UPSC Exam  >  UPSC Questions  >  Define simple harmonic motion. Show that the ... Start Learning for Free
Define simple harmonic motion. Show that the oscillations of a simple pendulum are simple harmonic and then find the time period of oscillations?
Most Upvoted Answer
Define simple harmonic motion. Show that the oscillations of a simple ...



Simple Harmonic Motion:
Simple harmonic motion (SHM) is a type of periodic motion where an object oscillates back and forth around an equilibrium position. The motion is characterized by a restoring force that is directly proportional to the displacement from the equilibrium position and acts in the opposite direction of the displacement.

Oscillations of a Simple Pendulum:
- A simple pendulum consists of a mass (bob) suspended from a fixed point by a light string.
- When the pendulum is displaced from its equilibrium position and released, it oscillates back and forth.
- The motion of a simple pendulum is approximately simple harmonic for small angles of displacement (less than 15 degrees).

Verification of Simple Harmonic Motion:
The restoring force in a simple pendulum is given by the formula: F = -mg sinθ, where m is the mass of the bob, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and θ is the angle of displacement. For small angles, sinθ ≈ θ in radians.
- Substituting sinθ ≈ θ into the formula, we get: F = -mgθ.
- This is in the form of Hooke's Law (F = -kx), where k is the spring constant and x is the displacement. Therefore, the oscillations of a simple pendulum are simple harmonic.

Time Period of Oscillations:
The time period of oscillations for a simple pendulum can be calculated using the formula: T = 2π√(l/g), where l is the length of the pendulum and g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s²).
- For example, if the length of the pendulum is 1 meter, the time period of oscillations would be: T = 2π√(1/9.81) ≈ 2.01 seconds.
In conclusion, the oscillations of a simple pendulum exhibit simple harmonic motion for small angles of displacement, and the time period of oscillations can be calculated using the formula T = 2π√(l/g).

Explore Courses for UPSC exam

Top Courses for UPSC

Define simple harmonic motion. Show that the oscillations of a simple pendulum are simple harmonic and then find the time period of oscillations?
Question Description
Define simple harmonic motion. Show that the oscillations of a simple pendulum are simple harmonic and then find the time period of oscillations? for UPSC 2024 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about Define simple harmonic motion. Show that the oscillations of a simple pendulum are simple harmonic and then find the time period of oscillations? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Define simple harmonic motion. Show that the oscillations of a simple pendulum are simple harmonic and then find the time period of oscillations?.
Solutions for Define simple harmonic motion. Show that the oscillations of a simple pendulum are simple harmonic and then find the time period of oscillations? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for UPSC. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for UPSC Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of Define simple harmonic motion. Show that the oscillations of a simple pendulum are simple harmonic and then find the time period of oscillations? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Define simple harmonic motion. Show that the oscillations of a simple pendulum are simple harmonic and then find the time period of oscillations?, a detailed solution for Define simple harmonic motion. Show that the oscillations of a simple pendulum are simple harmonic and then find the time period of oscillations? has been provided alongside types of Define simple harmonic motion. Show that the oscillations of a simple pendulum are simple harmonic and then find the time period of oscillations? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Define simple harmonic motion. Show that the oscillations of a simple pendulum are simple harmonic and then find the time period of oscillations? tests, examples and also practice UPSC tests.
Explore Courses for UPSC exam

Top Courses for UPSC

Explore Courses
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev