Why is T = 1/f in Simple Harmonic Motion?

  • Thread starter Thread starter raja.ganguly
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Shm
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The relationship T = 1/f in simple harmonic motion defines the period (T) as the inverse of frequency (f). In the discussion, an example is provided where T equals 10 seconds, resulting in a frequency of 0.1 Hz. The conversation highlights the misconception of equating time taken for fractional oscillations with equal distances covered, emphasizing that acceleration varies throughout the motion. The clarification distinguishes between frequency and amplitude, resolving the confusion surrounding their definitions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of simple harmonic motion principles
  • Knowledge of oscillation concepts and terminology
  • Familiarity with frequency and period calculations
  • Basic grasp of acceleration in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the mathematical derivation of simple harmonic motion equations
  • Explore the concept of amplitude in oscillatory systems
  • Learn about the relationship between frequency and wavelength in wave mechanics
  • Investigate real-world applications of simple harmonic motion in engineering
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in the principles of oscillatory motion and its applications.

raja.ganguly
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
An object undergoing simple harmonic motion will always have varying acceleration. That means for each unit of time passing by, different distances will be covered within the bounded amplitude. As an example suppose T= 10s. Therefore, f = 1/T = 0.1 Hz(1/10th of a wavelength). This in a way would be like using the unitary method as-
If time taken for 1 complete oscillation is 10 seconds, then,
Time taken for 1/ 10 oscillation will be 1 second. (Modifying frequency's definition)

which cannot be, since thinking of it in that way would mean the body is covering equal distances of 1/10th of an oscillation every second till one time period of 1 second.

How is this all to be correctly explained ?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hey, I just figured out the answer... :)
 
Looks like you are mixing frequency with amplitude.
 
No. wasn't mixing the two :p but I get what you mean and your logic. anyways, thanks :)
 

Thread 'Traveling through space at zero km/s'

In sci-fi when an author is talking about space travellers or describing the movement of galaxies they will say something like “movement in space only means anything in relation to another object”. Examples of this would be, a space ship moving away from earth at 100 km/s, or 2 galaxies moving towards each other at one light year per century. I think it would make it easier to describe movement in space if we had three axis that we all agree on and we used 0 km/s relative to the speed of...
View full post »

Similar threads

Is a Vertically Hung Spring Mass System SHM?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Graduate Equipartition theorem and Coupled harmonic oscillator system
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Find Frequency of Block Oscillation Due to Shear Force
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad Question about driven harmonic oscillator
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
High School Is simple harmonic motion also a pure translatory motion?
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
How to prove that motion is periodic but not simple harmonic?
  • · Replies 51 ·
2
Replies
51
Views
4K
How to Calculate Amplitude Decrease in Damped Harmonic Motion After 10 Cycles?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
842
How to know whether motion is simple harmonic motion or not?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
Position and acceleration in simple harmonic motion given velocity
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
Rotating simple harmonic oscillator
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K