AP Physics C · Unit 7
Simple Harmonic Motion: every key term you need (+ practice quiz)
20 flashcard terms for AP Physics C Unit 7, written to match the course framework. Study them here, then drill them as interactive flashcards, or test yourself with the 5-question quiz — free, no account needed.
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Simple Harmonic Motion Periodic motion with restoring force proportional to displacement (F = -kx); sinusoidal position/velocity/acceleration.
Amplitude Maximum displacement from equilibrium; determines energy of oscillation; remains constant (no damping).
Period T; time for one complete oscillation; T = 1/f; independent of amplitude (isochronous).
Frequency f = 1/T; number of oscillations per unit time; measured in hertz (Hz); f = ω/(2π).
Angular Frequency ω = 2πf = √(k/m); rate of angle change; related to spring constant and mass.
Restoring Force F = -kx; force toward equilibrium; proportional to displacement; opposite direction; creates SHM.
Spring Constant k; measure of spring stiffness; F = kx; larger k → stiffer spring → higher frequency.
Kinetic Energy KE = ½mv²; maximum at equilibrium (zero PE); oscillates between zero and maximum.
Potential Energy PE = ½kx²; maximum at amplitude (zero KE); oscillates between zero and maximum.
Total Mechanical Energy E = KE + PE = ½kA²; constant in SHM (conservative force); proportional to amplitude squared.
Damping Energy dissipation reducing amplitude; caused by friction/resistance; exponential decay; quality factor Q.
Resonance Driven oscillation at natural frequency; maximum amplitude; energy transfer most efficient; dangerous in structures.
Pendulum Simple: T = 2π√(L/g); period independent of mass; approximately SHM for small angles (<15°).
Physical Pendulum Rigid body rotating about point; T = 2π√(I/(mgd)); depends on moment of inertia and distance to COM.
Wave Disturbance propagating through space; carries energy/momentum; described by wavelength, frequency, speed.
Transverse Wave Particle motion perpendicular to wave propagation; example: electromagnetic, string vibrations.
Longitudinal Wave Particle motion parallel to wave propagation; example: sound waves, compression waves.
Wavelength λ; distance between adjacent crests (or troughs); v = fλ (wave speed = frequency × wavelength).
Wave Speed v = √(T/μ) for string (T = tension, μ = linear mass density); depends on medium properties.
Superposition Principle that when waves overlap, displacements add (constructively or destructively).
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