Simple Harmonic Motion Definition (SHM Definition)
Simple harmonic motion is an oscillatory motion in which the acceleration of particle at any position is directly proportional to its displacement from the mean position.
As SHM is an example of Oscillatory Motion. Simple Harmonic Motions (SHM) are all oscillatory and periodic, but not all Oscillatory or Periodic motions are SHM. Oscillatory motion is also referred to as Harmonic Motion and out of all Harmonic Motions, the most important one to study is Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM). Some characteristics of SHM are as follows:
- SHM is a type of Periodic and Oscillatory Motion.
- There is always a restoring force acting on an object in SHM, which always acts in the opposite direction to the displacement of the object from the mean position.
- The amplitude in the SHM remains constant throughout the motion of the object.
- The acceleration of the object is directly proportional to the displacement of the object from its mean position.
- The velocity of the object is maximum at the equilibrium position.
- The total energy in SHM remains conserved, as there is always a conversion of kinetic and potential energy happening throughout the motion.
Examples of Simple Harmonic Motion(SHM)
There are a lot of examples of Simple Harmonic Motion around us, we just need to see them from the perspective of SHM. From swings in the park to the motion of the cantilever, all are examples of SHM. The following illustration shows different examples of Simple Harmonic Motion.
Simple Harmonic Motion
Simple Harmonic Motion is a fundament concept in the study of motion, especially oscillatory motion; which helps us understand many physical phenomena around like how strings produce pleasing sounds in a musical instrument such as the sitar, guitar, violin, etc., and also, how vibrations in the membrane in drums and diaphragms in telephone and speaker system creates the precise sound. Understanding Simple Harmonic Motion is key to understanding these phenomena.
In this article, we will grasp the concept of Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM), its examples in real life, the equation, and how it is different from periodic motion.
Table of Content
- SHM Definition
- Types of Simple Harmonic Motion
- Equations for Simple Harmonic Motion
- Solutions of Differential Equations of SHM
- SHM JEE Mains Questions