Illustrating Simple Harmonic Motion

Lesson 1
I. Intended Learning Outcomes
At the end of this lesson, the learner will have:
1. discussed what is oscillatory motion
2. differentiated simple harmonic motion to uniform circular motion
3. solve for period and frequency; and
4. illustrated simple harmonic motion.

II. General Instructions

1. Read the guide questions.
2. Study the concept notes. Refer to materials cited for further understanding.
3. Study supplementary materials for additional information.
4. Perform the activity.
5. Take the quiz.
6. Fill out the reflection page.

III. Guide Questions

Use this guide questions to navigate through the keynotes and additional readings and media. Keep them in mind
while studying. You can use a separate note to pick up answers from the materials as move along them.
1. What does it mean by oscillatory motion and simple harmonic motion?
2. How does simple harmonic motion occur?
3. What is the difference of simple harmonic motion to uniform circular motion?

IV. Concept Notes

In this module we are going to tackle the different areas in the world of Physics.
The Waves and Optics!

The physics and mathematics of wave motion underlie many important phenomena. The water wave on the sea, the
vibration of a violin string, and the quantum mechanical wave associated with an electron can all be described in a
similar way. Optics is the study of light and its uses.
The first lesson in this module tackles about the different harmonic motion. What can you observe in the picture
below? How harmony happens in this instrument?

When you pluck a guitar string, the resulting sound has a steady tone and lasts a long time. The string vibrates
around an equilibrium position, and one oscillation is completed when the string starts from the initial position, travels
to one of the extreme positions, then to the other extreme position, and returns to its initial position. We define
periodic motion to be any motion that repeats itself at regular time intervals, such as exhibited by the guitar string or a
child swinging on a swing.

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Waves and Optics / Module 1 Aklan Catholic College HED
Instructor: Mary Rachel F. Pioquid,LPT,MAED
 Period and Frequency in Oscillations
In the absence of friction, the time to complete one oscillation remains constant and is called the period (T). Its units
are usually seconds, but may be any convenient unit of time. The word “period” refers to the time for some event
whether repetitive or not. A concept closely related to period is the frequency of an event. Frequency (f) is defined to
be the number of events per unit time. For periodic motion, frequency is the number of oscillations per unit time. The
relationship between frequency and period is

The SI unit for frequency is the hertz (Hz) and is defined as one cycle per second
𝒄𝒚𝒄𝒍𝒆 𝟏
1 Hz = 1 or 1 Hz =
𝒔𝒆𝒄 𝒔

Example.
Ultrasound machines are used by medical professionals to make images for examining internal organs of the body.
An ultrasound machine emits high-frequency sound waves, which reflects off the organs, and a computer receives
the waves, using them to create a picture. We can use the formulas presented in this module to determine the
frequency, based on what we know about oscillations. Consider a medical imaging device that produces ultrasound
by oscillating with a period of 0.400µs.
What is the frequency of this oscillation?
The period (T) is given and we are asked to find frequency (f).
Solution:
Substitute: 0.400µs
𝟏
For T in: f =
𝑻
𝟏 𝟏
f= =
𝑻 𝟎.𝟒𝟎𝟎 𝟏𝟎𝟔 𝒔

Solve to find: f = 2.50 𝟏𝟎𝟔 Hz

This frequency of sound is much higher that the highest frequency that humans can hear the range of human hearing
is 20 Hz to 20, 000 Hz; therefore, is called ultrasound. Appropriate oscillations at this frequency generate ultrasound
used for non-invasive medical diagnoses, such as observations of a fetus in the womb.
Characteristics of Simple Harmonic Motion

A very common type of periodic motion is called simple harmonic motion (SHM). A system that oscillates with SHM
is called a simple harmonic oscillator.
In simple harmonic motion, the acceleration of the system, and therefore the net force, is proportional to the
displacement and acts in the opposite direction of the displacement.
A good example of SHM is an object with mass m attached to a spring on frictionless surface. The object oscillates
around the equilibrium portion, and the net force the object is equal to the force provided by the spring. This force
obeys Hooke’s law. This law gives the relationship between the force applied to an outstretched spring and the
amount the spring is stretched.

Fs = -kx

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Waves and Optics / Module 1 Aklan Catholic College HED
Instructor: Mary Rachel F. Pioquid,LPT,MAED
 The net force can be described by Hooke’s law and there is no damping (slowing down due to friction or other non-
conservative forces), then a simple harmonic oscillator oscillates with equal displacement on either side of the
equilibrium position. The maximum displacement from equilibrium is called amplitude (A). The units for amplitude
and displacement are the same but depend on the type of oscillation. For the object on the spring, the units of
amplitude and displacement are meters.

Example.
An object attached to a spring sliding on a frictionless surface is an uncomplicated simple harmonic oscillator. In the
above set of figures, a mass is attached to a spring and placed on a frictionless table. The other end of the spring is
attached to the wall. The position of the mass, when the spring is neither stretched nor compressed, is marked as
x=0
and its equilibrium position. (a) the mass is displaced to a position
x=A

What is so significant about SHM? For one thing, the period T and frequency f of a simple harmonic oscillator are
independent of amplitude. The string of a guitar, for example, oscillates with the same frequency whether plucked
gently or hard.

Two important factors do affect the period of a simple harmonic oscillator. The period is related to how stiff the
system is. A very stiff object has a large force constant (k), which causes the system to have a smaller period. For
example, you can adjust a diving board’s stiffness—the stiffer it is, the faster it vibrates, and the shorter its period.
Period also depends on the mass of the oscillating system. The more massive the system is, the longer the period.
For example, a heavy person on a diving board bounces up and down more slowly than a light one. In fact, the
mass m and the force constant k are the only factors that affect the period and frequency of SHM.

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Waves and Optics / Module 1 Aklan Catholic College HED
Instructor: Mary Rachel F. Pioquid,LPT,MAED
Equations of Simple Harmonic Motion

Work is done on the block to pull it out to a position of x=+A,x=+A, and it is then released from rest. The maximum x-
position (A) is called the amplitude of the motion.

The block begins to oscillate in SHM between x= +A and x=−A, where A is the amplitude of the motion and T is the
period of the oscillation. The period is the time for one oscillation. The cosine function cosθ repeats every multiple
of 2π, whereas the motion of the block repeats every period T. However, the function cos(2πTt) repeats every integer
multiple of the period. The maximum of the cosine function is one, so it is necessary to multiply the cosine function
by the amplitude A.

A block is attached to one end of a spring and placed on a frictionless table. The other end of the spring is anchored
to the wall. The equilibrium position, where the net force equals zero, is marked as x=0m.x=0m. Work is done on the
block, pulling it out to x=+Ax=+A, and the block is released from rest. The block oscillates
between x=+Ax=+A and x=−Ax=−A. The force is also shown as a vector.
Summary of all equations:

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Waves and Optics / Module 1 Aklan Catholic College HED
Instructor: Mary Rachel F. Pioquid,LPT,MAED
Determining the Equations of Motion for a Block and a Spring

The net force on the object can be described by Hooke’s law, so the object undergoes SHM. Note that the initial position has
the vertical displacement at its maximum value A; v is initially zero and then negative as the object moves down; the initial
acceleration is negative, back toward the equilibrium position and becomes zero at that point.

Additional Readings:
Simple Harmonic Motion. https://opentextbc.ca/universityphysicsv1openstax/chapter/15-1-simple-harmonic-motion/
Simple Harmonic Motion. http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/shm.html
Simple Harmonic Motion. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/simple-harmonic-motion
Reference:
Raymond A. Serway and John W. Jewett. 2019. Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics 10 th
Edition. Cengage Learning Asia Pte Ltd
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Waves and Optics / Module 1 Aklan Catholic College HED
Instructor: Mary Rachel F. Pioquid,LPT,MAED
 Composing Wave Motion
Lesson 2
I. Intended Learning Outcomes
At the end of this lesson, the learner will have:
1. described movement of waves;
2. identified the parts of waves;
3. differentiated the types of waves; and
4. composed wave motion.

II. General Instructions

1. Read the guide questions.
2. Study the concept notes. Refer to materials cited for further understanding.
3. Study supplementary materials for additional information.
4. Perform the activity.
5. Take the quiz.
6. Fill out the reflection page.

III. Guide Questions

Use this guide questions to navigate through the keynotes and additional readings and media. Keep them in mind
while studying. You can use a separate note to pick up answers from the materials as move along them.
1. How waves occur?
2. What is the difference of the two types of waves?
3. Where can we found waves in our real-life situation?

IV. Concept Notes

What is Wave Motion?

Wave motion is the transfer of energy and momentum from one point of the medium to another point of the medium
without actual transport of matter between two points. Wave motion is classified into three different ways they are,

• The medium of propagation,

• The dimensions in which a wave propagates energy,
• The energy transfer

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Waves and Optics / Module 1 Aklan Catholic College HED
Instructor: Mary Rachel F. Pioquid,LPT,MAED
 Number of Dimensions a Wave Propagates Energy

Based on the Transfer of Energy

• Standing waves (or stationary waves)

• Progressive wave

Standing waves remain Confined to a region without any transfer of energy and momentum whereas the
progressive waves transfer energy and momentum between the particles of the medium.

Mechanical waves (Elastic waves)

Waves that require a medium for their propagation are called mechanical waves or elastic waves. The particles of the
medium execute periodic motion about a mean position when the wave propagates through the medium.
For Example, waves on a string
A mechanical wave is produced due to a disturbance at a point in a medium.

• The disturbed particle interacts with the neighbouring particle and its energy is handed over to the next particle
(due to the inertia of the medium).
• The disturbed particles retune to the equilibrium position (due to the elasticity of medium).

Properties of Medium for Mechanical Wave Propagation

• The medium must possess inertia so that its particles can store kinetic energy.
• The medium must possess elasticity.
• The minimum frictional force between the particles of the medium.

Non-Mechanical Waves
Waves which do not require a medium for their propagation are called a non-mechanical wave. These types of waves
can propagate through vacuum also. These are transverse in nature. For example, electromagnetic waves and
matter waves.

Transverse Wave Motion

The particles of the medium vibrate in a direction perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave.
The region of maximum upward displacement is called the crest region of maximum downward displacement is called
trough.
Transverse wave motion occurs only through a medium which has rigidity modulus or shape conservation.
For example, string waves.

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Waves and Optics / Module 1 Aklan Catholic College HED
Instructor: Mary Rachel F. Pioquid,LPT,MAED
 Longitudinal Wave Motion
The particles of the medium vibrate about their equilibrium position in a direction parallel to the direction of propagation
of the wave is called a longitudinal waves.
Longitudinal waves require a medium with only elasticity of volume (or Bulk modulus) for its propagation. In this type of
wave motion, the waves travel through a medium in the form of compression and rarefaction.

The region of high pressure is called compression and the region of low pressure is called rarefaction. For example, Sound
waves in the tube.

Periodic Wave Motion

1. If the disturbance is continuous and is periodic in nature, then the wave produced is termed as a periodic wave.
2. A periodic wave that is varying sinusoid ally is called a sinusoidal periodic wave.
3. The particles of the medium execute simple harmonic motion (SHM) when a sinusoidal periodic wave passes through
the medium.

Characteristics of Wave Motion

• In wave motion, the disturbance travels through the medium due to repeated periodic oscillations of the particles of
the medium about their mean position (or) Equilibrium position.
• Energy and momentum are transferred from one point to another without any actual transfer of the particles of the
medium.
• There is a regular phase difference between the particles of the medium because each particle receives disturbance
little later than its preceding particle.
• The velocity with which wave travels is different from the velocity of the particles with which they vibrate about their
mean (or) equilibrium position.
• For a given medium the velocity of the wave motion remains constant, while the particle velocity changes
continuously during its vibration about their equilibrium position.
• The velocity of the particle is maximum at the mean position and zeroes at the extreme position.

Terminologies in Progressive Wave Motion

• Amplitude
• Period
• Wavelength
• Frequency
• Wave velocity
• Phase or phase angle (O)
• Phase difference
• Path difference
• Time difference

Explanation:
Amplitude (A): The amplitude of a wave is the maximum displacement of any particle of the medium from its equilibrium
position.
Period (T): Period (T) of a wave is the time taken by any particle of the medium to complete one vibration during a period (T).

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Waves and Optics / Module 1 Aklan Catholic College HED
Instructor: Mary Rachel F. Pioquid,LPT,MAED
Wavelength (λ): Wavelength (λ) is equal to the distance between two consecutive particles of the medium which are in the
same state of vibration it is equal to the distance travelled by the wave by its time period (T).
Frequency (f): It is the number of vibrations made per second by any particles of the medium (f = 1/T). Since the frequency of
a wave is a characteristic property of the source which is producing the wave motion, hence, the frequency of a wave does not
change when a wave travels from one medium to another medium.
Phase or Phase Angle (Φ): It represents the state of vibration of the particle of a medium with respect to its mean position.
Phase Difference Δ(Φ): It represents the different state of vibration of a particle at two different instants (or) any pair of
particles at the same instant. ΔΦ = Φ2 – Φ1.
Wave Velocity (v): It is the distance travelled by the wave in one second (v = λ/T). It is determined by the mechanical
properties of the medium through which the wave propagates. The velocity of wave motion is measured with respect to the
medium, the wave velocity changes when the medium is in motion i.e. speed of sound through air changes when the wind is
blowing.
There are two velocities associated with a wave. One is the wave velocity and the other one is particle velocity (which is the
speed with which the particle of the medium vibrate when the wave passes through the medium).
Path Difference (Δx) or (x): It indicates the distance between two points measured along the direction of propagation of the
wave through the medium.
Time Difference (ΔT): It indicates the time taken by the wave to travel from one point to another through the medium.

The relationship between Path Difference and Phase Difference

Consider a progressive wave motion advancing in the positive direction of the x-axis

Path Difference vs Phase Difference

Let A and B be two points in the medium through which the wave passes.
The path difference between A and B is, x = x2 – x1
By the time the wave reaches B from A the phase of vibration of A has changed. The difference between the states of
vibration of A and B is called phase difference (ΔO).
From this wave motion, if we consider any two consecutive crests c1 and c2, the path difference between them is λ, the time
difference is T and the phase difference is 2π.
A path difference of (λ) corresponds to a phase difference of 2π, thus, a path difference (x) corresponds to the phase
difference 2πr/λ.
Δϕ = (2πx)/λ = 2π/λ (path difference)
Where k = 2π/λ is called wave number or propagation constant of the wave motion.
A path difference (λ) corresponds to a time difference (T), therefore, a path difference (x) corresponds to a time difference of
(x/λ)T.
The relations connecting the path difference, phase difference and time difference are given in the below table.

Path Difference Phase Difference Time Difference

X [2πX]/λ XT/λ

λ × [Δϕ/2π] Δϕ [Δϕ/2π] × T

λ × [ΔT/T] 2π × [ΔT/T] ΔT

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Waves and Optics / Module 1 Aklan Catholic College HED
Instructor: Mary Rachel F. Pioquid,LPT,MAED
Additional Readings:
Wave Motion. https://byjus.com/jee/wave-motion/
Movement of Waves. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVsdXKO9xlk
Reference:
Raymond A. Serway and John W. Jewett. 2019. Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics 10 th
Edition. Cengage Learning Asia Pte Ltd.

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Waves and Optics / Module 1 Aklan Catholic College HED
Instructor: Mary Rachel F. Pioquid,LPT,MAED