Describe simple harmonic motion (SHM). Sketch a displacement-time graph for a particle undergoing SHM and the corresponding velocity-time and acceleration-time graphs. Use these graphs to describe the relationship between accleration and displacment.

Simple harmonic motion is periodic motion in which a restoring force acts in the opposite direction to that of displacement and is directly proportional to the displacement.The displacement-time graph for SHM should be of sinusoidal form. As should the velocity-time and acceleration-time graphs but should be shifted by a half/full period in the x-direction respectively.Acceleration-time graph flipped in x-axis compared to displacement-time graph. Therefore, acceleration is in the opposite direction but equal in magnitude (hence directly proportional) to displacement. Student should recognise that restoring force = mass * acceleration hence, relate these statements to those in the definition of SHM above.

Answered by David G. Physics tutor

3743 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why is an object moving in a circle at a constant speed said to be accelerating?


What is meant by an excited atom?


A ball is launched from ground level at 5m/s at an angle of 30 degrees above the horizontal. What is its height above ground level at the highest point in its trajectory?


Explain why a transformer is used in electrical power lines.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences