📝Simple Harmonic Motion Notes

Introduction
Introduction 1.1 Harmonic Motion and
Potential Well
A motion which repeats itself after regular 1.2 Linear Simple
recurring intervals of time is called as periodic Harmonic Motion
motion. 1.3 Energy of a simple
harmonic oscillator
Time after which the motion is repeated is 1.4 Composition of two
perpendicular linear
called time period. S.H.Ms
In periodic motion, if a particle covers the same 1.5 Lissajous figures
path, back and forth about a mean position, is
said to be vibratory or oscillatory motion.
Such motion is bounded i.e. its
displacement on either side of mean
position is confined within well-defined limit.
The displacement of the particle executing
oscillatory motion is usually expressed in
terms of sines or cosines or combination of
both.
Such type of motion is associated with
musical instruments.

💡 Allperiodic
the ✅ ForExample: ✅ Examples
Harmonic
of
motions are Motion of Motion:
not earth 1. Motion of
necessarily around the clock
harmonic sun. It is pendulum
motions, but periodic but 2. Vibrations
all harmonic of prong of

Simple Harmonic Motion Notes 1

 motions are not tunning fork
periodic harmonic. 3. Needle of
motion. sewing
1 machine
WHY? (∵ F ∝ − ) 4. Mass and
Because r2
spring system
harmonic 5. A bar
motion posses magnet
definite suspended in
frequency and uniform
hence as fixed magnetic
time period. field.

There are two types of harmonic motion: Linear Simple Harmonic Motion and
Angular Simple Harmonic Motion
1.1 Harmonic Motion and Potential Well
In the vibratory or oscillatory motion, the position of the minimum potential
energy of the particle is its position of stable equilibrium and its displacement
remain confined to a little distance on either side of mean (equilibrium)
position within a bounded region called as potential well or potential valley.
In conservative system, from fig 1.1
The variation of potential energy
U with the position of particle
(x),
> U(max) at A and C
> U(min) at B
The kinetic energy of the
oscillating particle is
> Maximum at B
> Minimum at A and C
K.E. is maximum at B so as to
move it towards either A or C. As
particle moves away from B,
a linear restoring force ,

Simple Harmonic Motion Notes 2

 F =−
∂U
∂x 💡 Throughout the oscillatory
motion of particle acted by
acts on it at that point. Its K.E. restoring force F = - kx in
decreases further and continue the potential well,
till it reaches to A or C. > the total energy of
At A or C, particle is conserved
> whole energy is Potential and > only there is inter-
equal to total energy conversion of the potential
> kinetic energy becomes zero. and kinetic energy
Particle stops momentarily here
and then starts moving from A or
C towards mean position.
At B,
The P.E. converts into K.E.
P.E. becomes minimum.
K.E. becomes maximum
It is now position of unstable
equilibrium.
Hence it continue to move
further towards C or A and so
on.
Thus, the particle is bound to
move between turning points A
and C about point B.
This curve ABC is called
potential well or potential valley
and always exists about the
point of minimum potential
energy Umin).
Actual shape of the curve is
shown by dotted curve A'BC'.
1.2 Linear Simple Harmonic Motion
1.3 Energy of a simple harmonic oscillator
Simple Harmonic Motion Notes 3
 1.4 Composition of two perpendicular linear S.H.Ms
1.5 Lissajous figures

Simple Harmonic Motion Notes 4