PHYSICS CHAPTER 9 PHYSICS CHAPTER 9

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

9.1 Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)

CHAPTER 9:
9.2 Kinematics of Simple Harmonic Motion
Simple Harmonic Motion
9.3 Graphs of Simple Harmonic Motion
PST (5 Hours)
9.4 Period of Simple Harmonic Motion

1 2

PHYSICS CHAPTER 9 PHYSICS CHAPTER 9

Learning Outcome:
9.1 Simple harmonic motion
9.1 Simple harmonic motion (1 hour)
What is oscillation or periodic motion?
At the end of this chapter, students should be able to:

Explain simple harmonic motion (SHM) as periodic
motion without loss of energy. The back-and-forth motion of an
 Examples of linear SHM system are simple object about a fixed point.
pendulum, frictionless horizontal and vertical spring
oscillations

Use SHM equation:
Examples of linear SHM system are simple pendulum,
horizontal and vertical spring oscillations as shown in
d 2x
a = 2 = 2 x Figures 9.1a, 9.1b and 9.1c.
dt

3 4
PHYSICS CHAPTER


9 PHYSICS CHAPTER 9
a

Fs 9.1.1 Terminology in SHM
m Amplitude (A)

is defined as the maximum magnitude of the displacement
from the equilibrium position.
position
x O +x
Its unit is metre (m)
(m).
Period (T)
Figure 9.1a

is defined as the time taken for one cycle.
cycle

Its unit is second (s).
(s)

Equation :
+x 1
T=
f

Frequency (f)
O a


is defined as the number of cycles in one second.
second
Fs

Its unit is hertz (Hz) :
m 1 Hz = 1 cycle s1 = 1 s1
x m


Fs a
Equation :
x O +x
Figure 9.1b
= 2f OR f =
Figure 9.1c 5 2 6

PHYSICS CHAPTER 9 PHYSICS CHAPTER 9

9.1.2 Simple harmonic motion (SHM)

is defined as a periodic motion without loss of energy in
which the acceleration of a body is directly proportional to
The angular frequency,
frequency always constant thus
its displacement from the equilibrium position (fixed point)
and is directed towards the equilibrium position but in
a x
opposite direction of the displacement.
displacement
The negative sign in the equation 9.1 indicates that the
direction of the acceleration, a is always opposite to the
OR
direction of the displacement, x.
mathematically,

The equilibrium position is a position at which the body would
2 come to rest if it were to lose all of its energy.
energy
d x
a = 2 x = (9.1)
Equation 9.1 is the hallmark of the linear SHM.
dt 2
where a : acceleration of the body
: angular velocity(angular frequency)
x : displacement from the equilibrium position,O
7
8
PHYSICS CHAPTER 9 PHYSICS CHAPTER 9
Equilibrium Position
-- when the block is displaced to one side of its equilibrium position &
-- a point where the acceleration of the body undergoing oscillation is
released, it moves back & forth repeatedly about a maximum values of
zero.
displacement x.
-- At this point, the force exerted on the body is also zero. -- Maximum value of x is called amplitude, A
Restoring Force -- It can be negative () or positive (+).
-- the force which causes simple harmonic motion to occcur. This force is
proportional to the displacement from equilibrium & always directed
towards equilibrium.
F s = k x
Equation for SHM
-- Consider a system that consists of a block of mass, m attached to the end
of a spring with the block free to move on a horizontal, frictionless
surface.
-- the spring exerts a force that tends to restore the spring to its equilibrium
position.
-- Given by Hookes law :
F s = k x

MOE5 Slide 11
PHYSICS CHAPTER 9 MOE5 that is when the block is displaced to the right of x=0, then the displacement is positive and the restoring force is directed to the left.
When the block is displaced to the left of x=0, then the displacement is negative and the restoring force is directed to the right.
Ministry of Education, Malaysia, 7/2/2004
F s = k x
-- Fs is known as restoring force.
-- Applying Newtons 2nd Law to the motion of the block :
F net = m a
k x = m a
k k
a = x ( : c o n s ta n t v a lu e )
m m
-- denote ratio k/m with symbol 2 :
2 [ equation for SHM ]
a = x

-- any system that satify this equation is said to exhibit Simple Harmonic
Motion ( SHM )
-- from above equation, we find that:
a x
-- the acceleration, a is proportional to the displacement of the block & its
direction is opposite the direction of the displacement.
PHYSICS CHAPTER 9 PHYSICS CHAPTER 9
Learning Outcome:
9.2 Kinematics of SHM
9.2 Kinematics of SHM (2 hours) 9.2.1 Displacement, x
At the end of this chapter, students should be able to:
Uniform circular motion can be translated into linear SHM and

Use SHM displacement equation, obtained a sinusoidal curve for displacement, x against angular
x = A sin t displacement, graph as shown in Figure 9.6.
x
Derive and apply equations:

 velocity, dx
S A
v= 2
= A x 2
N x1
dt
A M
acceleration,

dv d 2 x
= 2 x

a= =
dt dt 2 1
 kinetic energy,
1 O P 0 1 3 2 (rad)
K=
2
(
m 2 A2 x 2 ) 2 2
 potential energy, 1
U= m 2 x 2 A
2 12
Figure 9.2
9.2 T 13

PHYSICS CHAPTER 9 PHYSICS CHAPTER 9

At time, t = 0 the object is at point M (Figure 9.6) and after time t Initial phase angle (phase constant),
it moves to point N , therefore the expression for displacement,
x1 is given by x = A sin where
It is indicate the starting point in SHM where the time, t = 0 s.
s
1 1 1 = + and = t
x1 = A sin (t + )
If =0 , the equation (9.2) can be written as

In general the equation of displacement as a function of time
x = A sin (t )
in SHM is given by phase where the starting point of SHM is at the equilibrium position,
position
displacement from O.
equilibrium position x = A sin t + ( ) (9.2)

For examples:
a. At t = 0 s, x = +A
Initial phase angle x = A sin (t + )
amplitude (phase constant)
angular time A = A sin (0 + )
frequency

The S.I. unit of displacement is metre (m). (m) A O A = rad
Phase
2


It is the time-varying quantity (t + ) .
Equation : x = A sin t + OR x = A cos(t )

Its unit is radian
radian. 2
14 15
PHYSICS CHAPTER 9 PHYSICS CHAPTER 9
b. At t = 0 s, x = A
x = A sin (t + ) 9.2.2 Velocity, v
From the definition of instantaneous velocity,
A = A sin (0 + )

dx
3 v= and x = A sin (t + )
= rad OR rad dt
A O A 2 2 d
3 x = A sin t v = ( A sin(t + ) )
Equation :
x = A sin t + OR dt
2 2 d
v = A (sin(t + ) )
OR x = A cos (t ) dt
c. At t = 0 s, x = 0, but v = vmax


vmax v = A cos(t + ) (9.3)

Eq. (9.3) is an equation of velocity as a function of time in SHM.

cos((t+)=1 hence
The maximum velocity, vmax occurs when cos
A O A
Equation : vmax = A (9.4)
x = A sin (t ) OR x = A sin (t )
16 17

PHYSICS CHAPTER 9 PHYSICS CHAPTER 9

The S.I. unit of velocity in SHM is m s1.

If = 0 , equation (9.3) becomes
By substituting equations (3) and (2) into equation (1), thus
v = A cos t 2
x
Relationship between velocity, v and displacement, x v = A 1

From the eq. (9.3) : A
v = A cos(t + ) (1)

From the eq. (9.2) : x2
x = A sin (t + ) v = A A 2
2 2

x A
sin (t + ) = (2)
A
v = A2 x 2 (9.5)

From the trigonometry identical,
sin 2 + cos 2 = 1 and = (t + )
cos(t + ) = 1 sin 2 (t + ) (3)

18 19
PHYSICS CHAPTER 9 PHYSICS CHAPTER 9
9.2.3 Acceleration, a
The S.I. unit of acceleration in SHM is m s2.

From the definition of instantaneous acceleration,
If = 0 , equation (9.6) becomes
dv a = A 2 sin t
a= and v = A cos(t + )
dt Relationship between acceleration, a and displacement, x
d
From the eq. (9.6) :
a = ( A cos(t + ) ) a = 2 A sin(t + ) (1)
dt
d
From the eq. (9.2) :
a = A (cos(t + ) ) x = A sin (t + ) (2)
dt

By substituting eq. (2) into eq. (1), therefore
a = A 2 sin(t + ) (9.6)

Eq. (9.6) is an equation of acceleration as a function of time in a = 2 x

SHM.

The maximum acceleration, amax occurs when sin(t+)=1
hence
amax = A 2 (9.7)
20 21

PHYSICS CHAPTER 9 PHYSICS CHAPTER 9

Caution : 9.2.4 Energy in SHM
 Some of the reference books use other general equation for
Potential energy, U
displacement in SHM such as

Consider the oscillation of a spring as a SHM hence the
x = A cos(t + ) (9.8) potential energy for the spring is given by
1 2
 The equation of velocity in term of time, t becomes U= kx and k = m 2
2
dx 1
v= = A sin(t + ) (9.9)
U = m 2 x 2 (9.11)
dt 2
 And the equation of acceleration in term of time, t becomes
The potential energy in term of time, t is given by
dv 1
a= = A 2 cos(t + ) (9.10) U= m 2 x 2 and x = A sin (t + )
dt 2
1
U = m 2 A2 sin 2 (t + ) (9.12)
22
2 23
PHYSICS CHAPTER 9 PHYSICS CHAPTER 9
Kinetic energy, K Total energy, E

The kinetic energy of the object in SHM is given by
The total energy of a body in SHM is the sum of its kinetic
1 2 energy, K and its potential energy, U .
K= mv and v = A2 x 2
2 E = K +U

From the principle of conservation of energy, this total energy is
1
(
K = m 2 A2 x 2
2
) (9.13) always constant in a closed system hence
E = K + U = constant

The kinetic energy in term of time, t is given by
The equation of total energy in SHM is given by
1 1
1
K = mv 2 and v = A cos(t + )
E=
2
( 2
)
m 2 A2 x 2 + m 2 x 2
2 1
1 E = m 2 A2 (9.15)
K = m 2 A2 cos 2 (t + ) (9.14) 2
2 1
OR E = kA 2 (9.16)
2
24 25

PHYSICS CHAPTER 9 PHYSICS CHAPTER 9

Example 9.1 : Solution :
An object executes SHM whose displacement x varies with time t a. By comparing
according to the relation
x = 5.00 sin 2t with x = A sin (t + )
2
x = 5.00 sin 2t thus
2 i.
where x is in centimeters and t is in seconds. ii.
Determine
a. the amplitude, frequency, period and phase constant of the
motion, iii. The period of the motion is

b. the velocity and acceleration of the object at any time, t ,

c. the displacement, velocity and acceleration of the object at
t = 2.00 s, iv. The phase constant is
d. the maximum speed and maximum acceleration of the object.

26 27
PHYSICS CHAPTER 9 PHYSICS CHAPTER 9
Solution : Solution :
b. i. Differentiating x respect to time, thus b. ii. Differentiating v respect to time, thus

where v is in cm s 1 and t is in seconds. where a is in cm s 2 and t is in seconds.

28 29

PHYSICS CHAPTER 9 PHYSICS CHAPTER 9

Solution : Solution :
c. For t = 2.00 s c. For t = 2.00 s
i. The displacement of the object is iii. The acceleration of the object is

ii. The velocity of the object is

OR

OR

30 31
PHYSICS CHAPTER 9 PHYSICS CHAPTER 9
Solution : Example 9.2 :
d. i. The maximum speed of the object is given by The length of a simple pendulum is 75.0 cm and it is released at an angle
8 to the vertical. Frequency of the oscillation is 0.576 Hz. Calculate the
pendulums bob speed when it passes through the lowest point of the
swing.
(Given g = 9.81 m s2)
ii. The maximum acceleration of the object is Solution :

L
8 

A
m

32
A O A 33

PHYSICS CHAPTER 9 PHYSICS CHAPTER 9

Solution : L = 0.75 m; = 8 Example 9.3 :


At the lowest point,

point the velocity of the pendulums bob is A body hanging from one end of a vertical spring performs vertical
maximum hence SHM. The distance between two points, at which the speed of the
body is zero is 7.5 cm. If the time taken for the body to move
between the two points is 0.17 s, Determine
a. the amplitude of the motion,
b. the frequency of the motion,
c. the maximum acceleration of body in the motion.
Solution :
a. The amplitude is

+A b. The period of the motion is

7.5 cm O t = 0.17 s
m
34 A 35
PHYSICS CHAPTER 9 PHYSICS CHAPTER 9
Solution : Example 9.4 :
b. Therefore the frequency of the motion is An object of mass 450 g oscillates from a vertically hanging light
spring once every 0.55 s. The oscillation of the mass-spring is
started by being compressed 10 cm from the equilibrium position
and released.
a. Write down the equation giving the objects displacement as a
function of time.
c. From the equation of the maximum acceleration in SHM, hence
b. How long will the object take to get to the equilibrium position
for the first time?
c. Calculate
i. the maximum speed of the object,
ii. the maximum acceleration of the object.

36 37

PHYSICS CHAPTER 9 PHYSICS CHAPTER 9

Solution : m = 0.450 kg; T = 0.55 s Solution : m = 0.450 kg; T = 0.55 s
a. The amplitude of the motion is A = 10 cm b. At the equilibrium position, x = 0
The angular frequency of the oscillation is
T 0.55
2 2 x = 10 sin 11.4t + OR t= =
= = 2 4 4
T 0.55
10 cm m = 11.4 rad s 1 t = 0.138 s
t =0 0 = 10 sin 11.4t +
and the initial phase angle is given by 2
0 x = A sin (t + )
11.4t + = sin (0)
1
A = A sin ( (0) + ) 2
10 cm
= rad
2 11.4t + =
Therefore the equation of the displacement as a function of time is 2
x = A sin (t + ) t = 0.138 s

x = 10 cos(11.4t )
x = 10 sin 11.4t + OR
2
where x is in cm and t is in seconds. 38 39
PHYSICS CHAPTER 9 PHYSICS CHAPTER 9
Solution : m = 0.450 kg; T = 0.55 s Example 9.5 :
c. i. The maximum speed of the object is
vmax = A An object of mass 50.0 g is connected to a spring with a force
constant of 35.0 N m1 oscillates on a horizontal frictionless surface with
vmax = (0.1)(11.4 ) an amplitude of 4.00 cm and is 26.46 rads-1 . Determine
vmax = 1.14 m s 1 a. the total energy of the system,
b. the speed of the object when the position is 1.00 cm,
ii. The maximum acceleration of the object is c. the kinetic and potential energy when the position is 3.00 cm.
amax = A 2 Solution :
2
amax = (0.1)(11.4 )
3 1 2
m = 50 . 0 10 kg; k = 35 . 0 N m ; A = 4 . 00 10 m
a. By applying the equation of the total energy in SHM, thus
amax = 13.0 m s 2

40

PHYSICS CHAPTER 9 PHYSICS CHAPTER 9

b) The speed of the object when x = 1.00 102 m
Example 9.6 :
An object of mass 3.0 kg executes linear SHM on a smooth horizontal
surface at frequency 10 Hz & with amplitude 5.0 cm. Neglect all resistance
forces. Determine :
(a) total energy of the system
(b) The potential & kinetic energy when the displacement of the object is 3.0 cm.

c) The kinetic energy of the object Solution:

Given : m = 3.0 kg
A = 5 cm = 0.05 m
f = 10 Hz knowing : = 2f
= 2 ( 10 ) = 20

and the potential energy of the object

PHYSICS
(b )
CHAPTER 9 PHYSICS CHAPTER 9
Exercise 9.1 :
b)
1. A mass which hangs from the end of a vertical helical spring is
in SHM of amplitude 2.0 cm. If three complete oscillations take
4.0 s, determine the acceleration of the mass
a. at the equilibrium position,
b. when the displacement is maximum.
To calculate Kinetic energy : ANS. : U think ; 44.4 cm s2
2. A body of mass 2.0 kg moves in simple harmonic motion. The
displacement x from the equilibrium position at time t is given by

x = 6.0 sin 2 t +
6
where x is in metres and t is in seconds. Determine
a. the amplitude, period and phase angle of the SHM.
b. the maximum acceleration of the motion.
c. the kinetic energy of the body at time t = 5 s.

ANS. : 6.0 m, 1.0 s, rad ; 24.02 m s2; 355 J 45
3

PHYSICS CHAPTER 9 PHYSICS CHAPTER 9

3. A horizontal plate is vibrating vertically with SHM at a frequency Learning Outcome:
of 20 Hz. What is the amplitude of vibration so that the fine sand
on the plate always remain in contact with it?
6.21104 m
ANS. : 6.21 9.3 Graphs of SHM (1 hour)
4. A simple harmonic oscillator has a total energy of E. At the end of this chapter, students should be able to:
a. Determine the kinetic energy and potential energy when the
Sketch, interpret and distinguish the following graphs:
displacement is one half the amplitude.
 displacement - time
b. For what value of the displacement does the kinetic energy
 velocity - time
equal to the potential energy?
 acceleration - time
ANS. : 3 1 2  energy - displacement
E, E; A
4 4 2

46 47
PHYSICS CHAPTER 9 PHYSICS CHAPTER 9
How to write the equation from graph x against t when 0
9.3 Graphs of SHM

For examples:
9.3.1 Graph of displacement-time (x-t)
a. Graph of x against t:

From the general equation of displacement as a function of time
At t = 0 s, x = +A
in SHM, x = A sin t + ( ) x
2
 If = 0 , thus x = A sin (t ) A
 The displacement-time graph is shown in Figure 9.3.
x
Period
A
0 T T 3T T t
Amplitude 4 2 4

0 A
T T 3T T t
4 2 4
Equation: x = A cos(t ) OR x = A sin t +
A 2
Figure 9.3 48 49

PHYSICS CHAPTER 9 PHYSICS CHAPTER 9

b. Graph of x against t: c. Graph of x against t:
At t = 0 s, x = A x At t = 0 s, x = 0, but v = vmax

A
x
A
t
0 T T 3T T
4 2 4
0 T T 3T T t
A
4 2 4

2 A
Equation:
x = A cos(t ) OR x = A sin t
2 Equation: x = A sin (t ) OR x = A sin (t )
3
OR x = A sin t +
2 50 51
PHYSICS CHAPTER 9 PHYSICS CHAPTER 9
How to sketch the x against t graph when 0
The conclusion is: Sketch the x against t graph for the following expression:

RULES x = 2 cm sin 2t +
2
If = negative value
From the expression,
 the amplitude, A = 2 cm
shift the graph to the left 2
 the angular frequency, = 2 rad s 1 = T = 1s
If = positive value T

Sketch the x against t graph for equation x = 2 sin (2t )
shift the graph to the right
x (cm)
2 T
4
0 t (s )
0 .5 1
2
52 53

PHYSICS CHAPTER 9 PHYSICS CHAPTER 9

Because of T 9.3.2 Graph of velocity-time (v-t)
=+ rad t = hence shift the y-axis to the
2 4 right by T
From the general equation of velocity as a function of time in

Sketch the new graph. 4
SHM, v = A cos t + ( )
x (cm)  If = 0 , thus v = A cos(t )
2  The velocity-time graph is shown in Figure 9.4.
v
0 t (s ) A
0 .5 1

2
RULES
0 T T 3T T t
If = negative value
4 2 4
shift the y-axis to the left
A
If = positive value Figure 9.4
shift the y-axis to the right
54 55
PHYSICS CHAPTER 9 PHYSICS CHAPTER 9

From the relationship between velocity and displacement, 9.3.3 Graph of acceleration-time (a-t)
v = A2 x 2
From the general equation of acceleration as a function of time
in SHM, (
a = A 2 sin t + )
thus the graph of velocity against displacement (v-x) is
shown in Figure 9.5. 
2
If = 0 , thus a = A sin t ( )
v  The acceleration-time graph is shown in Figure 9.6.
A a
A 2

A 0 A x
0 T T 3T T t
4 2 4
A
A 2
Figure 9.5
Figure 9.6
56 57

PHYSICS CHAPTER 9 PHYSICS CHAPTER 9

From the relationship between acceleration and displacement, 9.3.4 Graph of energy-displacement (E-x)
a = 2 x
From the equations of kinetic, potential and total energies as a
thus the graph of acceleration against displacement (a-x) is term of displacement
a 1 1 1
m 2 (A2 x 2 ) ; U = m 2 x 2
shown in Figure 9.7.
K= and E= m 2 A2
A 2 2 2 2
thus the graph of energy against displacement (a-x) is shown
in Figure 9.8.
1
A 0 A x E E= m 2 A2 = constant
2
1
A 2 U= m 2 x 2
2
Figure 9.7
1

The gradient of the a-x graph represents Figure 9.8 K = m 2 (A2 x 2 )
2
gradient, m = 2
x
58 59
PHYSICS CHAPTER 9 PHYSICS CHAPTER 9

The graph of Energy against time (E-t) is shown in Figure 9.9. Example 9.7 :
The displacement of an oscillating object as a function of time is
Energy shown in Figure 9.10.
x ( cm )
15 . 0
1
E = m 2 A2
2
1 0 t ( s)
U = m 2 A2 sin 2 (t ) 0 .8
2
15 . 0
1 Figure 9.10
K = m 2 A2 cos 2 (t ) From the graph above, determine for these oscillations
2
a. the amplitude, the period and the frequency,
t b. the angular frequency,
c. the equation of displacement as a function of time,
Figure 9.9 d. the equation of velocity and acceleration as a function of time.
60 61

PHYSICS CHAPTER 9 PHYSICS CHAPTER 9

Solution : Solution :
a. From the graph, d. i. The equation of velocity as a function of time is
Amplitude,
Period,
Frequency,

b. The angular frequency of the oscillation is given by

where v is in m s 1 and t is in seconds.
ii. and the equation of acceleration as a function of time is

c. From the graph, when t = 0, x = 0 thus = 0

By applying the general equation of displacement in SHM

where x is in metres and t is in seconds. where a is in m s 2 and t is in seconds.

62 63
PHYSICS CHAPTER 9 PHYSICS CHAPTER 9
Example 9.8 : a ( m s 2 ) Solution : m = 2.50 kg
a. The amplitude of the motion is
0 . 80 b. From the graph, the maximum acceleration is amax = 0.80 m s
2

By using the equation of maximum acceleration, thus

4 . 00 0 4 . 00 x ( cm )

0 . 80
Figure 9.11
Figure 9.11 shows the relationship between the acceleration a and
its displacement x from a fixed point for a body of mass 2.50 kg at OR The gradient of the a-x graph is
which executes SHM. Determine
a. the amplitude,
b. the period,
c. the maximum speed of the body,
d. the total energy of the body. 64 65

PHYSICS CHAPTER 9 PHYSICS CHAPTER 9

Solution : m = 2.50 kg Example 9.9 :
c. By applying the equation of the maximum speed, thus x(m )
0 .2

0 t (s )
1 2 3 4 5

0 .2
Figure 9.12
d. The total energy of the body is given by
Figure 9.12 shows the displacement of an oscillating object of
mass 1.30 kg varying with time. The energy of the oscillating object
consists the kinetic and potential energies. Calculate
a. the angular frequency of the oscillation,
b. the sum of this two energy.

66 67
PHYSICS CHAPTER 9 PHYSICS CHAPTER 9
Solution : m = 1.30 kg Exercise 9.2 :
From the graph, a ( ms -2 )
Amplitude, A = 0.2 m
2
Period, T = 4 s
a. The angular frequency is given by
0 t (s )
0.2 0.4 0 . 6 0 . 8 1.0
2

1. The graph shows the SHM acceleration-time graph of a 0.5 kg

b. The sum of the kinetic and potential energies is mass attached to a spring on a smooth horizontal surface. By
using the graph determine
(a) the spring constant
(b) the amplitude of oscillation
(c) the equation of displacement x varies with time, t.
ANS: 30.8 Nm-1, 0.032 m, x = 0 .032 cos 2 .5 t
68 69

Summary :
t x v a K U
PHYSICS amax CHAPTER 9 PHYSICS CHAPTER 9
max 0 A 0 A 2 0
1 2
kA Learning Outcome:
2
vmax 9.4 Period of simple harmonic motion (1 hour)
T 1
0 A 0 mA2 2 0
4 2 At the end of this chapter, students should be able to:
2 2
amax v = A x
Derive and use expression for period of SHM, T for
a = 2 x simple pendulum and single spring.
T 1 2
1 A 0 A 2 0 kA
max K = mv 2 2 2 l
(i) simple pendulum: T = 2
vmax 2 g
1 3T 1
U = kx 2 0 A 0 mA2 2 0
2 4 2
(ii) single spring: m
T = 2
k
amax 1 2
T A 0 A 2 0 kA
2
max
A O A 70 71
PHYSICS CHAPTER 9 PHYSICS CHAPTER 9
A. Simple pendulum oscillation
A pendulum bob is pulled slightly to point P.

Figure 9.13 shows the oscillation of the simple pendulum of
The string makes an angle, to the vertical and the arc length,
length, L. x as shown in Figure 9.13.

The forces act on the bob are mg, weight and T, the tension in
the string.
string

Resolve the weight into
 the tangential component : mg sin
L

 the radial component : mg cos
T
The resultant force in the radial direction provides the
centripetal force which enables the bob to move along the arc
x m P and is given by mv 2
O T mg cos =
mg sin mg cos r
Figure 9.13

force Fs contributed by the tangential
The restoring force,

component of the weight pulls the bob back to equilibrium
mg position. Thus F = mg sin
s
72 73

PHYSICS CHAPTER 9 PHYSICS CHAPTER 9

 force Fs is
The negative sign shows that the restoring force,
By applying Newtons second law of motion,
always against the direction of increasing x. F = ma = F s
mgx

angle ;
For small angle, ma =
 sin in radian L
g
 length x of the bob becomes straight line (shown in
arc length, a = x
Figure 9.14) then L
a x Simple pendulum executes
x Thus
sin = linear SHM
L g
L
By comparing a = x with a = 2 x
x L
thus Fs = mg
L g 2
Thus 2 = and =
x L T
Figure 9.14

74 75
PHYSICS CHAPTER 9 PHYSICS CHAPTER 9
B. Spring-
Spring-mass oscillation
Vertical spring oscillation
Therefore
L
T = 2 (9.17)
g
where T : period of the simple pendulum
L : length of the string


g : gravitational acceleration F F1
x1

The conditions for the simple pendulum executes SHM are
O O

 the angle, has to be small (less than 10
10). m x a
the string has to be inelastic and light.
light


 only the gravitational force and tension in the string acting

m
on the simple pendulum.


mg


mg
Figure 9.15a Figure 9.15b Figure 9.15c

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a Fs
PHYSICS CHAPTER 9 PHYSICS CHAPTER 9
m

Figure 9.15a shows a free light spring with spring constant, k Horizontal spring oscillation
hung vertically.
Figure 9.5 shows a spring is
t =0

An object of mass, m is tied to the lower end of the spring as initially stretched with a Fs = 0
shown in Figure 9.15b. When the object achieves an equilibrium displacement, x = A and then m
condition, the spring is stretched by an amount x1 . Thus released. T
F =0 F W = 0
According to Hookes law,


a
t=
4
kx1 W = 0 Fs = kx Fs
W = kx1
The mass accelerates toward
m
The object is then pulled downwards to a distance, x and T


equilibrium position, x = 0 by
t=
released as shown in Figure 9.15c. Hence Fs = 0 2
F = ma the restoring force, Fs hence
Fs = ma m
F1 W = ma and F1 = k ( x1 + x ) ma = kx 3T
k (x1 + x ) ( kx1 ) = ma k


a
t= 4
k a = x Fs
a = x m
m Then m
executes
then a x Vertical spring oscillation executes a x linear SHM t =T
linear SHM 78 Figure 9.16 x = A x =0 x = A79
PHYSICS CHAPTER 9 PHYSICS CHAPTER 9
k Example 9.10 :

By comparing a = x with a = 2 x
m A certain simple pendulum has a period on the Earth surfaces of
1.60 s. Determine the period of the simple pendulum on the
k 2 surface of Mars where its gravitational acceleration is 3.71 m s2.
Thus 2 = and = (Given the gravitational acceleration on the Earths surface is
m T
g = 9.81 m s2)
(9.18) 2 2
Solution : TE = 1.60 s; g E = 9.81 m s ; g M = 3.71 m s
m where
Therefore T = 2 The period of simple pendulum on the Earths surface is
k T : period of the spring oscillation
m : mass of the object l
TE = 2 (1)
k : spring constant (force constant) gE

The conditions for the spring-mass system executes SHM are But its period on the surface of Mars is given by
 The elastic limit of the spring is not exceeded when the
spring is being pulled.
pulled l
TM = 2 (2)
 The spring is light and obeys Hookes law.law gM
 No air resistance and surface friction.
friction
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PHYSICS CHAPTER 9 PHYSICS CHAPTER 9

Solution : TE = 1.60 s; g E = 9.81 m s 2 ; g M = 3.71 m s 2 Example 9.11 :
By dividing eqs. (1) and (2), thus A mass m at the end of a spring vibrates with a frequency of
l 0.88 Hz. When an additional mass of 1.25 kg is added to the mass
2 m, the frequency is 0.48 Hz. Calculate the value of m.
TE gE Solution : f1 = 0.88 Hz; f 2 = 0.48 Hz; m = 1.25 kg
=
TM l The frequency of the spring is given by
2 1 m
gM f1 = and T1 = 2
T1 k
TE gM
= 1 k
TM gE f1 = (1)
2 m
1.60 3.71 After the additional mass is added to the m, the frequency of the
=
TM 9.81 spring becomes
1 k
TM = 2.60 s f2 = (2)
2 m + m
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PHYSICS CHAPTER 9 PHYSICS CHAPTER 9
Solution : f1 = 0.88 Hz; f 2 = 0.48 Hz; m = 1.25 kg Exercise 9.3 :
By dividing eqs. (1) and (2), thus
1. An object of mass 2.1 kg is executing simple harmonic motion,
1 k attached to a spring with spring constant k = 280 N m1. When
f1 2 m the object is 0.020 m from its equilibrium position, it is moving
= with a speed of 0.55 m s1. Calculate
f2 1 k a. the amplitude of the motion.
2 m + m b. the maximum velocity attained by the object.
ANS. : 5.17x102 m; 0.597 m s1
f1 m + m 2. The length of a simple pendulum is 75.0 cm and it is released
=
f2 m at an angle 8 to the vertical. Calculate
a) the period of the oscillation,
0.88 m + 1.25 b) the pendulums bob speed and acceleration when it passes
= through the lowest point of the swing.
0.48 m
(Given g = 9.81 m s2)
m = 0.529 kg ANS.: 1.74s; 0.378ms-1

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PHYSICS CHAPTER 9 PHYSICS CHAPTER 9

3. The acceleration of free fall on the Moon is 1/6 the acceleration

of free fall on the earth. If the period of a simple pendulum on
the earth is 1.0 second, what would its period be on the Moon.
ANS: 2.45 s THE END
Next Chapter
CHAPTER 10 :
Mechanical waves

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