Periodic Motion

A motion that repeats itself after equal intervals of time is known as periodic motion.
Examples of periodic motion: a tuning fork or motion of a pendulum if you analyze the motion you
will find that the pendulum passes through the mean position only after a definite interval of time. We
can also classify the above motion to be oscillatory. An oscillatory is a motion in which the body
moves to and fro about a fixed position. So an oscillatory motion can be periodic but it is not
necessary.
So taking an example of a wave motion we will see some parameters related to periodic motion.
Let’s take the following figure:

Periodic Motion Formula

Time Period (T): It is the time taken by the motion to repeat itself. So the unit of a time period is
seconds.
Frequency (f): It is defined as a number of times the motion is repeated in one second. The unit of
frequency is Hz (Hertz). Frequency is related to Time period as:
1
f=
T

Above is the formula used for periodic motion.

Simple Harmonic Motion

We also have heard of something known as simple harmonic motion. What is a simple harmonic
motion? It is actually a periodic motion having some relation between the restoring force and
displacement from the mean position. SHM is a special case of oscillation in which motion takes
place along a straight line between the two extreme points. A restoring force is seen directed
towards the mean position or towards the equilibrium position in simple harmonic motion. The mean
position in simple harmonic motion is a stable equilibrium.

What is periodic motion?

A motion that repeats itself after equal intervals of time is known as periodic motion.

What is a simple harmonic motion?

A motion in which the restoring force is directly proportional to the displacement of the body
from its mean position is known as Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM).

What is the unit of frequency?

Unit of frequency is Hertz (Hz).
Give the formula to find the frequency.
The frequency is given by the formula, f=1/T.
Where, f=frequency and T = Time Period.

What is circular motion?

Movement of an object while rotating along a circular path is known as circular motion.