Physics
Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)
Quick fact
A mass on a spring or a swinging pendulum both exhibit SHM under certain conditions.
Why this is interesting
Have you ever noticed how a pendulum swings back and forth? It moves in a predictable, repeating pattern — this is called simple harmonic motion.
Read the full explanation
Understanding Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)
Imagine pushing a swing: it goes back and forth around the highest point. In SHM, an object moves in a regular rhythm, bouncing back towards its resting position like a ball on a spring. The key is that the further you pull it, the stronger the force pulling it back — this creates a smooth, repetitive motion.
A deeper explanation
In simple harmonic motion, the restoring force is directly proportional to the displacement from equilibrium and acts in the opposite direction. This causes the object to oscillate with a constant period, independent of amplitude. SHM describes how many systems behave naturally, like musical instruments or planetary orbits.