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Physics 20 flashcards ~10 min

Simple Harmonic Motion and Oscillations

Simple harmonic motion describes the repeating back-and-forth movement seen in pendulums, springs, and vibrating strings, and this deck of 20 flashcards covers the concept from definition to formula. You'll learn what makes motion "simple harmonic," the meanin...

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Simple harmonic motion describes the repeating back-and-forth movement seen in pendulums, springs, and vibrating strings, and this deck of 20 flashcards covers the concept from definition to formula. You'll learn what makes motion "simple harmonic," the meaning of amplitude, period and frequency, and the formulas for a mass-spring system (Hooke's Law) and a simple pendulum. The deck explains how kinetic and potential energy exchange throughout an oscillation while total mechanical energy stays constant, along with phase, angular frequency, and how a displacement-time graph relates to velocity and acceleration. It finishes with damped oscillations, forced oscillations, and resonance — including real-world examples like why bridges can be at risk during earthquakes at certain frequencies. Suited to A-Level and AP Physics students, this deck ties each formula to a clear physical picture of how oscillating systems behave over time.

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Motion where the restoring force is directly proportional to displacement and acts in the opposite direction.
The maximum displacement from the equilibrium position.
The time taken to complete one full cycle of motion.
The number of complete oscillations per second, measured in hertz.
Frequency = 1 ÷ Period.
The restoring force of a spring is proportional to its displacement: F = -kx.
T = 2π√(m/k).
T = 2π√(L/g).
No — it depends only on length and gravitational acceleration.
At the equilibrium position, where velocity is greatest.
At maximum displacement (amplitude), where velocity is zero.
Yes, assuming no friction or damping.
The rate of change of phase, measured in radians per second (ω = 2πf).
A sine or cosine curve.
A measure of the position in the oscillation cycle at a given time.
Oscillation where amplitude gradually decreases over time due to energy loss (e.g., friction).
Oscillation driven by an external periodic force.
When a system is driven at its natural frequency, causing amplitude to increase dramatically.
The Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapse, caused by wind-driven oscillation matching the bridge's natural frequency.
The minimum damping needed to prevent a system from oscillating while returning to equilibrium fastest.