Shadows of Simple Harmonic Motion

Shadow of a ball in circular motion and a cube in vertical oscillation projected onto a whiteboard

Concept Overview:

1. The motion of both an object oscillating on a spring and an object moving in a fixed circular path are both alike - simple harmonic motion

Lecturer Procedure for Demonstration

Steps to Follow	Expected Result
1. Turn on the switch. 2. Pull the cube down to the height of the lowest position of the styrofoam ball. 3. When the ball reaches its lowest position, release the cube.	The shadows will appear to be moving in an identical path. (After a few oscillations, they begin to fall out of phase)

Steps to Follow

Expected Result

1. Turn on the switch.

2. Pull the cube down to the height of the lowest position of the styrofoam ball.

3. When the ball reaches its lowest position, release the cube.

The shadows will appear to be moving in an identical path.

(After a few oscillations, they begin to fall out of phase)