Lecture notes by Dr. M. S.
KariapperKFUPM - PHYSICS
1-Jan-04
2/7
Oscillations – Chapter 16
2.Simple Harmonic Motion
•The period T of an oscillation is the time taken for the
oscillating system to repeat itself, or, to complete one oscillation.For example, the time for a swinging pendulum starting from one extreme point to the come to the same point.Same position, velocity, and
acceleration.T is in second.
•The frequency f of an oscillation is the number of complete oscillations per
unit time.Clearly:
•
•The unit for frequency is hertz.1 Hz (hertz) = 1/s = s-1
•Any motion that repeat itself at regular intervals is called periodic motion or harmonic motion. In this chapter we will be dealing with a special case of
periodic motion called simple harmonic motion, a motion that repeats itself in a particular way as shown in
the figure below:
For
such motion the displacementx from the origin is given as a function of time by: