What makes an oscillation simple harmonic?
Simple harmonic motion is a particular form of oscillation about an equilibrium position. The displacement is measured from this central position, while the amplitude is the maximum magnitude of the displacement.
For an oscillator to undergo SHM, its acceleration must satisfy two conditions:
- The magnitude of the acceleration is directly proportional to the displacement from equilibrium.
- The acceleration acts in the opposite direction to the displacement, so it always points back towards equilibrium.
These conditions are summarised by:
Because , the restoring force has the same behaviour: it acts towards equilibrium and its magnitude is proportional to the displacement.
An SHM oscillator repeatedly passes through equilibrium and reaches equal maximum displacements on either side. Its motion is periodic, and for ideal SHM the period does not depend on the amplitude.
Common models include a mass attached to a spring and a simple pendulum oscillating through a sufficiently small angle.
| Position | Displacement | Acceleration direction |
|---|---|---|
| Positive side of equilibrium | x>0 | Negative: towards equilibrium |
| Equilibrium | ||
| Negative side of equilibrium | x<0 | Positive: towards equilibrium |
Exam Tip: To establish that motion is SHM, state both conditions: acceleration is proportional to displacement and is directed opposite to the displacement, towards equilibrium.