| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| angular displacement | The measurement of the angle, in radians, through which a point on a rigid system rotates about a specified axis. |
| displacement | A vector quantity representing the change in position of an object from its initial to final location. |
| equilibrium position | The central position around which an object oscillates in SHM, where the net force is zero. |
| periodic motion | Motion that repeats at regular time intervals. |
| restoring force | A force exerted on an object in a direction opposite to its displacement from an equilibrium position, acting to return the object to equilibrium. |
| restoring torque | A rotational force that acts in a direction opposite to angular displacement, returning an object toward its equilibrium orientation. |
| simple harmonic motion | A special case of periodic motion in which a restoring force proportional to displacement causes an object to oscillate about an equilibrium position. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| frequency | The number of complete oscillations or cycles of simple harmonic motion that occur per unit time, typically measured in hertz (Hz). |
| object-ideal-spring oscillator | A system consisting of a mass attached to an ideal spring that undergoes simple harmonic motion. |
| period | The time required for an object to complete one full circular path, rotation, or cycle. |
| simple harmonic motion | A special case of periodic motion in which a restoring force proportional to displacement causes an object to oscillate about an equilibrium position. |
| simple pendulum | A mass suspended from a fixed point by a string or rod of negligible mass that swings back and forth in simple harmonic motion. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| acceleration | The rate of change of velocity with respect to time. |
| amplitude | The maximum displacement of an oscillating system from its equilibrium position; determines the maximum potential energy and total energy of the system. |
| displacement | A vector quantity representing the change in position of an object from its initial to final location. |
| equilibrium position | The central position around which an object oscillates in SHM, where the net force is zero. |
| extrema | The maximum or minimum values of displacement, velocity, or acceleration in SHM. |
| frequency | The number of complete oscillations or cycles of simple harmonic motion that occur per unit time, typically measured in hertz (Hz). |
| harmonic motion | Repetitive motion characterized by displacement, velocity, and acceleration that vary periodically with time. |
| period | The time required for an object to complete one full circular path, rotation, or cycle. |
| velocity | A vector quantity that describes both the speed and direction of an object's motion. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| amplitude | The maximum displacement of an oscillating system from its equilibrium position; determines the maximum potential energy and total energy of the system. |
| conservation of energy | The principle that the total mechanical energy of a system remains constant when only conservative forces act on it. |
| kinetic energy | The energy possessed by an object due to its motion, equal to one-half the product of its mass and the square of its velocity. |
| mechanical energy | The sum of a system's kinetic and potential energies. |
| potential energy | The energy stored in a system due to the relative positions or configurations of objects that interact via conservative forces. |
| simple harmonic motion | A special case of periodic motion in which a restoring force proportional to displacement causes an object to oscillate about an equilibrium position. |
| total mechanical energy | The sum of kinetic and potential energy in a system; remains constant in both circular and elliptical orbits. |