Types - linear and angular SHM and Conditions of SHM

Simple harmonic motion is a type of periodic motion in which the displacement of an object from its mean position follows a sinusoidal pattern.

The two types of simple harmonic motion are linear SHM and angular SHM.

  • Linear SHM occurs when an object moves back and forth in a straight line, while angular SHM occurs when an object rotates around a fixed axis.
  • The conditions for linear SHM are that the force acting on the object is proportional to its displacement from the mean position and is directed towards the mean position.
  • The conditions for angular SHM are that the torque acting on the object is proportional to its angular displacement from the equilibrium position and is directed towards the equilibrium position.
  • The frequency of SHM is the number of complete oscillations that occur in one second and is measured in hertz (Hz).
  • The period of SHM is the time it takes for one complete oscillation and is inversely proportional to the frequency.
  • The amplitude of SHM is the maximum displacement of the object from its mean position and is constant for a given system.
  • The energy of an object in SHM is constantly changing between kinetic and potential energy, but the total energy remains constant.
  • SHM is a fundamental concept in many areas of physics and is used to model a wide range of phenomena, from the motion of a simple pendulum to the vibrations of atoms in a solid.