Problem related to Simple Harmonic Oscillations

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around whether a ball falling through a 'V' shaped curve exhibits Simple Harmonic Oscillations (SHO) and the conditions that define such motion. Participants explore the characteristics of periodic motion and its relation to harmonic motion.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the conditions necessary for motion to be classified as simple harmonic, including the role of amplitude, period, and external influences. Questions arise regarding the specific force-displacement relationship that characterizes SHO.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with some participants providing descriptions of harmonic motion and its requirements. There is an exploration of the necessary conditions for periodic motion to qualify as simple harmonic, but no consensus has been reached on the specific equation or proof related to the original poster's query.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of understanding the force experienced by an object in relation to its displacement from the equilibrium position, which is central to the discussion of simple harmonic motion.

Hareesh
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A ball falling through a 'V' shaped curve attains Simple Harmonic Oscillations or not. If yes give equation.
Yes it is simple harmonic oscillation. But how i can prove it.
 
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What condition needs to be true for a repetitive motion to be simple harmonic?
 
Amplitude is constant and period and no external influence.Any motion that repeat itself after a certain period is known a (periodic) motion and since a motion can be represent in a sinusoidal wave form, (i.e. sine & cosine) it is called harmonic motion. The simplest type of such harmonic vibration is called simple harmonic motion (s.h.m.).
 
OK... that's a decent description of what the motion looks like. But there's a condition in physics that will always lead to the type of motion you describe if the condition is true.

It has something to do with the force an object experiences, and the object's displacement from equilibrium position...
 
Welcome to PF!

Hi Hareesh! Welcome to PF! :smile:
Hareesh said:
Amplitude is constant and period and no external influence.Any motion that repeat itself after a certain period is known a (periodic) motion and since a motion can be represent in a sinusoidal wave form, (i.e. sine & cosine) it is called harmonic motion. The simplest type of such harmonic vibration is called simple harmonic motion (s.h.m.).

"No external influence" doesn't matter … shm is a description of a type of movement, and it doesn't matter what causes it. :wink:

Periodic motion is simple harmonic only if it satisfies a particular equation, which as heth :smile: says, relates force to displacement-from-equilibrium.

What is that equation? :smile:
 

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