Simple harmonic motion

Definition, governing equation and examples

If you are lucky we may get one full question in sec B and one in sec A. otherwise half question in sec B.
this topic essentially covers definition of simple harmonic motion, governing equation, expressions for
acceleration, velocity and displacement: few questions based on these expressions, simple, compound and
conical pendulum, problems based on these; finally solution of spring mass systems( springs may be
connected in series and / or parallel)

Simple harmonic motion (SHM) is a special type of rectilinear motion with variable acceleration. The
acceleration is proportional to displacement from origin and is always directed towards the origin.

Or

simple harmonic motion is a special type of periodic motion or oscillation where the restoring force is
directly proportional to the displacement and acts in the direction opposite to that of displacement

example: pendulum in a clock, swing in garden

O is mean position, A and B are extreme positions. OA = OB = A is amplitude. Velocity is maximum at

mean position. Acceleration is zero at mean position. Velocity is minimum at extreme position and
acceleration is maximum here. The same is shown in sketch above. It may be seen acceleration is always
pointing towards mean position O.

Governing equation

a = -ω2x where A is acceleration, ω is circular frequency and x is displacement from origin/ mean
position.

a = dv/dt = (dv/dx) (dx/dt) = v(dv/dx)

hence, v(dv/dx) = -ω2x

on integration, we get v2/2 = - ω2x2/2 + C1 where C1 is a constant. The value of constant can be determined
by using initial conditions at the extreme position. If OA = OB = A where A is amplitude

v = 0 at x = + A

putting the value in above eqn,

C1 = ω2A2/2

Hence, v2/2 = ω2x2/2 + ω2A2/2

Hence v = + ω(A2 – x2)0.5

Positive value of v indicates velocity of particle when motion is towards +X axis and negative when
motion is towards – X axis

Motion of particle as a function of time

Considering positive value of velocity

v = ω(A2 – x2)0.5 = dx/dt

on rearranging we get,

dx/((A2 – x2)0.5 = ωdt

on integration we get, sin-1(x/A) = ωt + φ

x = A sin(ωt + φ) where ω is constant of integration

if motion starts from O at t = 0, i.e, x = 0 then

0 = A sin(ω.0 + φ) = A sinφ and φ = 0

So, x = A sinωt

To sum up the expressions involved are following:

a = -ω2x

v = + ω(A2 – x2)0.5

x = A sinωt