Simple Harmonic Motion Lab Report

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Simple Harmonic Motion Abstract In this lab experiment we understand the meaning of what a simple harmonic motion is. We also have to understand the origin of periodic motion and to measure the period of an oscillating spring. So in retrospect we are doing this lab experiment to learn and to gain the basic knowledge of a simple harmonic motion. Introduction The definition of a simple harmonic motion is the vibratory motion that occurs when there is a restoring force opposite to and proportional to a displacement. Also a simple harmonic motion is a term that refers to a particular type of oscillatory motion; they are the simplest kind of periodic motion to analyze. It is very important to understand the simple harmonic motion because it provides a strong basis for the study of more complicated oscillations. Periodic motion occurs when an object repeats its motion in equal intervals of time (periodically). A grandfather clocks pendulum, for example, will swing in one direction then back again, only to repeat the motion indefinitely. This is called oscillating, when an object is undergoing periodic motion. To fully understand periodic motion we must first understand the concept of equilibrium and the two types. The first type is stable, when an object is in stable equilibrium any displacement of this object will result the object to try to restore itself to its original position. As stated in our lab manual, “For example, a weight hanging on a string is in stable equilibrium when it is at its lowest point. If the weight is pushed to one side, gravity will again try to pull it back to the lowest point. When it gets there, of course, it will have kinetic energy and continue to move past the equilibrium point. Once it passes the equilibrium, gravity will again try to pull it back to the lowest point and the whole process repeats itself periodically.” So what

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