Simple Harmonic Motion Physics Example 1

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

Example 1

easy
A mass-spring system has a spring constant k=50ย N/mk = 50 \text{ N/m} and mass m=2ย kgm = 2 \text{ kg}. What is the period of oscillation?

Solution

  1. 1
    The period of a mass-spring system is: T=2ฯ€mkT = 2\pi\sqrt{\frac{m}{k}}.
  2. 2
    T=2ฯ€250=2ฯ€0.04=2ฯ€ร—0.2=0.4ฯ€T = 2\pi\sqrt{\frac{2}{50}} = 2\pi\sqrt{0.04} = 2\pi \times 0.2 = 0.4\pi
  3. 3
    Tโ‰ˆ1.26ย sT \approx 1.26 \text{ s}

Answer

Tโ‰ˆ1.26ย sT \approx 1.26 \text{ s}
Simple harmonic motion is periodic oscillation where the restoring force is proportional to displacement. The period depends on mass and spring constant but not on amplitude.

About Simple Harmonic Motion

Oscillatory motion where the restoring force is proportional to displacement from equilibrium, producing sinusoidal position over time.

Learn more about Simple Harmonic Motion โ†’

More Simple Harmonic Motion Examples