Simple Harmonic Motion and Wave Motion

AI Thread Summary
Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) involves sinusoidal waveforms characterized by parameters like angular velocity (\omega) and phase angle (\phi). The angular velocity determines how quickly the wave oscillates over time, while the phase angle shifts the wave along the time axis. Understanding these parameters is crucial for calculating the period and frequency of the motion. The relationship between \omega, time (t), and \phi is essential for grasping the behavior of SHM. Mastering these concepts can enhance comprehension of wave motion in physics.
Commodore
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Hi,

I was wondering if anyone could explain Simple Harmonic Motion. My physics teacher has tried and I have read the parts in the book, but I am still confused. I know how to find the amplitude from the standard form equations, but I really just don't understand how to get the period and the frequencies. Does it have something to do with the \omegat+\phi thing or am I just way off? (If it doesn't, please explain what \omegat+\phi tells you.) Thank you!

-- Commodore
 
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For a sinusoidal (sin or cos) wave, the parameter \omega is the angular velocity and multiplied by t gives an angular position which is linear with time - \omegat is always increasing. The other parameter in the argument, \phi, is the phase angle, which simply shifts the sine wave in time.

See if this helps - http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/shm.html
 
Thank you very much for the information. I am about to see if I understand it by taking my last test (before the final).
 

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