Coupled motion in AP Physics refers to the movement of two or more objects that are connected or interacting with each other, causing them to move in a coordinated manner.
Coupled motion involves the interaction between two or more objects, while simple harmonic motion involves the oscillation of a single object around a fixed point.
Some examples of coupled motion include a swinging pendulum, a double pendulum, and a seesaw. In each of these examples, the motion of one object affects the motion of the other.
Coupled motion can be represented mathematically using equations of motion, such as Newton's second law, as well as equations specific to the type of coupling, such as Hooke's law for springs.
Understanding coupled motion is crucial in AP Physics because it allows us to analyze and predict the behavior of complex systems. It also helps us understand the relationship between different objects and how they affect each other's motion.