1. Measuring Simple Harmonic Motion
Chapter 12 Section 2

2. Measuring The Motion
There are 3 things that determine the motion of a mass in simple harmonic motion.
Amplitude
Period
Frequency

3. Amplitude
Amplitude – The maximum displacement from the equilibrium position.
Can be measured in different ways
Pendulum – The angle (radians) between the equilibrium position and the maximum displacement.
Spring-mass – The maximum amount (meters) stretched or compressed from the equilibrium position.

4. Period
Period – The time it takes to execute a complete cycle of motion.
For example:
If it takes 5 seconds for a person on a swing to swing back and forth, then the period of the motion would be 5 seconds.
SI units for period – Seconds (s)
Variable given for period – Capital letter (T)

5. Displacement For Period
The displacement of an object in simple harmonic motion during the time of 1T (time to compete one cycle) is “ZERO.”

6. Frequency
Frequency – The number of cycles or vibrations per unit time.
For example:
The person on the swing completes one cycle in 5 seconds, the frequency would be 1/5 cycles per second or 0.2 cycles per second.

7. Units For Frequency SI units for frequency – S-1
This is known as Hertz (Hz)
Variable for frequency – lower case letter (f)
In the case of the person swinging, the frequency would be:
0.2 cycles per second = 0.2 Hz

8. Differences Between Period and Frequency
Period is time per cycle.
Frequency is the number of cycles per unit time.
They are inversely proportional.

9. Equations For Frequency and Period
f=1/T
T=1/f
If the period or the frequency is known, this relationship can be used to calculate the other value.

10. Determining The Period of a Pendulum
The strings length and the free fall acceleration determine the period of a simple pendulum.
Things that don’t determine the Period:
Amplitude (for angles less then 15 degrees)
Mass of the bob

11. Simple Pendulum Equation
Period = 2π x Square Root of (Length of Pendulum ÷ Free-Fall Acceleration

12. Example Problem
A desktop toy swings back and forth once every 1.0 seconds. How tall is this toy?

13. Example Problem Answer
length = 0.25m

14. Example Problem #2
What is the period of a 3.98m long pendulum?

15. Example Problem Answer #2
T = 4.00 seconds

16. Period of a Mass-Spring System
The mass attached to the spring and the spring constant (k) determine the period.
Things that don’t determine the period:
Amplitude

17. Period of a Mass-Spring System Equation
Period = 2π x Square Root of (Mass ÷ Spring Constant)

18. Example Problem
A 1.0 kg mass attached to one end of a spring completes one oscillation every 2.0 seconds. Find the spring constant.

19. Example Problem Answer
k = 9.9N/m