Wave and Oscillation
Simple Harmonic Motion
The motion of a particle moving around a straight line with an acceleration
whose direction is always towards a fixed point and whose magnitude is
proportional to the distance from the fixed point is called SHM. ’’The motion’’ by
such an oscillating particle is called ‘’harmonic oscillation’’ and ‘’the particle’’
itself is called ‘’harmonic oscillator’’.
Characteristics of SHM
1. The body oscillates on a straight line
2. Acceleration towards the opposite site of displacement (a ∝-x)
3. The system must have inertia (mass)
4. SHM is a type of oscillatory/periodic motion.
5. It can be represented by a sine or cosine function
Some Important Term
Wavelength: The distance between two consecutive particle in the same phase
Amplitude: The maximum displacement of a particle from it’s mean position
Frequency: The number of complete oscillations per second
Time Period: The needed time for completing one complete oscillation
Wave Velocity: The distance a wave covers per unit time
Phase: The state of the vibrated particle at a particular instant