Periodic Motion

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Periodic Motion Noun

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[peer-ee-od-ik moh-shun]

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Periodic Motion

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Any motion that repeats itself in a regular cycle over the same path in equal intervals of time.

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Example: This diagram shows a wave, a classic example of periodic motion, which is any motion that repeats in a regular, predictable cycle over time.

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Equilibrium Noun

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[ee-kwuh-lib-ree-um]

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Equilibrium

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The specific position in an oscillating system where the net force acting on the object is equal to zero.

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Example: A mass on a spring has an equilibrium (resting) position at x=0. When displaced, a restoring force pulls it back, causing periodic motion (oscillation).

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Period (T) Noun

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[peer-ee-ud]

Back

Period (T)

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The amount of time required for an oscillating object to complete one full cycle of its repeating motion.

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Example: This graph shows that the period is the time it takes for a wave to complete one full cycle, measured along the horizontal time axis.

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Amplitude Noun

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[am-pli-tood]

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Amplitude

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The maximum distance or displacement that an oscillating object moves away from its central equilibrium position during its cycle.

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Example: This diagram shows that the amplitude of a wave is its maximum displacement, measured as the distance from the central equilibrium line to the highest point (crest).

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Simple Harmonic Motion Noun

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[sim-pul har-mon-ik moh-shun]

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Simple Harmonic Motion

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A specific type of periodic motion where the restoring force is directly proportional to the object's displacement from equilibrium.

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Example: A pendulum demonstrates simple harmonic motion by swinging back and forth in a repeating pattern around its central resting position.

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Hooke's Law Noun

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[hooks law]

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Hooke's Law

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The principle that the force exerted by a spring is directly proportional to its displacement from its equilibrium position.

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Example: This diagram shows that the distance a spring stretches (x) is directly proportional to the force (Fp) applied, which is the principle of Hooke's Law.

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Spring Constant (k) Noun

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[spring kon-stunt]

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Spring Constant (k)

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A measure of a spring's stiffness, representing the ratio of the force applied to the displacement it causes.

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Example: This image shows that the spring constant (k) is a value in Hooke's Law that relates the restoring force (F) of a spring to how much it is stretched (x).

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Elastic Potential Energy Noun

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[ih-las-tik poh-ten-shul en-er-jee]

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Elastic Potential Energy

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The potential energy stored in an elastic object, such as a spring, as a result of its deformation.

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Example: This diagram shows that when a spring is deformed from its resting (static) position by being compressed or stretched, it stores elastic potential energy.

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Pendulum Noun

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[pen-juh-lum]

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Pendulum

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A mass, known as a bob, suspended from a fixed pivot point so that it can swing freely.

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Example: A pendulum swings back and forth, converting potential energy at its highest points to kinetic energy at its lowest, fastest point in a repeating cycle.

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Restoring Force Noun

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[ri-stor-ing fors]

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Restoring Force

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A force that always acts to pull or push an oscillating system back toward its stable equilibrium position.

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Example: This diagram shows a pendulum swung to the side. The blue arrow (R) is the restoring force, which always pulls the pendulum bob back toward its central resting position (the dashed line).