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Simple harmonic motion: definition and characteristics

Simple harmonic motion · Physics

Simple pendulum

Interactive 3D

Release the bob and watch true small-angle SHM. The period depends only on the string length.

Controls

Drag the sliders or type a value — the simulation updates live.

m
0.3m2m
°
5°45°

Study notes

A particle in SHM has amplitude 0.1 m and angular frequency ω = 4 rad/s. Find (a) its maximum velocity, (b) its maximum acceleration, and (c) its acceleration when x = 0.05 m. Step 1: (a) v_max = Aω = 0.1 × 4 = 0.4 m/s (at the mean position). Step 2: (b) a_max = Aω² = 0.1 × 16 = 1.6 m/s² (at the extremes). Step 3: (c) a = −ω²x = −16 × 0.05 = −0.8 m/s² (directed back toward the mean). Answer: (a) 0.4 m/s, (b) 1.6 m/s², (c) −0.8 m/s². The minus sign shows the restoring direction — the defining feature of SHM.

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