Simple Harmonic Motion in daily life

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around whether the daily movement of a student commuting between home and university can be classified as an example of simple harmonic motion (SHM). Participants explore various arguments related to the characteristics of SHM, including periodicity, constancy of time and distance, and the mathematical modeling of motion.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question if the daily commute can be considered SHM, suggesting that SHM requires specific conditions that may not be met in this scenario.
  • One participant argues that SHM depends on time being constant, which is not the case for commuting, as time and distance may vary.
  • Another participant notes that SHM typically arises from a potential that can be approximated by a quadratic function, which they argue does not apply to the commuting scenario.
  • Some participants suggest that if the discussion is framed in a "perfect world," where variables are controlled, it might be possible to justify the commute as SHM.
  • There is a repeated emphasis on the need for mathematical modeling using trigonometric functions to analyze the motion, with questions about how to relate time to the commuting distance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether the daily commute can be classified as SHM. Multiple competing views are presented, with some arguing against it based on the lack of constancy in time and distance, while others suggest that under ideal conditions, it could be considered SHM.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the definitions and conditions necessary for SHM, highlighting limitations in their understanding of the concept as it applies to real-world scenarios.

Lillyotv
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Do you think that the daily movement of a student from home to university then again from university to home is an example of simple harmonic motion ?
Please give the arguments in support of your point of view.
 
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This sounds like a 'bookwork' problem to me, as does your question on C++. What do you think?
 
Following up with Hootenanny's comment, what do you think is meant by the word "simple" in "simple harmonic motion"?

Btw, there is nothing wrong with asking homework questions, just please post them in the homework section of the forums. Also, show that you put some of your own effort into it.
 
Lillyotv said:
Do you think that the daily movement of a student from home to university then again from university to home is an example of simple harmonic motion ?
Please give the arguments in support of your point of view.
No, I don't, but I'm not giving my arguments until you've given yours! :-p
 
Lillyotv said:
Do you think that the daily movement of a student from home to university then again from university to home is an example of simple harmonic motion ?
Please give the arguments in support of your point of view.

My answer is NO. Tell me why? Start by asking yourself, what kind of information is needed to create a mathematical model using a trigonometric (in this case sine or cosine) function?
 
Thanks for the responses..it is actually a discussion question.
As for my attempt, here is what I think:
I think it is not an example of SHM because SHM depends on time which is constant. Going from uni to home and back is not constant time and the distance also may not always be constant. Also its not happening in repitition as there is always a gap between returning back to uni.
But I think I have yet to understand the full concept of it all...kindly help me here to explain exactly why...
Thanks so far!:)
 
symbolipoint said:
My answer is NO. Tell me why? Start by asking yourself, what kind of information is needed to create a mathematical model using a trigonometric (in this case sine or cosine) function?
Ok, for a trig function I need time, right? But how would I relate the 2 together?
 
belliott4488 said:
No, I don't, but I'm not giving my arguments until you've given yours! :-p
I have posted my arguments...or my idea...kindly elaborate and share yours:)
 
It depends if the discussion is based off of a student going from home to the university and back again in a "perfect world" (scientifically speaking) As with most physics courses, all the stuff that makes a question difficult is usually neglected. So if you look at it from that point of view, you might be able to justify it as SHM.

Just a thought.
 
  • #10
Simple harmonic motion generally comes about from a potential that can be reasonable well approximated by a quadratic function. I don't see any way to do that for someone's comings and goings, and therefore don't see how this motion could be described as harmonic. Periodic, yes; harmonic, no.
 
  • #11
dingpud said:
It depends if the discussion is based off of a student going from home to the university and back again in a "perfect world" (scientifically speaking) As with most physics courses, all the stuff that makes a question difficult is usually neglected. So if you look at it from that point of view, you might be able to justify it as SHM.

Just a thought.
Very good point...I would agree with you there..SHM can be possible if it 'the perfect world'...otherwise it would be simple speed time story...
 
  • #12
belliott4488 said:
Simple harmonic motion generally comes about from a potential that can be reasonable well approximated by a quadratic function. I don't see any way to do that for someone's comings and goings, and therefore don't see how this motion could be described as harmonic. Periodic, yes; harmonic, no.
Yes, periodic..I agree...that too if the same amount of time is taken each time and no obstacle is in the way..
 

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