Simple Harmonic Motion Flashcards | A-Level Physics CIE

What is simple harmonic motion?

Oscillatory motion where the restoring force is proportional to the displacement.

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What is the displacement in simple harmonic motion?

How far the object is from the equilibrium point.

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What is the amplitude in simple harmonic motion?

The point of maximum displacement from the equilibrium point.

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What is meant by the time period of simple harmonic motion?

The time taken for one complete oscillation.

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What is the relationship between acceleration (a) and displacement (x) in simple harmonic motion?

a ∝ − x

a = centripetal acceleration (ms^-2)

x = displacement (m)

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In which direction does the restoring force act in simple harmonic motion?

Towards the equilibrium point.

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Does the amplitude of oscillation affect the frequency of simple harmonic motion?

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What is the formula linking displacement ( $x$ ), time (t), angular velocity ( $\omega$ ) and amplitude (A)?

x = A cos(ωt)

$x$ = displacement (m)

A = amplitude (m)

$\omega$ = angular velocity (rad s^-1)

t = time (s)

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What is the formula that links the maximum velocity (v_max), angular velocity ( $\omega$ ), and amplitude (A)?

vmax = ωA

v_max= maximum velocity (m s^-1)

$\omega$ = angular velocity (rad s^-1)

A = amplitude (m)

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