What is SHM?
Part of the Mechanics section of Coddy's Physics journey. Lesson 81 of 97.
An oscillation repeats back and forth around the equilibrium position. The spring pulls the block back with a restoring force:
The spring pulls the block back toward equilibrium, so it oscillates between −A and A.
The largest displacement is the amplitude . One full cycle takes the period , and the frequency is:
Challenge
A mass bouncing on a spring makes 30 full cycles in . Find its period .
Try it yourself
Solve for
Test yourselfThis lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.
All lessons in Mechanics
4Inclined Planes
Forces on an InclineGravity ComponentsFrictionless InclineIncline with FrictionWill It Slide?Recap - Ramp Challenge7Projectile Motion
Independent AxesHorizontal LaunchLaunch at an AngleRange and Max HeightRecap - Hit the Target10Work and Energy
WorkKinetic EnergyWork-Energy TheoremGravitational PEConservation of EnergyPowerRecap - Roller Coaster13Impulse and Momentum
MomentumImpulseConservation of MomentumElastic CollisionsInelastic CollisionsRecap - Air Track16Simple Harmonic Motion
What is SHM?Mass on a SpringThe PendulumSHM GraphsEnergy in SHMRecap - Oscillator2Vectors and Newton's Laws
Right TrianglesWhat is a Vector?Adding VectorsAxes and DirectionsVector ComponentsForces Around UsFriction and TensionNewton's First LawNewton's Second LawNewton's Third LawRecap - Net Force