AP Physics 1 simple harmonic motion key terms

What is simple harmonic motion?

SHM is periodic motion where restoring force is proportional to displacement, e.g., a mass on a spring.

Define amplitude.

The maximum displacement from the equilibrium position in SHM, measured in meters.

What is the period in SHM?

The time it takes to complete one full cycle of motion, measured in seconds.

Frequency vs. period.

Frequency is the number of cycles per second ($\displaystyle f = \frac{1}{T}$); period is the time per cycle.

True or false: SHM can occur in multiple dimensions.

False, because SHM is defined in one dimension along the line of motion.

What is the restoring force in SHM?

The force that brings the object back toward the equilibrium position, often given by $\displaystyle F = -kx$.

Difference between elastic potential energy and kinetic energy.

Elastic potential energy is stored in a spring ($\displaystyle PE = \frac{1}{2}kx^2$); kinetic energy is motion energy ($\displaystyle KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2$).

What does a sine wave represent?

A graphical representation of SHM, showing displacement over time, characterized by amplitude and period.

What is the phase constant?

An angle that indicates the starting position of the oscillating object, measured in radians.

How does mass affect frequency?

In a mass-spring system, frequency $\displaystyle f = \frac{1}{2\pi} \sqrt{\\frac{k}{m}}$, so increased mass decreases frequency.

What is damping?

The gradual reduction of amplitude in SHM due to energy loss, often caused by friction or air resistance.

True or false: SHM is always frictionless.

False, because real systems often experience damping forces that affect motion.

What is the maximum speed in SHM?

The highest speed is at the equilibrium position, calculated using $\displaystyle v_{max} = Aω$, where $\displaystyle A$ is amplitude.

What does $\displaystyle ω$ represent?

$\displaystyle ω$ (angular frequency) measures how fast the object oscillates, calculated as $\displaystyle ω = 2πf$.

Fill in the blank: In SHM, total mechanical energy is ________.

Constant, as energy converts between potential and kinetic forms without loss.

Comparison of SHM and circular motion.

Both involve periodic motion, but SHM is linear while circular motion is rotational.

What is the equation of motion for SHM?

The displacement can be described as $\displaystyle x(t) = A \cos(ωt + φ)$, where $\displaystyle φ$ is the phase constant.

True or false: SHM can model a pendulum.

True, because a pendulum exhibits SHM for small angles.

What is the relationship between amplitude and energy?

Total energy in SHM is proportional to the square of the amplitude: $\displaystyle E = \\frac{1}{2}kA^2$.