Simple Harmonic Motion Example

The motion of the simple pendulum

Let us consider the oscillations of a simple pendulum in the absence of frictional
forces. The only force acting on the pendulum is the gravitational force. So the
total energy of the simple pendulum remains constant.
We shall use the law of conservation of mechanical energy to show that the
motion of the simple pendulum is simple harmonic provided the amplitude of
oscillations is small.

Mechanical Energy=Kinetic Energy+ Potential Energy

1. Calculation of the kinetic energy of the pendulum at time

t:
From the figure:
s=l

s are functionsof time(t )

So,
ds
dt

ds d
=l
dt
dt
represents the instantaneous speed of the bob
2

1
d
Hence thekinetic energy of the pendulum is K = m l
.
2
dt

( )

2. Calculation of the potential energy of the pendulum at

time t:
Since the total mechanical energy of the oscillating pendulum is
a constant,

Kinetic Energy+ Potential Energy=Constant

, K + U =0
From the work-energy theorem,

Work done by the gravitational force=K

So U =K=(Work done by the gravitational force)

We shall use the above equation to obtain the potential energy of the
simple pendulum when the bob is at angle at time t.

work done by the gravitational force whenthe bob deflects + =mgl sin ( )
,

lies between ( + )

So ,the work done by the gravitational force whenthe bob deflects =0 = is (mgl sin (
thelimit as tends 0, the work done by the gravitational force

when thebob deflects =0 = is

mgl

( )
sin

mgl ( 1cos )

So

U =mgl ( 1cos ) .

, the potential energy of the simple pendulum at time t isU =mgl (1cos ) .

Thisis becauseU =0 at themean position of thebob .

So at time t,

1
d 2
m l
+ mgl ( 1cos )=constant
2
dt

( )

Differentiating with respect to time, we have

d2
dt2 +

g
sin =0 .
l

If the angle is small enough then the above equation becomes

d2
dt2 +
with

2 =

g
=0, which is the equation of simple harmonic motion
l
g
l .