Simple Harmonic Motion is a fundament concept in the study of motion, especially oscillatory motion; which helps us understand many physical phenomena around like how strings produce pleasing sounds in a musical instrument such as the sitar, guitar, violin, etc., and also, how vibrations in the membrane in drums and diaphragms in telephone and speaker system creates the precise sound. Understanding Simple Harmonic Motion is key to understanding these phenomena.
In this article, we will grasp the concept of Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM), its examples in real life, the equation, and how it is different from periodic motion.
Simple Harmonic Motion Definition (SHM Definition)
Simple harmonic motion is an oscillatory motion in which the acceleration of particle at any position is directly proportional to its displacement from the mean position.
As SHM is an example of Oscillatory Motion. Simple Harmonic Motions (SHM) are all oscillatory and periodic, but not all Oscillatory or Periodic motions are SHM. Oscillatory motion is also referred to as Harmonic Motion and out of all Harmonic Motions, the most important one to study is Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM). Some characteristics of SHM are as follows:
- SHM is a type of Periodic and Oscillatory Motion.
- There is always a restoring force acting on an object in SHM, which always acts in the opposite direction to the displacement of the object from the mean position.
- The amplitude in the SHM remains constant throughout the motion of the object.
- The acceleration of the object is directly proportional to the displacement of the object from its mean position.
- The velocity of the object is maximum at the equilibrium position.
- The total energy in SHM remains conserved, as there is always a conversion of kinetic and potential energy happening throughout the motion.
Examples of Simple Harmonic Motion(SHM)
There are a lot of examples of Simple Harmonic Motion around us, we just need to see them from the perspective of SHM. From swings in the park to the motion of the cantilever, all are examples of SHM. The following illustration shows different examples of Simple Harmonic Motion.
There are various terminologies related to SHM (Simple Harmonic Motion) some of which are explained as follows:
Mean Position
In Simple Harmonic Motion, the position of the object where there is no restoring force acting on it is the mean position. In other words, the point about which the object moves between its extreme position is called the mean position of the object. The mean position is sometimes referred to as Equilibrium Position as well.
Amplitude
The amplitude of a particle in SHM is its maximum displacement from its equilibrium or mean position, and as displacement is a vector quantity, its direction is always away from the mean or equilibrium position. The SI unit of amplitude is the meter and all the other units of length can also be used for this.
Frequency
The frequency of SHM is the number of oscillations performed by a particle per unit of time. SI unit of frequency is Hertz or r.p.s. (rotations per second), and is given by:
f = 1/ T
ω = 2πf = 2π/T
Time Period
For a particle performing SHM, the time period is the amount of time it takes to complete one complete oscillation. As a result, the time period or simply period of SHM is the shortest time before the motion repeats itself.
T = 2π/ω
where ω is the Angular frequency and T is the Time period.
Phase
The phase of SHM represents the magnitude and direction of particle displacement at any instant of the motion which is its state of oscillation.
The expression for a particle's position as a function of time and angular frequency is as follows:
x = A sin (ωt + ϕ)
where (ωt + ϕ) is the phase of particle.
Phase Difference
For two particles performing SHM, the phase difference is defined as the difference between the total phase angles of those particles. Phase Difference is denoted by Δϕ. Mathematically the phase difference is defined as the difference between the total phase angles of two particles moving in simple harmonic motion with respect to the mean position.
For example, for two particles performing SHM with the same angular frequency with displacement functions, x1 = A sin (ωt + ϕ1) and x2 = A sin (ωt + ϕ2). The phase difference is given by
Δϕ = ϕ1 - ϕ2
When two vibrating particles with the same angular frequency, are in the same phases if the phase difference between them is an even multiple of π i.e.,
Δϕ = nπ
Where, n = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, . . .
Two vibrating particles with the same angular frequency, are said to be in opposite phases if the phase difference between them is an odd multiple of π i.e.,
Δϕ = (2n + 1)π
Where, n = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, . . .
Types of Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)
There are two types of SHM, which is:
- Linear Simple Harmonic Motion
- Angular Simple Harmonic Motion
Linear Simple Harmonic Motion
When a particle moves back and forth along a straight line around a fixed point (called the equilibrium position), this is referred to as Linear Simple Harmonic Motion. Some examples of Linear SHM include the oscillation of a liquid column U-tube, the motion of a simple pendulum with very small displacements, and the vertical small vibration of a mass carried by elastic string.
Conditions for Linear Simple Harmonic Motion
The restoring force or acceleration acting on the particle must always be proportional to the particle's displacement and directed toward the equilibrium position.
F ∝ - X
a ∝ -x
where
- F is the Restoring Force
- X is the Displacement of Particle from Equilibrium Position
- a is the Acceleration
Angular Simple Harmonic Motion
An angular simple harmonic motion occurs when a system oscillates angularly with respect to a fixed axis. The displacement of the particle in angular simple harmonic motion is measured in terms of angular displacement. The torsional pendulum is one example of Angular SHM.
Conditions for Angular Simple Harmonic Motion
The restoring torque (or) angular acceleration acting on the particle should always be proportional to the particle's angular displacement and oriented towards the equilibrium position.
T ∝ -θ
α ∝ -θ
where
Difference between Linear SHM and Angular SHM
There are some key differences between Linear and Angular SHM, some of which is as follows:
|
| In Linear SHM, the particle moves back and forth along a straight line with constant amplitude and frequency. | In angular SHM, the particle moves in a circular path around an axis with a constant amplitude and frequency. |
| Restoring Force is directly proportional to the linear displacement. | Restoring torque is directly proportional to the angular displacement. |
| Some examples of Linear SHM include a spring-mass system, a piston in the automobile, etc. | Some examples of Angular SHM include the motion of a pendulum, a rotating fan, or a balance wheel in a watch. |
Equations for Simple Harmonic Motion
Let's consider a particle of mass (m) doing Simple Harmonic Motion along a path A'OA the mean position is O. Let the speed of the particle be V0 when it is at position P (at some distance from point O)
At the time, t = 0 the particle at P (moving towards point A)
At the time, t = t the particle is at Q (at a distance X from point O) at this point if velocity is V then:
The force F acting on a particle at point p is given as,
F = -K X [where, K = positive constant]
We know that,
F = m a [where, a = Acceleration at Q]
⇒ m a = -K x
⇒ a = -(K/m) x
As K/m = ω2
Thus, a = -ω2x
Also, we know a = d2X/d2t]
Therefore, d2x/d2t = -ω2x
d2x/d2t + ω2x = 0
which is the differential equation for linear simple harmonic motion.
Solutions of Differential Equations of SHM
The solutions to the differential equation for simple harmonic motion are as follows:
Equation of SHM is, d2x/d2t + ω2x = 0
Multiply by 2 \frac{dx}{dt}, to get
2 \frac{dx}{dt}\cdot \frac{d^2x}{dt^2}+2 \omega^2 x \frac{dx}{dt}=0
\Rightarrow \frac{d}{dt}\left(\left(\frac{dx}{dt}\right)^2+\omega^2 x^2\right)=0
After integration, we get a separable equation
\left(\frac{dx}{dt}\right)^2+\omega^2 x^2=C^2,
\Rightarrow \frac{dx}{\sqrt{A^2-x^2} \cdot dt}=\omega
\Rightarrow \frac{dx}{\sqrt{A^2-x^2}}=\omega dt
Integrating,
\sin^{-1}\left(\frac{x}{A}\right)=\omega t+\phi
\Rightarrow \frac{x}{A} = \sin (\omega t+\phi)
\bold{\Rightarrow x= A\sin (\omega t+\phi)}
This is the required Solution of the SHM Equation.
Different Cases of the Solution of SHM Equation
For particle is in its mean position at point (O) [ϕ =0], displacement function becomes
x = Asinωt.
For t = 0, when object is at rest, displacement function becomes
x = Asinϕ
For particle in any position throughout the SHM (any time t), displacement function becomes
x = Asin(ωt+ϕ)
Energy in Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)
A system performing SHM is called a Harmonic Oscillator. The energy of the particle performing the SHM is discussed below in the particle.
Let's take a particle of mass (m) performing linear SHM with angular frequency (ω) and the amplitude of the particle is (A)
Now we know that the displacement of the particle at any time is given using the SHM equation,
x = A sin (ωt + Φ)...(i)
where Φ is the phase difference.
Differentiating eq(i) wrt time we get,
v = Aω.cos (ωt + Φ)
v = ω. Acos (ωt + Φ)
v = ω.√(A2 - x2)...(ii)
Again, differentiating eq(ii) wrt time we get,
a = -ω2. Asin (ωt + Φ)
a = -ω2x
Restoring force acting on the body is,
F = -kx
where, k = mω2
Now for the energy of the SHM particle.
Kinetic Energy of Particles in SHM
Kinetic Energy(K.E) = 1/2 mv2 {v2 = ω2(A2 - x2)}
K.E = 1/2 mω2(A2 - x2)
Also, the kinetic energy of the particle in SHM is,
K.E = 1/2 mω2 A2cos2(ωt + Φ)
Potential Energy of Particles in SHM
For the potential energy we know that,
Potential Energy(P.E) = - Work Done
P.E = -F.dx
P.E = kxdx (As dx is also negative)
Integrating from o to x
P.E = (kx2)/2
We know that, k = mω2
P.E = (mω2x2)/2
We know that, {x = Asin(ωt + Φ)}
P.E = (mω2)/2. A2sin2(ωt + Φ)
Total Mechanical Energy of the Particle in SHM
Total Energy(E) = Kinetic Energy(K.E) + Potential Energy(P.E)
E = 1/2 mω2(A2 - x2) + (mω2x2)/2
E = 1/2 mω2A2
This is the total Energy of the particle in SHM.
Simple Harmonic, Periodic, and Oscillation Motion
It seems that Simple Harmonic, Periodic, and Oscillation Motions are the same but they are indeed different. Now let's learn about them in detail.
Simple Harmonic Motion
The motion of an object around a mean position in which the acceleration of the particle is directly proportional to the displacement of the particle is called Simple Harmonic Motion. Such as the motion of a cantilever. We can say that all Simple Harmonic Motions are oscillatory and periodic, but the converse is not true.
Periodic Motion
Periodic motion is defined as the motion of any object that repeats its motion after a fixed interval of time. Such as the motion of the Moon around the Earth.
Oscillation Motion
Oscillatory motion is the to-and-fro motion of an object from its mean position. SHM is an example of Oscillatory motion.
Difference between Periodic, Oscillation, and Simple Harmonic Motion
There are some differences between Periodic motion, Oscillatory Motion, and Simple Harmonic Motion, which are listed as follows:
|
The motion of an object is said to be
periodic if it moves in such a way that it
repeats its path at regular intervals of time. | The to-and-fro motion of an object from its mean position is defined as oscillatory motion. | Simple Harmonic Motion is the motion of an object, around a mean position in which the acceleration of the particle is directly proportional to the displacement of the particle. |
Some Examples of Periodic motion include
the motion of hands in a clock, the movement of the Earth around the Sun, and a simple pendulum. | Examples of oscillatory motion include a simple pendulum, a vibrating tuning fork, AC current, waves such as sound waves, ocean waves, or light waves, etc. | Examples of SHM are the motion of
a spring system i.e., a mass attached to the end of a spring, swings, and the motion of a cantilever. |
| Periodic motion is not always harmonic. | Oscillatory Motion is not always periodic, | SHM is an example of Periodic and Oscillatory motion. |
Read More,
Sample Questions on Simple Harmonic Motion
Question 1: Why is Harmonic Motion Periodic?
Solution:
The sine wave can represent a harmonic motion. When a spring is stretched from its mean position, it oscillates to and fro about the mean position under the influence of a restoring force that is always directed towards the mean position and whose magnitude at any instant is proportional to the body's displacement from the mean position at that instant. When there is no friction, the motion tends to be periodic. The harmonic motion is periodic in this case.
Question 2: What are Periodic and Non-Periodic Changes?
Solution:
Periodic changes are those that occur at regular intervals of time, such as the occurrence of day and night, or the change of periods in your school. Non-periodic changes are those that do not occur on a regular basis, such as the freezing of ice to water.
Question 3: What is the period of the Earth's revolution around the sun and around its polar axis? what is the motion Earth performs explain?
Solution:
The earth's revolution around the sun takes one year, and its revolution around its polar axis takes one day. The motion of earth is periodic because after some interval of time it repeats its path.
Question 4: What is the frequency of SHM? How time periods and frequency are related?
Solution:
The frequency of SHM is the number of oscillations performed by a particle per unit of time. Hertz, or r.p.s. (rotations per second), is the SI unit of frequency. Frequency and time period are related as:
Frequency, (f) = 1/ Time period (T)
Question 5: A spring with a spring constant of 1200 N m–1 is mounted on a horizontal table. A 3 kg mass is attached to the free end of the spring. The mass is then pulled sideways to a distance of 2.0 m before being released. Determine the following:
- The frequency of oscillations,
- Maximum acceleration of the mass, and
- The maximum speed of the mass.
Solution:
Given:
- Spring Constant, k = 1200 N/m.
- Mass of Object, m = 3 kg.
- Displacement, x = 2 m.
(1) Frequency of Oscillation:
We know that frequency (f) = 1/Time period (T) T = 2π/ω and ω = √k/m]
Therefore,
f = (1/2π)√k/m
= (1/2 × 3,14) √1200/3 = 3.18 Hz.
(2) Maximum Acceleration:
Maximum Acceleration (a) = ω2x
where, ω = Angular frequency = √k/m
Therefore, a = x(k/m)
a = 2 × (1200/3)
a= 800 m/s2.
(3) Maximum Speed:
Maximum Speed (V) = ωx
Put, ω = √k/m.
Therefore, V = x(√k/m)
V = 2 × (√1200/3)
V = 40 m/s.
Question 6: A mass of 2 kg is attached to the end of the spring with a spring constant of 50 N/m. What is the period of the resulting simple harmonic motion? (π = 3.14)
Solution:
Formula for time period is
T = 2π√(k/m)
where,
- m is the mass
- k is the spring constant
Thus, T = 2π√(50/2)
⇒ T = 2π√(25)
⇒ T = 2π/5
⇒ T ≈ 1.26 s
So, the time period of the SHM is approximately 1.26 s.
Question 7: A block of mass 0.5 kg is attached to the end of the spring (spring constant =100 N/m). If The block is displaced 0.1 m from its equilibrium position then what is the maximum speed of the block during its motion?
Solution:
The maximum speed of the block is given by:
vmax = Aω
where,
- A is Amplitude of Motion
- ω is Angular Frequency
Also, angular frequency ω is given by:
ω = √(k/m)
where,
- m is the mass
- k is the spring constant
Given:
- Amplitude(A) = 0.1 m
- k = 100 N/m
- m = 0.5 Kg
⇒ vmax = 0.1 × √(100/0.5)
⇒ vmax = 0.1 × √(1000/5)
⇒ vmax = 0.1 × √(200)
⇒ vmax = √2
So, the maximum speed of the block during its motion is √2 m/s.
SHM JEE Mains Questions
1. A damped harmonic oscillator has a frequency of 5 oscillations per second. For every 10 oscillations, the amplitude of the oscillator drops to half. Find the time taken to drop the amplitude to 1/1000 of the original value.
2. If the length of a simple pendulum in SHM is increased by 21% then what is the percentage increase in the time period of the pendulum of the increased length
3. It is given that the ratio of maximum acceleration to maximum velocity in a SHM is 10 second-1 and at t = 0, the displacement is 5 m. What is the maximum acceleartion? Given that the initial phase is π/4
4. If a child is swinging in a sitting position and then he stands up, then how the time period of the swing will be affected.
5. The displacement of a particle in simple harmonic motion is given b y x(t) = Asin(πt/90). Find the ratio of kinetic energy to the potential energy at t = 210 seconds
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Stoke's Law
Stoke's Law: Observe a raindrop falling from a height if you look closely you will notice that the speed of all the raindrops is constant and even though it falls from a height under the influence of gravity its velocity seems constant. These questions are answered using Stoke's law Stoke's law was
12 min read
Solid Mechanics
What is Stress?
Stress in physics is defined as the force exerted on the unit area of a substance. Stress affects the body as strain in which the shape of the body changes if the stress is applied and sometimes it gets permanently deformed. On the basis of the direction of force applied to the body, we can categori
9 min read
Stress and Strain
Stress and Strain are the two terms in Physics that describe the forces causing the deformation of objects. Deformation is known as the change of the shape of an object by applications of force. The object experiences it due to external forces; for example, the forces might be like squeezing, squash
12 min read
Stress-Strain Curve
Stress-Strain Curve is a very crucial concept in the study of material science and engineering. It describes the relationship between stress and the strain applied on an object. We know that stress is the applied force on the material, and strain, is the resulting change (deformation or elongation)
12 min read
Elasticity and Plasticity
You've undoubtedly heard of the idea of elasticity by now. In layman's words, it indicates that after being stretched, some substances return to their former form. You've experimented with a slingshot. Didn't you? That is an elastic substance. Let us go into the ideas of elasticity and plasticity to
9 min read
Modulus of Elasticity
Modulus of Elasticity or Elastic Modulus is the measurement of resistance offered by a material against the deformation force acting on it. Modulus of Elasticity is also called Young's Modulus. It is given as the ratio of Stress to Strain. The unit of elastic modulus is megapascal or gigapascal Modu
12 min read
Modulus of Rigidity
Modulus of rigidity also known as shear modulus, is used to measure the rigidity of a given body. It is the ratio of shear stress to shear strain and is denoted by G or sometimes by S or μ. The modulus of rigidity of a material is directly proportional to its elastic modulus which depends on the mat
11 min read
Young's Modulus
Young's Modulus is the ratio of stress and strain. It is named after the famous British physicist Thomas Young. Young's Modulus provides a relation between stress and strain in any object. Â When a certain load is added to a rigid material, it deforms. When the weight is withdrawn from an elastic mat
12 min read
Bulk Modulus Formula
For every material, the bulk modulus is defined as the proportion of volumetric stress to volumetric strain. The bulk modulus, in simpler terms, is a numerical constant that is used to quantify and explain the elastic characteristics of a solid or fluid when pressure is applied. We'll go over the bu
4 min read
Shear Modulus and Bulk Modulus
A rigid body model is an idealised representation of an item that does not deform when subjected to external forces. It is extremely beneficial for evaluating mechanical systems—and many physical items are quite stiff. The degree to which an item may be regarded as stiff is determined by the physica
7 min read
Poisson's Ratio
Poisson's Ratio is the negative ratio of transversal strain or lateral strain to the longitudinal strain of a material under stress. When a material particularly a rubber-like material undergoes stress the deformation is not limited to only one direction, rather it happens along both transversal and
9 min read
Stress, Strain and Elastic Potential Energy
Elasticity, this term always reminds of objects like Rubber bands, etc. However, if the question arises, which one is more elastic- A rubber or an Iron piece? The answer will be an Iron piece. Why? The answer lies in the definition of Elasticity, elasticity is known to be the ability of the object t
9 min read
Thermodynamics
Basics Concepts of Thermodynamics
Thermodynamics is concerned with the ideas of heat and temperature, as well as the exchange of heat and other forms of energy. The branch of science that is known as thermodynamics is related to the study of various kinds of energy and its interconversion. The behaviour of these quantities is govern
12 min read
Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics
Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics states that when two bodies are in thermal equilibrium with another third body than the two bodies are also in thermal equilibrium with each other. Ralph H. Fowler developed this law in the 1930s, many years after the first, second, and third laws of thermodynamics had a
7 min read
First Law of Thermodynamics
First Law of Thermodynamics adaptation of the Law of Conservation of Energy differentiates between three types of energy transfer: Heat, Thermodynamic Work, and Energy associated with matter transfer. It also relates each type of energy transfer to a property of a body's Internal Energy. The First L
8 min read
Second Law of Thermodynamics
Second Law of Thermodynamics defines that heat cannot move from a reservoir of lower temperature to a reservoir of higher temperature in a cyclic process. The second law of thermodynamics deals with transferring heat naturally from a hotter body to a colder body. Second Law of Thermodynamics is one
10 min read
Thermodynamic Cycles
Thermodynamic cycles are used to explain how heat engines, which convert heat into work, operate. A thermodynamic cycle is used to accomplish this. The application determines the kind of cycle that is employed in the engine. The thermodynamic cycle consists of a series of interrelated thermodynamic
15 min read
Thermodynamic State Variables and Equation of State
The branch of thermodynamics deals with the process of heat exchange by the gas or the temperature of the system of the gas. This branch also deals with the flow of heat from one part of the system to another part of the system. For systems that are present in the real world, there are some paramete
5 min read
Enthalpy: Definition, Formula and Reactions
Enthalpy is the measurement of heat or energy in the thermodynamic system. It is the most fundamental concept in the branch of thermodynamics. It is denoted by the symbol H. In other words, we can say, Enthalpy is the total heat of the system. Let's know more about Enthalpy in detail below. Enthalpy
13 min read
State Functions
State Functions are the functions that are independent of the path of the function i.e. they are concerned about the final state and not how the state is achieved. State Functions are most used in thermodynamics. In this article, we will learn the definition of state function, what are the state fun
7 min read
Carnot Engine
A Carnot motor is a hypothetical motor that works on the Carnot cycle. Nicolas Leonard Sadi Carnot fostered the fundamental model for this motor in 1824. In this unmistakable article, you will find out about the Carnot cycle and Carnot Theorem exhaustively. The Carnot motor is a hypothetical thermod
5 min read
Heat Engine - Definition, Working, PV Diagram, Efficiency, Types
Heat engines are devices that turn heat energy into motion or mechanical work. Heat engines are based on the principles of thermodynamics, specifically the conversion of heat into work according to the first and second laws of thermodynamics. They are found everywhere, from our cars, power plants to
14 min read
Wave and Oscillation
Introduction to Waves - Definition, Types, Properties
A wave is a propagating dynamic disturbance (change from equilibrium) of one or more quantities in physics, mathematics, and related subjects, commonly described by a wave equation. At least two field quantities in the wave medium are involved in physical waves. Periodic waves occur when variables o
11 min read
Wave Motion
Wave Motion refers to the transfer of energy and momentum from one point to another in a medium without actually transporting matter between the two points. Wave motion is a kind of disturbance from place to place. Wave can travel in solid medium, liquid medium, gas medium, and in a vacuum. Sound wa
12 min read
Oscillation
Oscillations are defined as the process of repeating vibrations of any quantity about its equilibrium position. The word “oscillation†originates from the Latin verb, which means to swing. An object oscillates whenever a force pushes or pulls it back toward its central point after displacement. This
8 min read
Oscillatory Motion Formula
Oscillatory Motion is a form of motion in which an item travels over a spot repeatedly. The optimum situation can be attained in a total vacuum since there will be no air to halt the item in oscillatory motion friction. Let's look at a pendulum as shown below. The vibrating of strings and the moveme
3 min read
Amplitude Formula
The largest deviation of a variable from its mean value is referred to as amplitude. It is the largest displacement from a particle's mean location in to and fro motion around a mean position. Periodic pressure variations, periodic current or voltage variations, periodic variations in electric or ma
7 min read
What is Frequency?
Frequency is the rate at which the repetitive event that occurs over a specific period. Frequency shows the oscillations of waves, operation of electrical circuits and the recognition of sound. The frequency is the basic concept for different fields from physics and engineering to music and many mor
9 min read
Amplitude, Time Period and Frequency of a Vibration
Sound is a form of energy generated by vibrating bodies. Its spread necessitates the use of a medium. As a result, sound cannot travel in a vacuum because there is no material to transfer sound waves. Sound vibration is the back and forth motion of an entity that causes the sound to be made. That is
5 min read
Energy of a Wave Formula
Wave energy, often referred to as the energy carried by waves, encompasses both the kinetic energy of their motion and the potential energy stored within their amplitude or frequency. This energy is not only essential for natural processes like ocean currents and seismic waves but also holds signifi
7 min read
Simple Harmonic Motion
Simple Harmonic Motion is a fundament concept in the study of motion, especially oscillatory motion; which helps us understand many physical phenomena around like how strings produce pleasing sounds in a musical instrument such as the sitar, guitar, violin, etc., and also, how vibrations in the memb
15+ min read
Displacement in Simple Harmonic Motion
The Oscillatory Motion has a big part to play in the world of Physics. Oscillatory motions are said to be harmonic if the displacement of the oscillatory body can be expressed as a function of sine or cosine of an angle depending upon time. In Harmonic Oscillations, the limits of oscillations on eit
10 min read
Sound
Production and Propagation of Sound
Have you ever wonder how are we able to hear different sounds produced around us. How are these sounds produced? Or how a single instrument can produce a wide variety of sounds? Also, why do astronauts communicate in sign languages in outer space? A sound is a form of energy that helps in hearing to
6 min read
What are the Characteristics of Sound Waves?
Sound is nothing but the vibrations (a form of energy) that propagates in the form of waves through a certain medium. Different types of medium affect the properties of the wave differently. Does this mean that Sound will not travel if the medium does not exist? Correct. It will not, It is impossibl
7 min read
Speed of Sound
Speed of Sound as the name suggests is the speed of the sound in any medium. We know that sound is a form of energy that is caused due to the vibration of the particles and sound travels in the form of waves. A wave is a vibratory disturbance that transfers energy from one point to another point wit
12 min read
Reflection of Sound
Reflection of Sound is the phenomenon of striking of sound with a barrier and bouncing back in the same medium. It is the most common phenomenon observed by us in our daily life. Let's take an example, suppose we are sitting in an empty hall and talking to a person we hear an echo sound which is cre
9 min read
Refraction of Sound
A sound is a vibration that travels as a mechanical wave across a medium. It can spread via a solid, a liquid, or a gas as the medium. In solids, sound travels the quickest, comparatively more slowly in liquids, and the slowest in gases. A sound wave is a pattern of disturbance caused by energy trav
5 min read
How do we hear?
Sound is produced from a vibrating object or the organ in the form of vibrations which is called propagation of sound and these vibrations have to be recognized by the brain to interpret the meaning which is possible only in the presence of a multi-functioning organ that is the ear which plays a hug
7 min read
Audible and Inaudible Sounds
We hear sound whenever we talk, listen to some music, or play any musical instrument, etc. But did you ever wondered what is that sound and how is it produced? Or why do we hear to our own voice when we shout in a big empty room loudly? What are the ranges of sound that we can hear? In this article,
10 min read
Explain the Working and Application of SONAR
Sound energy is the type of energy that allows our ears to sense something. When a body vibrates or moves in a ‘to-and-fro' motion, a sound is made. Sound needs a medium to flow through in order to propagate. This medium could be in the form of a gas, a liquid, or a solid. Sound propagates through a
8 min read
Noise Pollution
Noise pollution is the pollution caused by sound which results in various problems for Humans. A sound is a form of energy that enables us to hear. We hear the sound from the frequency range of 20 to 20000 Hertz (20kHz). Humans have a fixed range for which comfortably hear a sound if we are exposed
8 min read
Doppler Effect - Definition, Formula, Examples
Doppler Effect is an important phenomenon when it comes to waves. This phenomenon has applications in a lot of fields of science. From nature's physical process to planetary motion, this effect comes into play wherever there are waves and the objects are traveling with respect to the wave. In the re
7 min read
Doppler Shift Formula
When it comes to sound propagation, the Doppler Shift is the shift in pitch of a source as it travels. The frequency seems to grow as the source approaches the listener and decreases as the origin fades away from the ear. When the source is going toward the listener, its velocity is positive; when i
3 min read
Electrostatics
Electrostatics
Electrostatics is the study of electric charges that are fixed. It includes an study of the forces that exist between charges as defined by Coulomb's Law. The following concepts are involved in electrostatics: Electric charge, electric field, and electrostatic force. Electrostatic forces are non con
14 min read
Electric Charge
Electric Charge is the basic property of a matter that causes the matter to experience a force when placed in a electromagnetic field. It is the amount of electric energy that is used for various purposes. Electric charges are categorized into two types, that are, Positive ChargeNegative ChargePosit
8 min read
Coulomb's Law
Coulomb’s Law is defined as a mathematical concept that defines the electric force between charged objects. Columb's Law states that the force between any two charged particles is directly proportional to the product of the charge but is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between t
9 min read
Electric Dipole
An electric dipole is defined as a pair of equal and opposite electric charges that are separated, by a small distance. An example of an electric dipole includes two atoms separated by small distances. The magnitude of the electric dipole is obtained by taking the product of either of the charge and
11 min read
Dipole Moment
Two small charges (equal and opposite in nature) when placed at small distances behave as a system and are called as Electric Dipole. Now, electric dipole movement is defined as the product of either charge with the distance between them. Electric dipole movement is helpful in determining the symmet
6 min read
Electrostatic Potential
Electrostatic potential refers to the amount of electrical potential energy present at a specific point in space due to the presence of electric charges. It represents how much work would be done to move a unit of positive charge from infinity to that point without causing any acceleration. The unit
12 min read
Electric Potential Energy
Electrical potential energy is the cumulative effect of the position and configuration of a charged object and its neighboring charges. The electric potential energy of a charged object governs its motion in the local electric field. Sometimes electrical potential energy is confused with electric po
15+ min read
Potential due to an Electric Dipole
The potential due to an electric dipole at a point in space is the electric potential energy per unit charge that a test charge would experience at that point due to the dipole. An electric potential is the amount of work needed to move a unit of positive charge from a reference point to a specific
7 min read
Equipotential Surfaces
When an external force acts to do work, moving a body from a point to another against a force like spring force or gravitational force, that work gets collected or stores as the potential energy of the body. When the external force is excluded, the body moves, gaining the kinetic energy and losing a
8 min read
Capacitor and Capacitance
Capacitor and Capacitance are related to each other as capacitance is nothing but the ability to store the charge of the capacitor. Capacitors are essential components in electronic circuits that store electrical energy in the form of an electric charge. They are widely used in various applications,
11 min read