Shadows of Simple Harmonic Motion

Identifier: M: SHM - 001

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

Concept Overview

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

Turn on the switch.
Pull the cube down to the height of the lowest position of the styrofoam ball.
When the ball reaches its lowest position, release the cube.

Expected Result

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

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

Historical References; Taken from original work of Percy H. Carr, 1970

“Since phase errors accumulate, it will not be long before the two are out of step, but the indication that the two motions are alike can be quite convincing.”

Video Demonstration

Tutorial: Set-up Instructions for M: SHM - 1

Transcript:

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