Simple harmonic motion,the restoring force?

In summary, at the extreme position, the restoring force that develops can either have a greater magnitude than the initial force imparted or have the same magnitude and just return to attain stable equilibrium. The displacement on either side of the mean position is equal in a symmetric setup due to symmetry and energy conservation. In simple harmonic motion, the kinetic energy is initially imparted by a force, but is then opposed by the restoring force which gradually decreases the momentum until the body reaches a state of rest. The restoring force then causes the body to oscillate back and forth, exchanging potential and kinetic energy but maintaining a constant total mechanical energy.
  • #1
harjyot
42
0
at the extreme position, the restoring force that developed, is it's magnitude more than the initial force imparted? and that's why it goes back to the mean position or is it that, the magnitude is same and it just goes back to attain stable equilibrium?.
 
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  • #2
at the extreme position, the restoring force that developed, is it's magnitude more than the initial force imparted?
Which "initial force imparted"?
It depends on your setup, in particular on your initial force.
 
  • #3
the question should be I think,
that how is it that the displacement on either side of the mean position is same?
 
  • #4
In a symmetric setup (and a harmonic potential is symmetric), it follows from symmetry and energy conservation.
 
  • #5
And if we were to understand how the mechanics of it actually works.
can it be that at the initial state, kinetic energy is imparted by a force, now this momentum is opposed by a restoring force which keeps on decreasing the momentum till the body comes to a rest state, here the kinetic energy is completely changed into potential energy, now this restoring force makes the body go to it's mean position, now here again it over shoots because of the momentum and the same cycle is repeated?
 
  • #6
Yes, in simple harmonic motion (with no damping or energy leakage) PE and KE are exchanged as the mass oscillates about the equilibrium point. The total mechanical energy remains constant.
 

1. What is simple harmonic motion?

Simple harmonic motion is a type of periodic motion where an object moves back and forth along a straight line, with a position that can be described by a sine or cosine function. It occurs when a restoring force, such as gravity or a spring, acts on an object in a way that is directly proportional to the displacement from its equilibrium position.

2. What is the restoring force in simple harmonic motion?

The restoring force in simple harmonic motion is the force that acts to bring the object back to its equilibrium position. It is responsible for the oscillating or back-and-forth motion of the object.

3. What factors affect the frequency of simple harmonic motion?

The frequency of simple harmonic motion is affected by two main factors: the mass of the object and the strength of the restoring force. A heavier object or a stronger restoring force will result in a lower frequency, while a lighter object or a weaker restoring force will result in a higher frequency.

4. What is the difference between simple harmonic motion and periodic motion?

Simple harmonic motion is a specific type of periodic motion where the restoring force is directly proportional to the displacement from equilibrium. Other types of periodic motion, such as circular motion, do not have this direct relationship between the force and displacement.

5. How is simple harmonic motion used in real-life applications?

Simple harmonic motion is used in many real-life applications, including pendulum clocks, musical instruments, and shock absorbers in vehicles. It is also used in engineering to model and analyze vibrations in structures and machines.

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