Periodic Motion

A motion of an object that repeats its path after equal intervals of time is known as periodic motion

Mass-Spring system

Simple pendulum Vibrating tuning fork Repeat its motion over the same path

Earth's rotation around the sun

Difference between Periodic motion and Oscillatory Motion
Oscillatory motion refers to the motion in which Periodic motion refers to the motion in which the
the object moves back and forth repeatedly. objects repeats a path after a regular interval of time.

Earth's rotation around the

sun
Simple pendulum Swinging on a swing

Clock's pendulum

All oscillatory motions are periodic but all periodic motions are not oscillatory

Moving fan
An elephant's ear flapping
Non-Periodic motion
A motion is said to be non-periodic when it repeats itself at non-regular intervals of time.

Swinging of the branches of the tree Movements of the batsmen between the wicket

Bouncing ball
Simple Harmonic Motion
Definition: Simple Harmonic Motion, or SHM, is defined as a motion in which the
restoring force is proportional to the displacement of the body from its equilibrium position.

Condition:
➢ The system should have restoring force
➢ The system should have inertia
➢ The system should be frictionless

Fs - x
Fs = - k x ; …..(1) k is a spring constant
According to Newton 2nd law,
F = ma ……(2)
Comparing equation (1) and (2)
ma = -kx
𝑘
a= - x
Mass- Spring system 𝑚
𝑘
a=- 𝜔2 𝑥 𝜔2 =
𝑚
Characteristics of simple harmonic motion (SHM)
➢ It is a periodic motion.

➢ The acceleration of the particle (force on the particle) is directly proportional to its
displacement. So, a ∝− x

➢ Force on the particle (acceleration of the particle ) is directed towards its equilibrium
position.

➢ The total energy of the particle executing SHM is conserved.

➢ The maximum displacement of the particle on either sides of the equilibrium position is the
same.
Restoring Force
❑ Restoring force is a force which acts to bring a body to its equilibrium position.

❑ It is a function only of position of the particle.

❑ It is always directed back toward the equilibrium position of the system.

Hooke's law
❑ If a force (F) needed to extend or compress a spring or to displace a body by some
distance (x) from its equilibrium position, then F is proportional to x. So, F ∝-x or,
is, F = -kx. (-ve sign indicates that F is directed opposite to x)
❑ Here k is a constant factor, known as the
force/ spring constant. When x =1, F = - k
❑ k is defined as the amount of restoring force
required to produce unit displacement.
Differential equation of a simple harmonic oscillator
Hooke’s law, F = - kx
F = restoring force, k = force constant
Newton’s 2nd law of motion,
𝑑2𝑥
F= mass × acceleration = m
𝑑𝑡2

Combination of Hooke’s law and Newton’s 2nd law of motion:

𝑑2𝑥
F= -kx = m
𝑑𝑡2

𝑑2𝑥
⇒ m 𝑑𝑡2 + kx = 0

𝑑2𝑥 k k
⇒ 𝑑𝑡2 + 𝑚 x = 0 (1.1) ω= = angular frequency
𝑚

𝑑2𝑥
∴ + 𝜔2x = 0 (1.2)
𝑑𝑡2

Equation (1.2) is the differential equation of a simple harmonic oscillator.

Fig: A horizontal spring-mass system oscillating

about the origin with an amplitude A
Solution of Simple Harmonic Motion
𝑑2𝑥
Solution: Rewriting equation (1.2), = - 𝜔2x
𝑑𝑡2

𝑑𝑥 𝑑2𝑥 𝑑𝑥
⇒ ‫׬‬2 dt= - 2𝜔2 ‫׬‬ xdt
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡2 𝑑𝑡

𝑑𝑥 2
⇒ = - 𝜔2x2+C 1st order 0th order
𝑑𝑡
derivative derivative
𝑑𝑥 2
⇒ = - 𝜔2 x2+C (1.3)
𝑑𝑡

Here, C=constant for integration. Now, applying boundary conditions, at xmax= 𝐴,

𝑑𝑥
= 0 [since, kinetic energy is zero at maximum displacement].
𝑑𝑡

From equation (1.3) we get, 0= - 𝜔2 𝐴2+C

So, C= 𝜔2𝐴2

𝑑𝑥 2
Now, = 𝜔2 (𝐴2 - x2)
𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝑥
⇒ = ±𝜔 (𝐴2−x2)
𝑑𝑡

d𝑥
⇒‫׬‬ = 𝜔 ‫𝑡𝑑 ׬‬
(𝐴2−x2)
𝑥
∴ 𝒙 = 𝑨 𝐬𝐢𝐧( 𝝎𝒕 + 𝝋)
⇒ sin−1 = 𝜔𝑡 + 𝜑
𝐴
Check Point!

❑ Is it possible for a motion to be Oscillatory but not Simple Harmonic

❑ What is the period of the Earth’s revolution around the sun and
around its polar axis

❑ Give an example of a system that exhibits periodic motion

Equations of SHM:
• Angular frequency of a harmonic oscillator of mass m and spring constant, k
𝑘
𝜔= 𝑚
𝜔 1 𝑘
▪ Frequency: 𝑓= 2𝜋 = 2𝜋 𝑚

1 𝑚
• Time Period: 𝑇 = = 2𝜋
𝑓 𝑘

✓ A larger mass m, with its greater inertia, will have less acceleration, move more
slowly, and take a longer time for complete cycle.

✓ In contrast, a stiffer spring (one with a large force constant k) exerts a greater force
at a given deformation x, causing greater acceleration, higher frequency and a
shorter time period T.

➢ Consider a harmonic oscillator with mass 50 g and force constant 2000 N/m. Calculate
the angular frequency, frequency and time period of the oscillator. If you change the mass
by 100 g what would be the values. Also, if the force constant change by 1000 N/m for
50 g oscillator what would be the values? Compare the results and make your comments.
Equations of Displacement, 𝑥 = 𝐴sin( 𝜔𝑡 + 𝜑)
𝑑𝑥
 Velocity, V= 𝑑𝑡

𝑑
= 𝑑𝑡[𝐴sin( 𝜔𝑡 + 𝜑)]

=𝜔𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝜔𝑡 + 𝜑)

= 𝜔𝐴 1−sin2(𝜔𝑡 + 𝜑)) [relation between V and x]

=𝜔 𝐴2−𝐴2sin2(𝜔𝑡 + 𝜑))

So, V= 𝜔 (𝐴2−x2) [ Velocity at x position ]

𝑑𝑥
 Maximum velocity, =𝜔𝐴 (1.8) [When, x=0]
𝑑𝑡 max

𝑑𝑥
 Minimum velocity, =0 [When, x=𝐴]
𝑑𝑡 min
Why the Object Isn't Stationary at Equilibrium:

The object is not stationary at the equilibrium position because this is where it has its
maximum velocity. In SHM, the object is always in motion, except when it momentarily
stops at the maximum displacement. As the object moves towards the equilibrium, the
restoring force pulls it toward the center, increasing its velocity. Once it crosses the
equilibrium point, it continues moving due to inertia but slows down as the restoring force
works against the motion, reducing velocity as it approaches the next extreme position.

+
𝑑2𝑥 𝑑 𝑑𝑥
• Acceleration, a= = 𝑑𝑡 ( 𝑑𝑡 )
𝑑𝑡2

𝑑
a = 𝑑𝑡 [𝜔𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝜔𝑡 + 𝜑)]

= - 𝜔2 𝐴sin( 𝜔𝑡 + 𝜑)

So, a = - 𝜔2x

• Maximum Acceleration, a

𝑑2𝑥
= − 𝜔2𝐴 [When, x=𝐴]
𝑑𝑡2 max

• Minimum Acceleration

𝑑2𝑥
=0 [When, x=0]
𝑑𝑡2 min
Total energy of a particle executing SHM
1 𝑑𝑥 2
• Kinetic energy, EK = 𝑚
2 𝑑𝑡

1 2
= 𝑚 𝜔𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝜔𝑡 + 𝜑)
2
1
= 𝑚 𝜔2𝐴2𝑐𝑜𝑠2(𝜔𝑡 + 𝜑)
2

1
= 𝑘𝐴2𝑐𝑜𝑠2(𝜔𝑡 + 𝜑)
2
𝑥
• Potential energy, EU = ‫׬‬0 𝐹 𝑑x
𝑥 1
= ‫׬‬0 𝐾𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = 𝐾𝑥 2
2

1
= 𝐾𝐴2𝑠𝑖𝑛2(𝜔𝑡 + 𝜑)
2
1
= 𝑘𝐴2𝑠𝑖𝑛2(𝜔𝑡 + 𝜑)
2

• If no non-conservative forces (like friction) act on the oscillator the

total energy of the particle will be,
E = EK + EU = constant
1 1
• E = 𝑘𝐴2 [𝑐𝑜𝑠2(𝜔𝑡 + 𝜑) + 𝑠𝑖𝑛2(𝜔𝑡 + 𝜑)] = 𝑘𝐴2 = constant
2 2
The mechanical energy of a linear oscillator is indeed constant and independent of time. In any oscillating system, an
element of springiness is needed to store the potential energy and an element of inertia is needed to store the kinetic energy.
Step (a) at the amplitude, maximum
displacement, the mass is motionless.
E = PE only

Step (b) at the equilibrium position has no

PE since x = 0.
E = KE only

Step (c) at the amplitude for the compression

step has a velocity of 0.
E = PE only

Step (d) is between the equilibrium position

and the amplitude.
E = PE + KE
Do you
understand?

equally
The average energy in a system experiencing periodic motion offers a steady and
straightforward way to represent the system's energy, without focusing on the constant
changes in kinetic and potential energy.

It helps with simplifying analysis and understanding the long-term energy behavior in
oscillatory systems.

Physical Significance of Average Energy

•Application in Thermodynamics and Waves: In systems like oscillating molecules or
sound waves, average energy is used to describe how energy is distributed across particles or
modes. For example, in thermodynamics, the average energy of particles helps describe
temperature and heat capacity. Similarly, in wave mechanics, average energy helps quantify
the power transported by a wave over time.
•Useful in Power Calculations: When dealing with systems where energy is transferred
(such as in electrical circuits or mechanical devices), calculating the average power requires
knowing the average energy. Since power is the rate of energy transfer, knowing the average
energy per cycle allows engineers to determine the efficiency and output of devices.
Average energy of a particle executing SHM
We want to average the kinetic energy over time, so we integrate the kinetic energy over the full period T (which gives the
total energy accumulated over that time), and then divide by T to get the average energy per unit time.
1 𝑇 1 𝑇1
Average kinetic energy, Kavg = ‫׬‬0 𝐸𝑘 dt = ‫׬‬0 𝑘𝐴2𝑐𝑜𝑠2(𝜔𝑡 + 𝜑) dt
𝑇 𝑇 2

𝑘𝐴2 𝑇
=
4𝑇
‫׬‬0 2𝑐𝑜𝑠2(𝜔𝑡 + 𝜑) dt
𝑘𝐴2 𝑇
=
4𝑇
‫׬‬0 1 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠2(𝜔𝑡 + 𝜑) dt
𝑇
‫׬‬0 𝑐𝑜𝑠2(𝜔𝑡 + 𝜑)dt
𝑘𝐴2 𝑇 𝑇
=
4𝑇
‫׬‬0 dt + ‫׬‬0 𝑐𝑜𝑠2(𝜔𝑡 + 𝜑)dt 1
= [𝑠𝑖𝑛 2 𝜔𝑡 + 𝜑 ]𝑇0
2
𝑘𝐴2 𝑇 𝑘𝐴2
= 𝑡 0 + ×0 1
4𝑇 4𝑇
= [𝑠𝑖𝑛 2 𝜔𝑇 + 𝜑 - 𝑠𝑖𝑛2𝜑]
2
1
= 𝑘𝐴2
4 1 2𝜋
= [𝑠𝑖𝑛 2 𝜔 + 𝜑 - 𝑠𝑖𝑛2𝜑]
1 𝑇1 𝑘𝐴2 𝑇 2 𝜔
Average potential energy, Uavg= ‫׬‬ 𝑘𝐴2𝑠𝑖𝑛2(𝜔𝑡 + 𝜑) dt = ‫׬‬ 2𝑠𝑖𝑛2(𝜔𝑡 + 𝜑) dt
𝑇 0 2 4𝑇 0 1
= [𝑠𝑖𝑛 2 2𝜋 + 𝜑 - 𝑠𝑖𝑛2𝜑]
𝑘𝐴2 𝑇 2
=
4𝑇
‫׬‬0 1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠2(𝜔𝑡 + 𝜑) dt 1
= [𝑠𝑖𝑛2𝜑 - 𝑠𝑖𝑛2𝜑]
2
𝑘𝐴2 𝑇 𝑇
= ‫׬‬ dt − ‫׬‬ 𝑐𝑜𝑠2(𝜔𝑡 + 𝜑)dt
4𝑇 0 0 =0
𝑘𝐴2 𝑇 𝑘𝑎2
= 𝑡 0 − ×0
4𝑇 4𝑇
1
= 𝑘𝐴2
4

Average kintetic and potential energy is the half of total energy 13

Vertical Spring-Mass System
Hooke’s law for extended spring, F = -kl (a) (b) (c)
K= spring constant, l =extension, l0 = length of the spring [Fig (a)]

From Fig (b), At equilibrium condition, σ 𝐹 = 0

= mg – kl = 0, so, mg=kl

The Fig (c), The upward force the spring exerts on the body is k (l+y)

The downward force acting on the body is mg.

So, The resultant force on the body,
σ 𝐹 = mg - k(l+y)= mg-kl-ky = -ky
𝑑2𝑦
Newton’s 2nd law of motion gives, σ 𝐹 = m 2
𝑑𝑡
𝑑2𝑦
Finally, m 𝑑𝑡2 = -ky
Fig: A vertical spring-mass system.
𝑑2𝑦 𝑘
+ 𝑚 y = 0; Same as the Diff. equation of SHM.
𝑑𝑡2

𝑑2𝑦 𝑘
+ ω2y = 0 [ω = ]
𝑑𝑡2 𝑚
Difference between the horizontal and vertical spring-mass system

Horizontal and vertical mass-spring systems are both in simple harmonic motion.

• A vertical mass-spring system oscillates around the point where the downward force of gravity and the upward
spring force cancel one another out (equilibrium position). The force of gravity only served to shift the equilibrium
location of the mass.
• The restoring force for a horizontal mass-spring system is just the spring force, because that is the net force in the x-
direction.
• The restoring force for a vertical mass-spring system is the net force in the y-direction which equals the spring force
minus the force of gravity.

❑ How does the period of motion of a vertical spring-mass system compare to the period of a horizontal system
(assuming the mass and spring constant are the same)?

Answer: The periods of a vertical and horizontal spring-mass system are the same as long as the mass and spring
constant are identical.
𝒎
Time period, T = 𝟐𝝅
𝒌
Pendulums
Pendulums are simple harmonic oscillators in which the springiness is associated with the gravitational force rather than with the
elastic properties of a twisted wire or a compressed or stretched spring.

The Simple Pendulum

The tangential component Fgsin 𝜃 produces a restoring torque about the pendulum’s pivot point.
we can write this restoring torque as
𝜏 = − L(Fg sin 𝜃)
where the minus sign indicates that the torque acts to reduce 𝜃 and L is the moment arm of the
force component Fgsin𝜃 about the pivot point.

I𝛼 = −L(mg sin 𝜃) [𝜏 = I𝛼 ]
mgL
𝛼=− 𝐼 𝜃 [ sin 𝜃 ~ 𝜃, 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝜃 𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑙]
𝑚𝑔𝐿
𝛼 = − ω2 𝜃 [ω = 𝐼
]
The angular acceleration of a pendulum is proportional to its angular displacement but acts in
the opposite direction, indicating simple harmonic motion.
𝑰
So, Time period, T = 𝟐𝝅 𝒎𝒈𝑳
𝑚𝐿2
T = 2𝜋 [ I = mL2 for the rotational inertia of the pendulum]
𝑚𝑔𝐿
𝐿
T = 2𝜋
𝑔
Why is the time period of a simple pendulum independent of the mass, while the time period of a spring-mass system
depends on the mass?

Simple Pendulum: Time period does not depend on mass because the gravitational force and inertia cancel out.

Spring-Mass System: Time period depends on mass because inertia affects the system’s ability to oscillate

Physical Pendulum
The physical pendulum has a moment arm of distance h about the
pivot point

𝑰
Time period, T = 𝟐𝝅 [ now I is not simply mL2 ]
𝒎𝒈𝒉
What is the period of a physical pendulum if it is suspended at
its center of mass?

A physical pendulum will not swing if it pivots at its center of

mass. This corresponds to putting h= 0 in. That equation then
predicts T is infinity, which implies that such a pendulum will
never complete one swing.
When the pivot point is located exactly at the center of gravity, the
r = 0, torque is zero.
An angular version of a simple harmonic oscillator
Differential equation:
Torsional pendulum
Hooke’s law for angular motion,
• 𝜏 = −κ𝜃
κ = torsional spring constant [depends on the
length, diameter, and material of the suspension wire]
Newton’s 2nd law for angular motion,
𝑑2𝜃
𝜏 = 𝐼𝛼 = 𝐼 2
𝑑𝑡
𝑑2 𝜃
Equating expressions, −κ𝜃 = 𝐼
𝑑𝑡2
𝑑2 𝜃 κ 𝑑2 𝜃
+ 𝜃= + ω2𝜃=0
𝑑𝑡2 𝐼 𝑑𝑡2

Solution of the diff. equation, 𝜃 = 𝜃𝑚𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜔𝑡 + 𝜑

Fig: A torsional pendulum consists of a rigid body suspended by a
𝜃 = angular displacement
wire. The rigid body oscillates between θ = + θ and θ = -θ.
κ
𝜃𝑚= angular amplitude, ω = angular frequency =
𝐼

Significance
𝐼
Time period, T = 2π
κ
Like the force constant of the system of a spring – mass, the
larger the torsion constant, the shorter the period.
➢ Show that the unit for the period is the second.
❑ A rod has a length of l = 0.30 m and a mass of 4.00 kg. A string is attached to the CM of the rod and the
system is hung from the ceiling. The rod is displaced 10 degrees from the equilibrium position and released
from rest. The rod oscillates with a period of 0.5 s. What is the torsion constant κ ? Ans: 4.73 N · m.

❑ Fig shows a thin rod whose length L is 12.4 cm and whose mass m is 135 g,
suspended at its midpoint from a long wire. Its period Ta of angular SHM is measured
to be 2.53 s. An irregularly shaped object, which we call object X, is then hung from
the same wire, as in Fig, and its period Tb is found to be 4.76 s. What is the rotational
inertia of object X about its suspension axis ? Ans: 6.12 ×104 kg m2.

❑ The balance wheel of an old-fashioned watch oscillates with angular amplitude π rad
and period 0.500 s. Find (a) the maximum angular speed of the wheel, (b) the angular
speed at displacement π/2 rad, and (c) the magnitude of the angular acceleration at
displacement π/4 rad.
Check Point!
❑ Two simple pendulums are constructed by an engineer, each hanging from a wire attached to the ceiling. Both
pendulums are positioned 2 cm above the floor. The first pendulum has a bob with a mass of 10 kg, while the second
pendulum's bob has a mass of 100 kg. Describe how the motion of the pendulums will differ if the bobs are both
displaced by 12˚.

➢ Their motions will be similar in terms of the period and frequency of their swings, as the period of a simple pendulum
is independent of the mass of the bob.

❑ If frequency is not constant for some oscillation, can the oscillation be SHM? (b) Can you think of any examples
of harmonic motion where the frequency may depend on the amplitude?

❑ Give an example of a simple harmonic oscillator, specifically noting how its frequency is independent of
amplitude.

❑ Explain why you expect an object made of a stiff material to vibrate at a higher frequency than a similar object
made of a more pliable material.
Effective Mass
Unlike a point mass attached to the spring, the spring’s mass is distributed along its length. On the period of
vibrations of a spring with a load, the effect of the mass of the spring distributed over its whole length is the
same as though one-third the mass of the spring is added to the load. This one-third mass of the spring is
known as the effective mass of the spring.
Expression for the effective mass:

1
Kinetic energy of the small element dm of the spring, dk = dm 𝑉 ′
2
1 𝑀 𝑥 𝑥
=
2 𝐿
dx ( V )2
𝐿
Velocity of element at x position 𝑉 ′ = 𝐿 ​ V
when x =0, 𝑉 ′ = 0 and x = x , 𝑉 ′ = V
1 𝑀 𝑉2 1 𝑀
= x 2 dx = v2 x 2 dx Since the mass is uniformly distributed, the mass of an
2 𝐿 𝐿2 2 𝐿3
𝑀
element of length dx is: dm = 𝐿 dx
The kinetic energy of the spring k = 𝐿 dk
s ‫׬‬0

1 𝑀 𝐿
= v2 ‫׬‬0 x2 dx
2 𝐿3

1 𝑀 𝐿3
= v2
2 𝐿3 3
1 𝑀 1
= v2 = M’ v2 Experimental determination
2 3 2
The total kinetic energy of the system will then be

𝐾 =𝐾 +𝐾
𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑚 𝑠

Thus 𝐾 = 1 (𝑚+ 𝑀 ) 𝑚+𝑀′ A plot of mass versus T2 of the loaded

𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 2 V2 So, time period, 𝑇 = 2𝜋
3 𝑘 spring during vibration.
Two-Body Oscillations
• In microscopic world, many objects such as nuclei, atoms, molecules, etc. execute oscillations that are
approximately SHM.

• Example: Diatomic molecule in which 2 atoms are bonded together with a force. Above absolute zero
temperature, the atoms vibrate continuously about their equilibrium positions.

• We can compare such a molecule with a system where the atoms can be considered as two particles
with different masses connected by a spring.
Two masses m1 and m2 connected to each other by a spring of force
constant k as shown in Fig 4(a).

Two particles which are located relative to the origin O by the two
coordinates x1 and x2 in Fig. 4(a).

The relative separation (x1 - x2) gives the length of the spring at any
time.

The un-stretched length of the spring is L.

The change in length of the spring is given by,

x = (x1 - x2) – L (4.1) Apply Newton’s 2nd law of motion separately to

the two particles,
The magnitude of the force that the spring exerts on each particle is,
𝑑 2 𝑥1
𝑚1 = −𝑘𝑥 (4.3)
𝑑𝑡 2
F=kx (4.2)
𝑑 2 𝑥2
If the spring exerts a force -F on m1, then it exerts a force F on m2. 𝑚2 2 = 𝑘𝑥 (4.4)
𝑑𝑡
Multiplying equation (4.3) by m2 and equation (4.4) by m1 Reduced mass of a system is always smaller than either of the masses of
the system. (μ<m1 and μ<m2)
𝑑 2 𝑥1
𝑚1 𝑚2 = −𝑚2 𝑘𝑥 (4.5)
𝑑𝑡 2 Since, the un-stretched length of the spring is constant the derivative of
(x1-x2) are the same as the derivative of x.
𝑑 2 𝑥2
𝑚1 𝑚2 = 𝑚1 𝑘𝑥 (4.6)
𝑑𝑡 2
𝑑2 𝑑2 𝑑2𝑥
(𝑥1 − 𝑥2) = 𝑥+𝐿 = [from equation (4.1)]
𝑑𝑡2 𝑑𝑡2 𝑑𝑡2
Subtracting, equation (4.6) from equation (4.5),
So, from equation (4.7) we get,
𝑑 2 𝑥1 𝑑 2 𝑥2
𝑚1 𝑚2 − 𝑚1 𝑚2 = −𝑚2 𝑘𝑥 − 𝑚1 𝑘𝑥
𝑑𝑡 2 𝑑𝑡 2
𝑑2 𝑥
μ = −𝑘𝑥
𝑑𝑡 2
𝑑2
⇒ 𝑚1 𝑚2 (𝑥1 − 𝑥2) = −𝑘𝑥(𝑚1 + 𝑚2 )
𝑑𝑡 2
𝑑2 𝑥 𝑘
⇒ + 𝑥=0 (4.9)
𝑑𝑡 2 𝜇
𝑚1𝑚2 𝑑2
⇒ (𝑥1 − 𝑥2) = −𝑘𝑥 (4.7)
(𝑚1 + 𝑚2 ) 𝑑𝑡 2
𝑘 𝜇
Here, angular frequency is, ω = ; So, time period, T = 2π
𝒎𝟏𝒎𝟐 𝜇 𝑘
The quantity has the dimension of mass. This quantity is known as the
(𝒎𝟏 + 𝒎𝟐 )
reduced mass of the system and it is denoted by μ. • Equation (4.9) is identical to the differential equation of SHM of a
single body oscillator.
𝑚1𝑚2
μ= (4.8)
(𝑚1 + 𝑚2 ) Application:
The reduced mass allows the system to be treated as a single-mass system
with the instead of dealing with the complex motion of multiple masses.
The system exhibits coupled oscillations, meaning that the This is useful for analyzing the natural frequency and behavior of
oscillations.
motion of one mass depends on the motion of the other.
Combination of simple harmonic motion
❖ Combination of two simple harmonic vibrations at the same direction having the same frequency but
different phases and amplitude
𝑦1 = 𝑎1 𝑆𝑖𝑛(𝜔𝑡 + 𝛼1 ) and 𝑦2 = 𝑎2 𝑆𝑖𝑛(𝜔𝑡 + 𝛼2 )

So, The resultant displacement, y = y1 + y2

y = 𝑎1 𝑆𝑖𝑛(𝜔𝑡 + 𝛼1 ) + 𝑎2 𝑆𝑖𝑛(𝜔𝑡 + 𝛼2 )

.…………. Book: Physics for Engineers (part-1) page 63

y= Asin (𝜔𝑡 + 𝜑 ); Thus the equation of the resultant vibrations is Simple Harmonic

A2 = 𝑎12 + 𝑎22 + 2𝑎1 𝑎2 𝐶𝑜𝑠 (𝛼1 - 𝛼2 )

𝑎 𝑆𝑖𝑛𝛼 +𝑎 sin 𝛼
and tan 𝜑 = 𝑎 1 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼 1+𝑎 2 cos 𝛼2
1 1 2 2

Case I: if 𝛼1 = 𝛼2 = 𝛼 ,

A= 𝑎1 + 𝑎2 and tan 𝜑 = tan 𝛼

The combination of these two
perpendicular harmonic motions
traces a two-dimensional path
that is often an ellipse
In this case, the SHMs are along
perpendicular axes (x and y), so
they don’t interact like one-
dimensional waves do (via direct
superposition). Instead, each
motion contributes independently
along its axis. The resultant
motion is a combination of
displacements along both axes,
producing a two-dimensional
path rather than a single resultant
wave.
❑ What is the magnitude of maximum acceleration of a platform that oscillates at amplitude 2.20 cm and frequency
6.60 Hz?

Solution:
A = 2.20 cm = 0.0220 m, f = 6.60 Hz

a(t) = - ω2 A cos (ωt + φ)

Given: m =0.500 kg
For maximum acceleration, A= xm=35.0 cm = 0.35 m
T = 0.500 s
am= ω2A = (2πf )2 A = 2π( 6.60)2 ( 0.0220 m) = 37.8 m/s2
(a)T = 0.500 s
(b) f = 1/𝑇 = 1/0.500 = 2.00 Hz [ /s]
❑ An oscillator consists of a block of mass 0.500 kg connected to a
(c)ω = 2πf = 2π(2.00) = 12.6 rad/s
spring. When set into oscillation with amplitude 35.0 cm, the (d) k = m ω2 = (0.500)(12.6)2 = 79.0 N/m
oscillator repeats its motion every 0.500 s. Find the (a) period, (b) (e) v(t) = - ωAsin (ωt + φ)
frequency, (c) angular frequency, (d) spring constant, (e) maximum vm = ωA = (12.6)(0.350) = 4.40 m/s
speed, and (f) magnitude of the maximum force on the block from (f) F = - k x
the spring.
Fs = kA = (79.0)(0.350) = 27.6 N
Newton’s third law, Fs = Fm = 27.6 N
❑ An oscillating block–spring system has a mechanical energy of 1.00 J, an amplitude of 10.0 cm,
and a maximum speed of 1.20 m/s. Find (a) the spring constant,(b) the mass of the block, and
(c) the frequency of oscillation

Here, E = 1.00 J
A = 10.0 cm = 0.100 m
vm= = 1.20 m/s

(a) 𝑬 = 𝟏/𝟐𝒌𝑨𝟐
k = 𝟐 𝑬 /𝑨 = 𝟐 (𝟏.𝟎𝟎) /(0.100)2 = 200 N/m
𝟐

(b) E = K + U = 𝟏/𝟐 mv2 + 𝟏/𝟐 kx2

The maximum speed, vm is at the relaxed state, x = 0.

E =𝟏/𝟐 mvm2
m = 𝟐 𝑬/ vm2
= 𝟐 (𝟏.𝟎𝟎)/ (1.20)2 = 1.39 kg

(c ) f =𝟏/T =1.91 Hz [/s]

𝒎
[T = 2π ]
𝑲
Do it yourself: (b), (c), and (d)
❖ Two particles execute simple harmonic motion of the same amplitude and frequency
along close parallel lines. They pass each other moving in opposite directions each
time their displacement is half their amplitude. What is their phase difference

❖ An oscillator consists of a block attached to a spring (k = 400 N/m). At some time t,

the position (measured from the system’s equilibrium location), velocity, and
acceleration of the block are x = 0.100 m, v =13.6 m/s, and a = 123 m/s. Calculate (a)
the frequency of oscillation, (b) the mass of the block, and (c) the amplitude of the
motion.

❖ In Fig, two identical springs of spring constant 7580 N/m are attached to a block
of mass 0.245 kg. What is the frequency of oscillation on the frictionless floor?