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Aishik Rakshit
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What is the difference between simple harmonic motion and oscillation?
SHM (Simple Harmonic Motion) is a specific type of oscillation, where the restoring force is directly proportional to the displacement from equilibrium. Oscillation, on the other hand, is a general term used to describe any repeated back-and-forth motion.
The key characteristics of SHM include a constant amplitude, a constant period, and a sinusoidal motion. It also follows the equation of motion: a = -ω^2x, where a is acceleration, ω is angular frequency, and x is displacement.
One key difference between SHM and damped oscillation is that in SHM, the amplitude remains constant while in damped oscillation, the amplitude decreases over time due to the presence of a damping force. Additionally, the period of SHM remains constant, while in damped oscillation, it may change depending on the damping force.
Oscillation can be seen in a wide range of natural phenomena, such as the swinging of a pendulum, the motion of a spring, and the vibration of a guitar string. SHM can also be observed in these examples, as well as in the motion of a mass attached to a spring and the motion of a simple pendulum.
SHM and oscillation have many practical applications, including timekeeping devices such as pendulum clocks, shock absorbers in vehicles, and musical instruments. They are also used in engineering and science to study and understand various systems and their behaviors.