Effects of Air Resistance on Simple Harmonic Motion Graphs

This affects all graphs, as the amplitudes decrease. In summary, when air resistance is included, the amplitudes of the position vs. time, velocity vs. time, acceleration vs. time, and energy vs. time graphs for simple harmonic motion decrease due to the loss of energy to air resistance.
  • #1
Momentum09
71
0

Homework Statement


I'm given the position vs. time, velocity vs. time, acceleration vs. time, and energy vs. time graphs for a simple harmonic motion, and I want to know what would happen to those graphs if air resistance is included?


Homework Equations



N/A

The Attempt at a Solution



I'm thinking that when air resistance is included, the amplitudes would decrease for all of these graphs. Does the damping phenomenon apply to all, or just the energy vs. time graph?

Thank you!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
You would be correct in thinking that all graphs decrease in amplitude. What made you think it only applied to energy vs time?
 
  • #3
When there is not air resistance, potential energy is completely transformed into kinetic energy with each successive period. However, when air resistance is present, a fraction of the energy is lost and cannot be converted into kinetic energy.
 

1. What is Simple Harmonic Motion?

Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) is a type of periodic motion in which the restoring force is directly proportional to the displacement from equilibrium. This means that the object undergoing SHM moves back and forth in a regular pattern around an equilibrium point.

2. What is the formula for calculating the period of a Simple Harmonic Motion?

The formula for calculating the period (T) of a Simple Harmonic Motion is T = 2π√(m/k), where m is the mass of the object and k is the spring constant. This formula assumes that there is no damping or external forces acting on the object.

3. How does amplitude affect Simple Harmonic Motion?

The amplitude of Simple Harmonic Motion refers to the maximum displacement of the object from its equilibrium point. As the amplitude increases, the period remains the same but the frequency increases. This means that the object will complete more cycles in the same amount of time, resulting in a faster motion.

4. What is the relationship between Simple Harmonic Motion and Hooke's Law?

Simple Harmonic Motion and Hooke's Law are closely related. Hooke's Law states that the force exerted by a spring is directly proportional to the displacement from its equilibrium position. This means that as an object undergoes Simple Harmonic Motion, the restoring force acting on it follows Hooke's Law.

5. What are some real-life examples of Simple Harmonic Motion?

Simple Harmonic Motion can be observed in many everyday objects and systems. Some examples include a swinging pendulum, a mass on a spring, the motion of a guitar string, and the motion of a mass attached to a rubber band. Simple Harmonic Motion is also used in engineering and physics applications, such as in the design of shock absorbers and tuning forks.

Similar threads

How to prove that motion is periodic but not simple harmonic?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
51
Views
2K
Zero Amplitude Damped Simple Harmonic Motion with k=0.7s^-1 and f=3Hz
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
834
What is the max amplitude before the sand particles slip off the vibrating plate?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
309
Projectile Motion Experimental Error
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
Simple Harmonic Motion Experiment Problem
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
Simple harmonic motion equation
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
Initial Position Discrepancy Involving Fluid Resistance
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
888
Equation of shm for different positions
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
738
The phase of a simple harmonic motion
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
How to derive a formula for simple harmonic motion?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top