Harmonic motion is a type of motion where an object goes back in forth within an equilibrium

by a restorative force proportional to displacement after a given time interval. In an ideal harmonic
motion, friction plays no part. In the experiment, three (3) different principles in simple harmonic
motion plays part in the three (3) different activities.

The first activity explored the Hooke’s Law. Hooke’s Law is a principle that states the force
needed to extend or compress a spring by some distance is proportional to that distance. Expressed
mathematically as:

𝐹 = −𝑘𝑥
Wherein F is the force made by an object, k as the spring constant or the force needed to extend or
compress a spring, divided by the distance that it gets longer or shorter, x is the displacement form the
equilibrium.

The second activity of the experiment observes the Newton’s second law of motion. Force is
equivalent to the mass times acceleration. Mathematically:

𝐹 = 𝑚𝑎
In this activity, the elastic potential energy is also related in the Newton’s second law. Elastic
potential energy is the energy stored as a result of the stretching of a spring. According to Hooke’s Law,
the force needed to extend the spring will be directly proportional to the amount of stretch. Elastic
potential energy is expressed as:
1 2
𝑃𝐸 = 𝑘𝑥
2
Lastly, the third activity contains the conservation of energy. To sum up this principle, “Energy
can neither be created nor destroyed”. It means the total energy of an isolated system is constant.

Application

1. Give some examples of SHM.

There are many examples of simple harmonic motions in everyday life. Rubber bands,
pendulums, the traditional clock, guitar string, ball rolling in a bowl.

2. A tractor seat is mounted on springs. When a 70kg adults sits, the characteristic frequency
is 7Hz. What is the characteristic frequency when a 25kg child sits? Neglect the mass of
the seat.

ω=
3. As you walk, describe the movement of your arms and legs as in phase or out of phase
oscillations.
Left Right
arm arm

Left leg Out of In phase

phase
Right leg In Out of
phase phase