S.H.M.: Is Acceleration Directly Proportional to Displacement?

  • Thread starter Thread starter krissh
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

In Simple Harmonic Motion (S.H.M.), acceleration is directly proportional to displacement, as expressed by the equation a = -ω²x. This relationship indicates that while the acceleration and displacement are proportional, the negative sign signifies that they act in opposite directions. The concept of direct proportionality is not affected by the sign, confirming that negative values are acceptable in this context.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Simple Harmonic Motion (S.H.M.)
  • Familiarity with the equation a = -ω²x
  • Knowledge of graph interpretation in physics
  • Basic grasp of proportional relationships
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of negative acceleration in S.H.M.
  • Study the role of angular frequency (ω) in oscillatory motion
  • Explore graphing techniques for S.H.M. equations
  • Learn about energy conservation in Simple Harmonic Motion
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in the principles of oscillatory motion and its mathematical representations.

krissh
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Acceleration is directly proportional to DISPLACEMENT in S.H.M.

Is that true? a=-w^2x, so the graph has negative gradient, is this okay for direct proportion? I though it wasn't okay.

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
"directly proportional" is independent of the sign. Yes it can be negative.
 
mfb said:
"directly proportional" is independent of the sign. Yes it can be negative.

Thank you:)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
962
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
8K
Replies
2
Views
1K