Calculating Period for Simple Harmonic Motion in Physics Lab

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The correct formula for calculating the period of Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) is to divide the total time recorded by the number of oscillations. This is expressed as Period = Time / Number of Oscillations. However, there was confusion in the discussion regarding an alternative formula suggested by an instructor, which involved dividing the number of oscillations by time. The consensus confirms that the initial formula provided is accurate for determining the period in SHM experiments.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Simple Harmonic Motion principles
  • Basic knowledge of time measurement in physics experiments
  • Familiarity with oscillation concepts
  • Ability to perform basic arithmetic calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the principles of Simple Harmonic Motion in introductory physics textbooks
  • Practice calculating periods using different oscillation scenarios
  • Explore the effects of damping on oscillations in SHM
  • Investigate the relationship between frequency and period in oscillatory motion
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators teaching introductory physics, and anyone conducting experiments related to oscillatory motion in a laboratory setting.

tralblaz
Messages
12
Reaction score
0
First, I hope this area is the right one for my question. I am working on a lab for Phyiscs I. The lab title is "Simple Harmonic Motion". Okay her is the deal and the question. My instructor told us to find the period by dividing the Time recorded by the number of oscillations (back and forth motion) (see below)
Time/ Number of oscillations (back and forth motion)
Is this the correct formula?
Thanks,
:confused:
 
Physics news on Phys.org
tralblaz said:
First, I hope this area is the right one for my question.

Homework goes in the Homework Section.

My instructor told us to find the period by dividing the Time recorded by the number of oscillations (back and forth motion) (see below)
Time/ Number of oscillations (back and forth motion)
Is this the correct formula?

I don't see what you're confused about. Your instructor told you the formula.
 
I just wanted to double check to make sure, because after my instructor told us to use the formula that way, he came baack and told us to use thr formula as the number of oscillations (back and forth) divded by t (time)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 51 ·
2
Replies
51
Views
4K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
895
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K