Simple harmonic motion

It a special type of periodic motion in which the acceleration of the body along the path of
the body is directed towards a fixed point in the line of motion and is proportional to the
displacement of the body from a fixed point

Characteristic of a body describing simple harmonic motion

- Motion is periodic
- Acceleration of the body is towards a fixed point
- Acceleration of the body is directly proportional to the distance from the fixed
point
- Mechanical energy is conserved

Equation of simple harmonic motion

Acceleration, a = - ω2x
Where ω is angular velocity, x, is displacement from fixed point

Or a = = - ω2 x

The solution of above differential equation is

x = Acos ωt or x = Asin ωt

where A is the maximum displacement of the body from the restposition the called
Amplitude
x is the displacement of the body at any time t.

For x = Asin ωt, the curve is given below

In general x = Asin(ωt + Ф) where Ф is the phase angle

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Examples of simple harmonic motion
(i) Vertical spiral spring or Elastic thread

Consider a body of mass, m suspended from a spiral spring of force constant, k, as shown
in the diagram above.

In that case the body will be in equilibrium

At equilibrium, T = mg

But T = ke (From Hooke’s law)

Where e is the extension in the spring at equilibrium and k is the force constant of the
spring.

Hence ke = mg ……………………………………….. (i)

When the mass is pulled through a distance x, then released, the resultant upward force on
the mass is

F = T’ –mg

But T’ = k(e + x)

F = k (e + x) – mg

From (i) ke = mg
F = k(e + x) – ke
F = kx
From Newton’s 2nd law, ma = F
ma = -kx
a=-( )

2 2=
The above equation is in the form a = - ω x where ω ( )

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ω= √
T=

T = 2π√

Frequency, f = = √

(ii) Horizontal spring

When a spring is stretched by a distance, x.

The resultant force = 0 –T

Since at equilibrium there is no force.
ma = 0 -
a=-
from a = - ω2x
then, ω2 = ( )

ω= √
T=

T = 2π√

Frequency, f = = √

(iii) Simple pendulum

Suppose a body of mass, m, attached to a string is displaced through a small angle θ and
then released. The resultant force on the body towards O is mgsinθ.

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By Newton’s 2nd law
ma = - mgsinθ
a = -gsinθ
If θ is small and measured in radians θ ≈ sin θ =
a=g

But a = - ω2x
ω= √

T=

T = 2π√

Frequency, f = = √

(iv) U-shaped tubes

A liquid of density ρ contained in a U-tube of cross section area A and column

L, if the liquid is displaced slightly through a distance x from equilibrium
position

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The restoring force of the liquid = 2xAρg

Using Newton’s 2nd law,

ma = - 2xAρg
a=- but, m = ALρ
a=-
2
But a = - ω x
ω= √
T=

T = 2π√

Frequency, f = = √

(vi) A floating cylinder

Consider a cylinder of mass, m, floating vertically in a liquid of density, ρ, to a depth, L

At equilibrium position, the body sinks to a height, h, below the liquid surface
Up thrust = weight of the body
But U = Ahρg
mg = Ahρg ……………………………………..(i)
A is the cross section area of a cylinder
When a body is displaced through a distance, x, and released,
Up throust = (h + x) Aρg

Resultant force = mg - (h + x) Aρg

But, m = Ahρ
ALρa = Ahρg – Ahρg – Aρgx

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 –
a= =
2
But a = - ω x
ω= √

T=

T = 2π√

Frequency, f = = √

Velocity of a body executing simple harmonic motion

The displacement of the body executing simple harmonic motion is given by
x = Asin(ωt + Ф)
Velocity, v=

sin(ωt + Ф) =

√
cos (ωt + Ф) =

√
v = Aω = ω√
When x = 0, v is maximum
Vmax = ωA
When x = A, v = 0

Kinetic energy and potential energy of vibrating object

K.E = = ( √ )

=
For a spring force constant, k; ω2 =
=

Potential energy, P.E

Work done against restoringforce is potential energy
F = mω2r

Potential energy = ∫ =∫ =

For vinrating spring, potential energy =

Total mechanical energy = kinetic energy + Potential energy

= +
=
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Example 1
A light spiral spring is loaded with a mass of 50g and it extends by 10cm. Calculate the
period of small vertical oscillations.

Using T = 2π√ , but mg = ke

k=

T = 2π√ = 0.635s

Example 2
A body of mass 0.1kghangs from a long spiral spring. When pulled down 10cm below its
equilibrium point, A and released, it performs simple harmonic motion with a period 2s

(a) What is the velocity as it passes through A?

(b) What is its acceleration when it is 5cm above A.
Solution
(a) v = ωA, where A = 0.1m, , but T = 2s
ω=
v = π x 0.1 = 0.314s
(b) a = -ω2x = π2 x 0.05 = 0.5ms-2

Types of oscillations
(i) Free oscillations
Free oscillations occur in absence of any dissipasive force like air resistande, friction
and viscous drag. The Amplitude and total mechanical energy remain constant and
the sysstem oscillates indefinitely with a period T (the natural period of vibration of
the system

e.g. a simple pendulum will undergo free oscillation in a vacuum

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 (ii) Damped oscillations
These are oscillation where the system loses energy to the surrounding due to the
dissipative forces. The amplitude reduces with time an be grouped into under damped,
critically damped and over damped oscillation.

- Under-damped oscillation

The system oscillates but gradually dies out due to the dissipative forces. The amplitude
of oscillation decreases with time. Examples are a simple pendulum in air, horizontal
spring moving over a surface of little roughness.

- Critically damped oscillation

The system does not oscillate when displaced, but returns to equilibrium position in the
minimum possible time.

Example: a horizontal spring moving over a very rough surface, a metal cylinder attached
to a vertical spring and mad to move in a very viscous liquid.

Example 4
(a) (i) What is meant by simple harmonic motion
(ii) state two practical examples of simple harmonic motion
(iii) using two graphical illustrations, distinguish between under damped oscillation
(b) (i) Describe an experiment to measure acceleration due to gravity using a spiral
spring.
(ii) State two limitation to accuracy of the value in (b)(i).
(c) A horizontal spring of force constant 200Nm-2 fixed at one end has a mass of 2kg
attached to the free end and resting on a smooth horizontal surface. The mass is
pulled through a distance of 4.0cm and released. Calculate
(i) Angular speed
(ii) Maximum velocity attained by the vibrating body
(iii) Acceleration when the body is half way towards the center of initial
position.
Solution
(a) (i) It a special type of periodic motion in which the acceleration of the body along
the path of the body is directed towards a fixed point in the line of motion and is
proportional to the displacement of the body from a fixed point
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 (ii) – motor vehicle inspection spring
- Atom vibrating in a crystal
(iii) under damped

Critically damples

If a system is under damped, the amplitude of oscillation decrease with time due to
energy loss in doing work against the dissipative forces; whereas for critically
damped oscillation the time taken for the displacement to be zero is minimum and
it is equal to ¼ of the periodic time, T.

(b) (i) Known mass, mass hanger, meter rule, pointer, retort stand and stop clock.
The set up is shown below

a. A mass M is loaded the spring and extension x is recorded.

b. The mass is given a slight displacement, time for twenty oscillations, t, is
noted.
c. Period of the oscillation, T, and T2 are calculated.
d. The procedures a. to d. for several masses are repeated.
e. A graph of T2 against x is plotted as a slope of the graph, s, is calculated.
f. The slope, s = ,g=

(c) (i) ω = √ = √ = 10rads-1

(ii) vmax = ωr
but r =4.0cm = 4 x 10-2 m
vmax = 10 x4 x 10-2
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 =
0.4ms-1
(iii) Since a = - ω2x
x = 2cm = 2 x 10-2m
a = - 102 x 2 x 10-2
a = 2ms-2
Example 5
(a)(i) What is meant by a simple harmonic motion?
(ii) Distinguish between damped and forced oscillation.
(b) A cylinder of length, l, cross section area A and density, σ, floats in a liquid of
density, . The cylinder is pushed down slightly and released.
(i) Show that it performs simple harmonic motion
(ii) Derive the expression for the period of oscillation
(c) A spring of force constant 40Nm-2 is suspended vertically, A mass 0.1kg suspended
from from the spring is pulled downward a distance of 5mm and released. Find the
(i) Period of oscillation
(ii) Maximum acceleration of the mass
(iii) Net force acting on the mass when it is 2mm below the center of oscillation.
Solution
(a)(i) It a special type of periodic motion in which the acceleration of the body along the
path of the body is directed towards a fixed point in the line of motion and is
proportional to the displacement of the body from a fixed point.
(ii) Damped oscillation are oscillation in which the amplitude of oscillation decreases
due to the presence of dissipative forces like friction.

Forced oscillation is those where external force only is required to keep the system
in perpetual oscillation.

(c) (i)

At equilibrium position, the body sinks to

a height, h, below the liquid surface
Up thrust = weight of the body
But U = Ahρg
mg = Ahρg ……………………………………..(i)
A is the cross section area of a cylinder
When a body is displaced through a distance, x, and released,
Up thrust = (h + x) Aρg

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Resultant force = mg - (h + x) Aρg

But, m = Ahσ
ALσa = ALρg – Ahρg – Aρgx
–
a= =
But a = - ω2x
ω= √ thus S.H.M is executed

(ii) T =

T = 2π√

(c) (i) the acceleration of the spring –mass system is given by

a = - ( )x
2
From a = - ω x
ω=√

But T = √

= 2π√ = 0.314s

(ii) amax = - ( )r where, r= is the amplitude of oscillation

= 2ms-2
(iii) F = ma but a = - ω2x
F = mω2x
=
= 0.08N
Example 6
(a) What is meant by simple harmonic motion?
(b) A cylindrical vessel of cross section, a, contains air of volume, V, at pressure P,
trapped by frictionless air tight position of mass, M, the position is pushed down
and released.
(i) If the position oscillates with simple harmonic motion, show that the
frequency is given by
F= √
(ii) Show that the expression in (b)(i) is dimensionally correct.
(c) A particle executing simple harmonic motion vibrated in a straight line. Given that
the speed of the particle is 4ms -1 and 2ms-1 when the particle is at 3cm and 6cm
respectively from equilibrium, calculate
(i) Amplitude of oscillation
(ii) Frequency of the particle.
(d) Give two examples of oscillating motion which approximate to simple harmonic
motion and state the assumptions made in each case.

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Solution
(a) It a special type of periodic motion in which the acceleration of the body along the
path of the body is directed towards a fixed point in the line of motion and is
proportional to the displacement of the body from a fixed point.
(b)

At equilibrium, force = PA
PA = Mg …………………………….. (i)
Suppose it is pushed through a small distance x and pressure changes to P’

Restoring force, F= P’A – Mg ……………………… (ii)

Using Eqn. (i) and Eqn. (ii)

Hence Ma = (P’A –PA) …………………………… (iii)

From Boyles’ Law, P1V1 = P2V2
P’(V –Ax) =PV
P’ =
Putting Eqn. (ii) into (i)
Ma = -PA( ) = -PA x
=-
But for very small displacement, Ax = 0
 Ma = -
 a =-
but a = - ω2x
ω=√ = A√

Frequency, F = √
(ii) LHS = T-1

RHS = = = T-1
Since LHS = RHS, the expression is dimensionally consistent.
(c)(i) from v2 = ω2(r2-x2)
42 = ω2 (r2 – 0.032)
16 = ω2 (r2 – 0.0009) …………………………….. (i)
Also 4 = ω2 (r2 – 0.062)
= ω2 (r2 – 0.0036) ……………………………... (ii)
Eqn. (i) Eqn. (ii)

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 –
= –

r=√ = 6.7 x 10-2m

Amplitude of oscillation = 6.7 x 10-2m
(ii) Putting r = 6.7 x 10-2m into (ii)
ω=√
But ω = 2
f= = =10.676Hz
(d) (i) The oscillation of a simple pendulum when the angle of displacement is very small
and air resistance is negligible.
(ii) The mass oscillating at the end of spiral spring when the displacement from
equilibrium solution is very small and dissipative force is negligible.

Example 7
(a)(i) Define simple harmonic motion.
(ii) A particle of mass m executes simple harmonic between two points A and B about
equilibrium position O. Sketch a graph of the restoring force acting on a particle as a
function of distance, r, moved by the particle.
(b)

Two springs A and B of spring constant Ka and Kb respectively are connected to a mass as
shown in the figure above. The surface of which the masses slide is frictionless.
(i) Show that the mass is displaced slightly. It oscillates with simple harmonic motion of
frequency, f, given by f = √
(ii) If the two springs are identical such that that Ka = Kb = 5.0Nm -1 and mass, m = 5.0g.
Calculate the period of the oscillation.

Solution
(a) (i) It a special type of periodic motion in which the acceleration of the body along the
path of the body is directed towards a fixed point in the line of motion and is
proportional to the displacement of the body from a fixed point.
(ii)

(b)(i) Suppose the body is displaced through a small distance x towards B

Resultant force, F = Kax + Kbx
ma = Kax + Kbx
a=-
From a = - ω2x
ω= √

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 since ω = 2 ,f= = √

(ii) T= √ = 2π√ = 0.444s

Example 8
(a) Define simple harmonic motion.
(b) Sketch a graph of
(i) Velocity against displacement
(ii) Acceleration against displacement for a body executing S. H.M.
(c) A glass U- tube containing a liquid is titled slightly and then released
(i) Show that the liquid oscillated with S.H.M.
(ii) Explain why oscillations ultimately come to rest.

Solution
(b)(i) From v = ± √

(ii)

(c)

A liquid of density ρ contained in a U-tube of cross section area A and column L, if the
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 liquid is displaced slightly through a distance x from equilibrium position

The restoring force of the liquid = 2xAρg

Using Newton’s 2nd law,

ma = - 2xAρg
a=- but, m = ALρ
a=-
Comparing a = - ω2x
ω = √ , thus it executes S.H.M

(ii) the oscillation eventually come to rest because energy is lost due to dissipative forces.

Example 8
(a)(i) What is meant by simple harmonic motion?
(ii) Show with a suitable sketch graph how the kinetic energy of a mass attached to end
of oscillating mass changes with distance from the equilibrium position.
(b) A mass of 1kg hangs from two springs S1 and S2 are connected in series as shown
below. The force constant of the springs are 100N/m and 200N/m respectively.

Find (i) the extension produced in the combination

(ii) the frequency of oscillation of the ass if it is pulled down a small distance and
released.
(c) Explain with the aid of a sketch graph what would happen to the oscillations in
(b)(ii) as the mass was immersed in a liquid such as water.

Solution
(a) (i) It a special type of periodic motion in which the acceleration of the body along the
path of the body is directed towards a fixed point in the line of motion and is
proportional to the displacement of the body from a fixed point.
(ii) K.E =
But v2 = ω2(r2-x2)
K.E = mω2(r2-x2)

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(b)(i) Considering spring S1
From Hooke’s law
mg = k1x1
1 x 9.81 = 100x1
x1 = 9.81 x 10-2m
Similarly for spring S2
mg = k1x1
1 x 9.81 = 200x1
x1 = 4.905 x 10-2m

Total extension = x1 + x2 = (9.81 + 4.905) x 10-2m

= 1.4715 x 10-1m
(ii) T = 2π√ = 2π√ = 0.77s

f=
(b) If the mass is immersed in water, the amplitude decreases until the oscillations die
away due to loss of energy arising from friction.

Example 9
(a) A mass of 0.1kg is suspended from a light spring of force constant 24.5Nm-1.
Calculate the potential energy of the mass.
(b) (i) State four characteristics of simple harmonic motion.
(ii) Show that the speed of a body moving with simple harmonic motion of angular
velocity, ω is given by v = ±ω where, a, is the amplitude, and x, is
the displacement from equilibrium position.
(iii) Sketch graphs to show the variation with displacement of kinetic and potential
energies if a body moving with simple harmonic motion.
(c) A mass of 0.1kg suspended from a spring of force constant 24.5Nm -1 is pulled
vertically downwards through a distance of 5.0cm and released. Find the
(i) Period of oscillation
(ii) Position of the mass 0.3 seconds after release.

Solution
Elastic potential energy
P.E = …………………….. (i)
mg = kx
x=
Elastic potential energy =

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(b)(i) The acceleration is directed towards a fixed point in a motion line
The acceleration is directly proportional to the displacement from a fixed point
It is periodic
Total mechanical energy is preserved.
(ii) a= =

=-

∫ ∫

+C

At x = A (amplitude), v = 0

C=

 +

(iii)

(c)(i) From T = √

T=2 √ =0.401s

(ii) x = Asin(ωt + θ)
At t = 0
- 5 x 10-2 = 5 x 10-2 sin θ
θ = sin-1(-1) = radians
At t = 0.3s
x = 5x 10-2 sin(0.3ω - )
But ω = =
-2
x = 5 x 10 sin (0.3 x 15.7 - ) = 1.19 x 10-4m
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Example 9
(a) Defined simple harmonic motion.
(b) Sketch the following graphs for a body performing simple harmonic motion
(i) Velocity against displacement
(ii) Displacement against time
(c) The period of oscillation of a conical pendulum is 2.0s. if the string makes an angle
600 to the vertical at the point of suspension, calculate the
(i) Vertical length at the point of suspension above the circle.
(ii) Length of the string
(iii) Velocity of the mass attached to the string
(d) (i) Give an example of oscillating motion
(ii) What approximation is made in (b)(i)
Solution
(b)(i)

(ii)

(d)(i) simple pendulum

Liquid oscillating in a U-tube
Mass oscillating at the end of helical spring
(ii) the effect of dissipative force is negligible.

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