Equation of a simple harmonic motion(SHM)

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In summary, the equations for simple harmonic motion (SHM) can be written as y = a sin\omegat or x = a cos\omegat, where a is the amplitude and \omega is the angular frequency. These equations can be derived from Newton's second law, which states that the restoring force on a simple harmonic oscillator is proportional to its displacement. This leads to the differential equation m\frac{d^2x}{dt^2} = -kx or \frac{d^2x}{dt^2} = -\omega_o^2x, where \omega_o is the angular frequency. Solutions to this equation can be found using techniques or intuitively, by considering functions such as cosine
  • #1
johncena
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According to my textbook, the equation of a simple harmonic motion(SHM) is given by,
y = a sin[tex]\omega[/tex]t
or, x = a cos[tex]\omega[/tex]t
But how did these equations came?
Like this there are somany equations in my textbook without derivations.And studying these byheart makes the subject very boring.
 
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A simple harmonic oscillator feels a restoring force that is proportional to it's displacement, so Newton's second law tells us:

[tex]

m\frac{d^2x}{dt^2} = -kx

[/tex]

or

[tex]

\frac{d^2x}{dt^2} = -\omega_o^2x

[/tex]

where

[tex]
\omega_o = \sqrt{\frac{k}{m}}
[/tex]

Now, there are some techniques for solving this differential equation, but we can just think about it intuitively. What function, if you take it's derivative twice, gives back the negative of the same function times a constant. Well cosine and sine both posses those properties. So those are both solutions, and any linear combination of them will be a solution.
 

1. What is the equation for simple harmonic motion?

The equation for simple harmonic motion is x = A sin(ωt + ϕ), where x is the displacement of the object from its equilibrium position, A is the amplitude (maximum displacement), ω is the angular frequency, and ϕ is the phase angle.

2. What is the significance of the amplitude in the equation for SHM?

The amplitude represents the maximum displacement of the object from its equilibrium position. It is a measure of the oscillation's intensity and is directly proportional to the energy of the system.

3. How is the angular frequency related to the period of a simple harmonic motion?

The period, T, of a simple harmonic motion is the time it takes for one complete oscillation. The angular frequency, ω, is related to the period by the equation ω = 2π/T. This means that as the period decreases, the angular frequency increases and vice versa.

4. What does the phase angle represent in the equation for SHM?

The phase angle, ϕ, represents the initial displacement of the object from its equilibrium position at time t = 0. It determines where the oscillation starts in relation to the equilibrium position and affects the shape of the oscillation curve.

5. Can the equation for SHM be used for any type of oscillation?

No, the equation x = A sin(ωt + ϕ) is only applicable for simple harmonic motion, which is defined as a motion where the restoring force is directly proportional to the displacement from the equilibrium position and always directed towards the equilibrium point. Other types of oscillatory motion may have different equations.

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