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SonicBoomxxx
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I know this is simple, but I don't fully understand why the motion of a piston is considered to be simple harmonic? Wouldn't the piston and connecting rod have mass?
Simple harmonic motion is a type of periodic motion in which an object moves back and forth in a straight line with a constant frequency and amplitude. This motion is characterized by a restoring force that is directly proportional to the displacement of the object from its equilibrium position.
The motion of a piston is considered to be simple harmonic motion because it follows the same characteristics as described above. The piston moves back and forth in a straight line with a constant frequency and amplitude, and its motion is caused by a restoring force that is proportional to its displacement from the equilibrium position.
The restoring force is responsible for bringing the object back to its equilibrium position when it is displaced. In the case of a piston, the restoring force is provided by the pressure of the gas or fluid inside the cylinder, which pushes the piston back towards its starting position.
The motion of a piston is crucial for the operation of an engine. As the piston moves back and forth, it converts the energy from the expanding gas into mechanical energy, which is used to power the engine. The piston's simple harmonic motion allows for smooth and efficient operation of the engine.
In ideal conditions, the motion of a piston can be considered as simple harmonic motion. However, in real-world scenarios, external factors such as friction and non-uniform pressure can cause the motion to deviate from the idealized pattern. These deviations may affect the performance of the engine and need to be carefully managed and minimized.