A type of motion that repeats in a regular cycle. Examples include a vibrating guitar string, a playground swing, and a mass on a spring.
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Period
The time needed for an object to repeat one complete cycle of its motion.
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Equilibrium Position
The position where the total force acting on an object is zero, or where it would come to rest.
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Amplitude
The maximum distance an object moves from the equilibrium position.
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Simple Harmonic Motion
A type of motion where the restoring force acting on an object to return it to equilibrium is directly proportional to the displacement.
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Hooke's Law
The law stating that the force exerted by a spring is proportional to its displacement from equilibrium. Not all real springs obey this law due to material properties.
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Spring Constant
The constant k that depends on the stiffness and material properties of a spring, determining how much force is needed to stretch or compress it.
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Spring Potential Energy
The energy stored in a spring when it is stretched or compressed. It is maximum at maximum displacement from equilibrium.
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Spring Kinetic Energy
The energy of motion in a spring system. It is maximum when the spring passes through the equilibrium position.
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Simple Pendulum
A mass (bob) suspended by a cord that swings back and forth. Its motion depends on the length of the cord and is independent of the mass of the bob.
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Period of a Pendulum
Depends only on the length of the cord and not on the mass of the bob or the amplitude of swing.
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Resonance
Occurs when forces are applied to an oscillating object at intervals equal to its period, causing the amplitude to increase with each applied force.
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Tacoma Narrows Bridge Collapse
An example of resonance where 'Galloping Gertie' bridge collapsed due to resonant vibrations matching the bridge's natural frequency.