Two masses m1 and m2 connected by spring with constant k:
Reduced mass:μ=m1+m2m1m2
ω0=μk
System oscillates as if single mass μ attached to spring k.
Vertical Spring
Mass hanging from spring:
Equilibrium: kxeq=mg
Displacement from equilibrium: y=x−xeq
mdt2d2y=−ky
Same SHM equation! Period independent of gravity:
T=2πkm
📚 Practice Problems
1Problem 1medium
❓ Question:
A 0.5 kg mass attached to a spring (k = 200 N/m) oscillates with amplitude A = 0.1 m. Find: (a) the angular frequency and period, (b) the maximum velocity and acceleration, and (c) the velocity when x = 0.05 m.
💡 Show Solution
Given:
m = 0.5 kg
k = 200 N/m
A = 0.1 m
(a) Angular frequency and period:
ω=mk=
ω=20 rad/s
T=ω2π=20
T=0.314 s
(b) Maximum velocity and acceleration:
vmax=ωA=(20)(0.1)
vmax=2.0 m/s
(Occurs at x = 0)
amax=ω2A=(20)
amax=40 m/s2
(Occurs at x = ±A)
(c) Velocity at x = 0.05 m:
Energy method:
21kA2=
kA2=kx2+mv2
v2=mk(A
v2=(20)2[(0.1)2−
v2=400(0.0075)=3.0
v=1.73 m/s
2Problem 2hard
❓ Question:
A physical pendulum consists of a uniform rod (length L = 1.0 m, mass M = 2.0 kg) pivoted at one end. Find: (a) the period of small oscillations, (b) the angular frequency, and (c) compare to a simple pendulum of the same length.
💡 Show Solution
Given:
L = 1.0 m
M = 2.0 kg
Rod pivoted at end
(a) Period:
For physical pendulum:
T=
3Problem 3medium
❓ Question:
Derive the differential equation for a mass-spring system and solve it for initial conditions: at t = 0, x = 0.08 m and v = 0 (given: m = 2.0 kg, k = 50 N/m). Find the equation of motion x(t).
Differential equation approach to SHM, springs, and pendulums
How can I study Simple Harmonic Motion effectively?▾
Start by reading the study notes and working through the examples on this page. Then use the flashcards to test your recall. Practice with the 3 problems provided, checking solutions as you go. Regular review and active practice are key to retention.
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What course covers Simple Harmonic Motion?▾
Simple Harmonic Motion is part of the AP Physics C: Mechanics course on Study Mondo, specifically in the Oscillations section. You can explore the full course for more related topics and practice resources.
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Yes, this page includes 3 practice problems with detailed solutions. Each problem includes a step-by-step explanation to help you understand the approach.
0
t
+
0.5200
=
400
2π
2
(
0.1
)
=
400(0.1)
2
1
k
x2
+
21mv2
2
−
x2)=
ω2(A2−
x2)
(0.05)2]=
400[0.01−
0.0025]
2πmgdI
where:
I = 31ML2 = moment about pivot
d = L/2 = distance to CM
T=2πMg(L/2)ML2/3=2π3g2L
T=2π3(9.8)2(1.0)=2π29.42
T=2π0.0680=2π(0.261)
T=1.64 s
(b) Angular frequency:
ω=T2π=1.642π
ω=3.83 rad/s
(c) Comparison to simple pendulum:
Simple pendulum with length L:
Tsimple=2πgL=2π9.81.0
Tsimple=2.01 s
TsimpleTrod=2.011.64=0.816
Rod oscillates 23% faster
Reason: Rod's effective length is Leff=32L=0.67 m