Simple Harmonic Motion Calculator

Calculate displacement, velocity, and acceleration for oscillating particles

Calculate Simple Harmonic Motion

Maximum displacement from equilibrium position

Number of oscillations per unit time

Time at which to calculate motion parameters

rad

Initial phase offset (0 for standard SHM)

Motion Results at t = 0.000 s

0.0000
Displacement (m)
0.00 cm
0.0000
Velocity (m/s)
0.00 cm/s
0.0000
Acceleration (m/s²)
0.00 cm/s²
0.0000
Angular Frequency (rad/s)
0.0000
Period (s)
0.0000
Max Velocity (m/s)

Equations used:

• Displacement: y = A × sin(ωt + φ)

• Velocity: v = Aω × cos(ωt + φ)

• Acceleration: a = -Aω² × sin(ωt + φ)

• Angular frequency: ω = 2πf

Motion Analysis

Example Calculation

Spring-Mass System Example

Given: A = 15 mm, f = 1 Hz, t = 1.4 s

Find: Displacement, velocity, and acceleration

Solution

1. ω = 2πf = 2π(1) = 6.28 rad/s

2. y = 0.015 × sin(6.28 × 1.4) = 8.82 mm

3. v = 0.015 × 6.28 × cos(6.28 × 1.4) = -76.25 mm/s

4. a = -0.015 × (6.28)² × sin(6.28 × 1.4) = -348 mm/s²

SHM Characteristics

Restoring Force:
F = -kx (proportional to displacement)
Energy Conservation:
E = ½kA² = constant
Phase Relationships:
v leads y by π/2
a leads y by π

Common SHM Examples

🌊

Simple pendulum (small angles)

🔄

Mass-spring system

📳

Vibrating molecules

🎵

Sound waves and musical instruments

LC oscillating circuits

Understanding Simple Harmonic Motion

What is Simple Harmonic Motion?

Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) is a type of periodic motion where a particle oscillates back and forth about an equilibrium position. The restoring force is directly proportional to the displacement from equilibrium and acts in the opposite direction.

Key Properties

  • Motion is periodic and sinusoidal
  • Acceleration is proportional to displacement
  • Total mechanical energy is conserved
  • Maximum velocity occurs at equilibrium

SHM Equations

y(t) = A sin(ωt + φ)

v(t) = Aω cos(ωt + φ)

a(t) = -Aω² sin(ωt + φ)

ω = 2πf = 2π/T

  • A: Amplitude (maximum displacement)
  • ω: Angular frequency (rad/s)
  • f: Frequency (Hz)
  • T: Period (s)
  • φ: Phase constant (rad)

Energy in SHM: The total energy E = ½kA² remains constant, continuously converting between kinetic and potential energy.