Simple Harmonic Motion

Mr. Anderson explains simple harmonic motion, focusing on mass-spring oscillators and pendulums. He discusses the concept of equilibrium and restoring forces, and how these lead to harmonic motion. The video covers the period of oscillation, factors affecting it, and how to analyze position, velocity, and acceleration. Through PhET simulations, the effects of mass, spring stiffness, pendulum length, and gravitational field strength on the period are demonstrated. The video concludes with a summary of key learnings and outcomes.

What is the primary characteristic of simple harmonic motion?

• Constant velocity

• Decreasing mass

• Restoring force towards equilibrium

• Increasing acceleration

How can the period of a mass-spring oscillator be increased?

• By increasing the stiffness of the spring

• By decreasing the gravitational field strength

• By decreasing the mass

• By increasing the mass

Which factor does NOT affect the period of a pendulum?

• Length of the pendulum

• Gravitational field strength

• Angle of release

• Mass of the pendulum

In a mass-spring system, when is the velocity at its maximum?

• At equilibrium

• When the spring is compressed

• When acceleration is maximum

• At maximum displacement

What happens to the period of a mass-spring system when the spring constant is increased?

• The period becomes infinite

• The period decreases

• The period increases

• The period remains the same

How does increasing the length of a pendulum affect its period?

• The period becomes zero

• The period increases

• The period decreases

• The period remains the same

What effect does increasing gravitational field strength have on the period of a pendulum?

• The period remains unchanged

• The period becomes infinite

• The period decreases

• The period increases