Question

List some examples of Simple harmonic motion.

Answer 1

Simple Harmonic Motion

1. When a particle or a body moves to and fro in a straight line such that the restoring force acting on it (and hence its acceleration) is always directed towards a certain fixed point on its path and is proportional to its distance from that point, the particle or the body is said to execute simple harmonic motion (SHM).
2. The function of the force is to bring back the body to its equilibrium position and hence the name restoring force.
3. A particle executing simple harmonic motion is called a simple or linear harmonic oscillator.
4. An analysis of the definition of SHM indicated its following characteristics.

1. The motion is periodic and linear.
2. The motion is always directed towards some fixed point in its path.
3. The force acting on it (and hence also its acceleration) is proportional to the displacement i.e., the distance from the fixed point.

Examples of SHM

1. The oscillation of a liquid column in a U-tube.
2. The motion of a simple pendulum for small displacements.
3. The vertical oscillations (small) of a mass are carried by an elastic string.
4. A cantilever loaded at the free end.