Simple Harmonic Motion Review Sheet

Definitions:
Simple Harmonic Motion - Motion that is repeated back and forth
Period - Time to complete one cycle (measured in seconds, symbol is T)
Frequency - Number of cycles completed in one second (measured in Hz, symbol is Hz)
Amplitude - Magnitude of max displacement from point of equilibrium (symbol is A)
Wavelength - Distance between successive points on a wave
Restoring force - The force that acts against the current motion of the object and points towards
equilibrium position
Small Angle Approximation - For small angles, sin θ = θ, which we can use to find the period
of a pendulum undergoing simple harmonic motion
Damping - When the motion of an oscillating object is reduced by an external force. Total
mechanical energy is no longer constant (decreasing)

Equations:
Hooke’s law: F = k*x
Period of a spring: T = 2π * sqrt(m/k)
Position: A*cos(2π*f*t)
Velocity: -(2π*f) * A*sin(2π*f*t)
Acceleration: -(2π*f)^2 * A * cos(2π*f*t)
Total mechanical energy of a spring: (½)mv^2 + (½)kx^2 = K + U = E, E = ½*k*A^2
Period of a pendulum: T = 2π * sqrt(l/g)

Example Problem: The period of oscillation of a vertically hanging spring is 3 seconds. What
will it be if the mass is doubled? What about if gravity is doubled?
Answer: Equation for period of a spring is T = 2π * sqrt(m/k), so period will increase by a factor
of sqrt(2) if mass is doubled, making it about 4.2 seconds. Gravity doesn’t affect period, so it will
stay at 3 seconds.