion?

• Frequency and period are unrelated in simple harmonic motion.

• Period is the inverse of frequency: T = 1/f.

• Frequency is the same as period: f = T.

• Frequency is the inverse of period: f = 1/T.

How does damping affect simple harmonic motion?

• Damping decreases the amplitude of oscillations and can eventually stop simple harmonic motion.

• Damping increases the frequency of oscillations.

• Damping has no effect on the motion of the system.

• Damping only affects the phase of the oscillations.

What is the phase constant in simple harmonic motion?

• The frequency of the oscillation.

• The amplitude in simple harmonic motion.

• The phase constant (φ) in simple harmonic motion.

• The total energy of the system.

Explain how simple harmonic motion can be represented graphically.

• As a bar graph showing discrete values.

• As a random scatter plot of points.

• As a linear graph with constant slope.

• Simple harmonic motion can be represented graphically as a sine or cosine wave.

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

• A balloon rising in the air

• A person walking in a straight line

• A car accelerating on a straight road

• Examples of simple harmonic motion include a swinging pendulum, a mass attached to a spring, and the vibrations of a guitar string.