SHM: Frequency & Period Unaffected by Amplitude

In summary, the frequency and period of simple harmonic motion are not affected by changes in amplitude. This is because the speed of the object remains constant, compensating for the increase in time due to larger amplitude. The reason for this phenomenon is still unknown.
  • #1
gkangelexa
81
1
The frequency and the period of Simple harmonic motion don't depend on the amplitude. Meaning that changing the amplitude of a simple harmonic oscillator doesn't affect its frequency..


amplitude is the max displacement. Doesn't it make sense that if the max displacement is larger, then time will increase and frequency will decrease??
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
gkangelexa said:
amplitude is the max displacement. Doesn't it make sense that if the max displacement is larger, then time will increase and frequency will decrease??
If the speed remained fixed, then that reasoning would work. But the speed doesn't remain fixed. With a greater amplitude, the object ends up moving faster along the path. Interestingly, that increased speed is exactly enough to keep the period and frequency constant.
 
  • #3
cool! thanks! do we know why that happens? or is that a philosophical question?
 

FAQ: SHM: Frequency & Period Unaffected by Amplitude

1.

What is SHM and how is it related to frequency and period?

SHM stands for Simple Harmonic Motion, which is the repetitive motion of an object around an equilibrium point. The frequency and period of SHM describe how often the object completes a full cycle of motion and the time it takes to complete one cycle, respectively. These two quantities are unaffected by the amplitude, or the maximum displacement from equilibrium, of the motion.

2.

How is amplitude different from frequency and period in SHM?

Amplitude, frequency, and period are all characteristics of SHM, but they describe different aspects of the motion. Amplitude is the maximum displacement from equilibrium, while frequency and period describe how often and how long it takes for the object to complete a full cycle of motion.

3.

Why is the frequency of SHM unaffected by changes in amplitude?

The frequency of SHM is determined by the properties of the system, such as the mass and the spring constant, and is independent of the amplitude. This is because the frequency only depends on the restoring force and the mass of the object, which do not change with amplitude.

4.

Does this mean that the period of SHM is also independent of amplitude?

Yes, the period of SHM is also unaffected by changes in amplitude. The period is simply the reciprocal of the frequency, so if the frequency remains constant, the period will also remain constant regardless of the amplitude.

5.

How does amplitude affect the energy of SHM?

The amplitude of SHM does not affect the total energy of the system, but it does affect the potential and kinetic energy at different points in the motion. As the amplitude increases, the potential energy also increases, while the kinetic energy decreases. However, the total energy remains constant throughout the motion.

Similar threads

I Understanding the Amplitude of sin2x
Replies
2
Views
1K
When Do Sand Particles Slip Off a Vibrating Plate?
Replies
13
Views
826
Solving Oscillation & SHM Difficulties
Replies
16
Views
2K
A How does phase of merging sines affect overall periodic tones?
Replies
18
Views
2K
I Atom as a harmonic oscillator of radition
Replies
14
Views
2K
Real life example of the composition of two SHMs with same angular frequency
Replies
21
Views
3K
Seeking advice on "simple" pendulum problem
Replies
27
Views
1K
Difference between resonance in undamped vs damped mass-spring-dashpot
Replies
17
Views
1K
What happens when the frequency of AC is very high?
2
Replies
54
Views
6K
Lorentzian line profile of emitted radiation
Replies
2
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top