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What is SHM?

Part of the Mechanics section of Coddy's Physics journey. Lesson 78 of 94.

An oscillation repeats back and forth around the equilibrium position. The spring pulls the block back with a restoring force:

F = -kx

A block on a spring pulled from its equilibrium position 0 out to the position A; the spring force F on the block points back toward 0, and the block will oscillate between minus A and A

The spring pulls the block back toward equilibrium, so it oscillates between −A and A.

The largest displacement is the amplitude A. One full cycle takes the period T, and the frequency is:

f = 1/T

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Challenge

A mass bouncing on a spring makes 30 full cycles in 12 s. Find its period T.

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This lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.

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