Simple Harmonic Motion: What is Superposition of SHM?

AI Thread Summary
Superposition of simple harmonic motion (SHM) refers to the phenomenon where two or more SHM waves combine to create a resultant wave in a linear medium. For example, when a vibrating string is subjected to a low-frequency sinusoidal wave and an additional high-frequency wave, the resulting motion at any point on the string is the sum of both waves. This principle applies to various wave types, including electromagnetic and sound waves, as long as the medium behaves linearly. The tension in the string remains proportional to its stretch, allowing the independent superposition of waves. Understanding this concept is crucial for analyzing wave behavior in different physical systems.
Zubair Ahmad
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What does superposition of SHM means physically.. I mean how is it that two shms superpose on same system?
 
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A vibrating string, for instance: points on the string can take part in a whole spectrum of frequencies
 
Zubair Ahmad said:
What does superposition of SHM means physically.. I mean how is it that two shms superpose on same system?
Take a specific example. A string with a low frequency sinusoidal wave on it (long wavelength waves passing along it from one end to the other). Now vibrate the string with an additional low amplitude high frequency wave. Those short waves will be 'superimposed' on the larger long waves and progress along the string. If the string behaves linearly (i.e. tension at any instant is proportional to the stretch in the string) the resulting motion of any part of the string will be the result of the two waves, independently. It will consist of just two sine waves superimposed on each other. (Or for any combination of waves.)
Same for em waves, sound waves etc. etc.
 

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