Is a Basketball Dribble Simple Harmonic Motion?

AI Thread Summary
A basketball dribble does not qualify as simple harmonic motion (SHM) because its position and velocity do not follow a sine curve. For motion to be classified as SHM, the force acting on the object must be directly proportional to its displacement and act in the opposite direction, as described by the equation F=-kx. In the case of a dribble, while the ball changes direction, it does not exhibit the characteristics of SHM. The discussion emphasizes that understanding the relationship between force, displacement, and motion is crucial in identifying SHM. Therefore, the basketball's motion is not classified as simple harmonic.
Lalasushi
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hey guys I am having trouble figuring out if something is undergoing simple harmonic motion. i know that for an object to be executing simple harmonic motion, its position and velocity must follow a sin curve...but I am still having trouble. ok for example, a question on a worksheet said "a basketball player dribbles a ball with a steady period of T seconds. is the motion simple harmonic?" the answer was no. but i don't understand. how do u tell if its postiion and velocity follows a sin curve? can anyone explain to me?
 
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When the particle is changing direction, does its velocity go to zero? If so, you're looking at something that could be simple harmonic.
 
If the force on an object is directly propotional to the displacement of an object, but in a direction which is opposite to the displacement, then the object will undergo Simple Harmonic motion.
ie,
F=-kx
Now, can you see why the basketball bouncing is not Simple Harmonic motion?
 
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