Place a raisin or marshmallow on the end of a stick of spaghetti. Shake your hands back and forth to make the pasta/raisin system oscillate. Materials: Pasta and Raisins/Marshmallows Does the period depend on the mass? Does the period depend on the length? Answer the following questions on a separate paper. a) Do you think this system motion would fall under the classification of simple harmonic motion? Provide as much evidences as you can for your answer. b) Do your answers to A and B above matches a spring/mass system or a pendulum? How so? c) Do you think this system can be modelled as pendulum, spring, or neither? What are your reasons for each?
Simple harmonic motion
Simple harmonic motion is a type of periodic motion in which an object undergoes oscillatory motion. The restoring force exerted by the object exhibiting SHM is proportional to the displacement from the equilibrium position. The force is directed towards the mean position. We see many examples of SHM around us, common ones are the motion of a pendulum, spring and vibration of strings in musical instruments, and so on.
Simple Pendulum
A simple pendulum comprises a heavy mass (called bob) attached to one end of the weightless and flexible string.
Oscillation
In Physics, oscillation means a repetitive motion that happens in a variation with respect to time. There is usually a central value, where the object would be at rest. Additionally, there are two or more positions between which the repetitive motion takes place. In mathematics, oscillations can also be described as vibrations. The most common examples of oscillation that is seen in daily lives include the alternating current (AC) or the motion of a moving pendulum.
Direction: Place a raisin or marshmallow on the end of a stick of spaghetti. Shake your hands back and forth to make the pasta/raisin system oscillate.
Materials: Pasta and Raisins/Marshmallows
- Does the period depend on the mass?
- Does the period depend on the length?
Answer the following questions on a separate paper.
- a) Do you think this system motion would fall under the classification of
simple harmonic motion ? Provide as much evidences as you can for your answer. - b) Do your answers to A and B above matches a spring/mass system or a pendulum? How so?
- c) Do you think this system can be modelled as pendulum, spring, or neither? What are your reasons for each?
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