Monday, October 19, 2015

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

Simple harmonic motion is a simple vibratory motion in which any body continues to move to and fro about its mean position. For example: motion of pendulum, motion of perpendicularly hanged body with spring.

Explanation: Consider the motion of a mass attached with a spring. Its one end is attached to a firm support and a mass “m” is attached to its other end. Currently the spring is in equilibrium position. If an external force “Fext”is applied on the mass “m”, length of the spring increases by an amount “x”. The external force “Fext” acting on the body is directly proportional to the increase in length “x”.


This means that the acceleration of the body is directly proportional to its displacement and is always directed towards its mean position. As the mass “m” moves towards the equilibrium position its displacement goes on decreasing. Resultantly the acceleration of the body also decreases. On reaching the equilibrium position, displacement becomes zero also acceleration becomes zero. But at this point velocity is maximum, so due to inertia the mass does not stop at this position but continues its motion towards left and the spring is being compressed. Hence the body of mass “m” keeps on vibrating.

RESTORING FORCE.

When an external force is applied on a spring, the length of the spring increases. After removing the force the spring moves towards its equilibrium position. The force due to which it moves towards its equilibrium position is known as restoring force.


SIMPLE PENDULUM & ITS MOVEMENT

Definition: A simple pendulum consists of a single isolated bob suspended from a frictionless support by means of a light inextensible string.

Explanation: The motion of simple pendulum is also simple harmonic motion. In equilibrium, the pendulum is held stationary in a vertical position. If the bob is disturbed from its equilibrium position, it will start moving towards its mean position under the action of one component of gravitational force. At equilibrium position the velocity of the bob is maximum and due to inertia it passes by its mean position towards the other end. But now the velocity of the bob decreases, and becomes zero as it reaches at its maximum point on the other end. And then bob starts moving between one end to the other end. The acceleration of the bob always remains toward the mean position.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION


(i)         A body executing simple harmonic motion always vibrates about its equilibrium position.
(ii)        Its acceleration is always directed towards its mean position.
(iii)       Its acceleration is directly proportional to its displacement from the mean position. i.e 0 at mean position and maximum at extreme position.
(iv)       Its velocity is maximum at the mean position and zero on the extreme position.

Mathematical Problems


Problem 1: The time period of a simple pendulum is 2s. What will be its length on earth and on moon?

Problem 2: Length of a spring is 8 cm. when a mass of 4 Kg is hung to it, its length becomes 16 cm. what is its spring constant?


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