Is the Acceleration of a Pendulum Zero at its Equilibrium Point in SHM?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

In simple harmonic motion (SHM), the acceleration of a pendulum is zero at its equilibrium point due to the nature of restoring forces. While SHM shares mathematical similarities with circular motion, the key distinction lies in the relationship between force and displacement; force is maximal at maximum displacement, not at equilibrium. The velocity of the pendulum reaches its peak at the equilibrium position, while it is zero at maximum amplitude. This understanding clarifies the dynamics of SHM and its connection to circular motion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of simple harmonic motion (SHM)
  • Familiarity with circular motion concepts
  • Knowledge of force and acceleration relationships
  • Basic physics principles regarding pendulums
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the mathematical equations governing simple harmonic motion
  • Explore the relationship between force and displacement in SHM
  • Investigate the dynamics of circular motion and its connection to SHM
  • Learn about the energy transformations in SHM systems
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in the principles of simple harmonic motion and pendulum dynamics.

jsmith613
Messages
609
Reaction score
0
how does it make sense that in SHM the acceleration of a pendulum is 0 when it pases through its eqm point?
surely as SHM is v. similar to circular motion (in terms of the maths) acceleration is constant?

also, how can the force be MAX at eqm point?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Acceleration of the point on the circle is constant...towards the centre of the circle.
The point that is executing SHM is the projection of the point onto a diameter.
Effectively you need to look at the circle 'edge on' to see the SHM.
By similar reasoning the velocity is a maximum in SHM at the equilibrium position and is zero at the maximum displacement (amplitude)
The Force is maximum at the maximum displacement (F is proportional to displacement)
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

High School Effect of mass on the acceleration of an elastic pendulum?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
872
Undergrad Lagrangian for pendulum
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Undergrad Simple Harmonic Motion: conceptual idea of angular frequency
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad Simple Harmonic Motion: why sin(wt) instead of sin(t)?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
8K
High School Sign conventions in torque and non-uniform circular motion
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad Angular Velocity in Simple Harmonic Motion
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
16K
Undergrad Why Does Friction Provide Centripetal Acceleration in Circular Motion?
  • · Replies 37 ·
2
Replies
37
Views
5K
Undergrad On whether the motion of a Foucault pendulum bob is comparable to ballistics
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Undergrad Acceleration in non-uniform circular motion
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
High School A scenario of non-uniform circular motion
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
914