Physics Course/Periodic Motion

Periodic Motion

Periodic motion refers to any motion moving at a distance above and below the equilibrium position and this motion keeps repeat itself over a period of time. This type of motion is also called Oscillation .

Examples

1. The moving up and down of a spring
2. The swinging side by side of a pendulum

Analysis

The moving up and down of a spring

When apply a force on an object of mass m attach to a spring , the spring will move a distance y above and below the equilibrium point

The force acts on the object is

F = m a

The Restoring Force of spring is given by Hook's law as

F_s = - k y

When The Net Force on the system is 0 then there is no movement

F - F_s = 0

m a = - k y

y = $\frac{m a}{k}$

a = - $\frac{k}{m} y$

v t = $\frac{k}{m} y$

$t = \frac{k}{m} \frac{y}{v}$