3. Simple Harmic Motion in 1 and 2 Dimensions

Stephen Dickman, Jacob Kelter
Physics
Estimated time for students: two 45 minute periods.
AP Physics 1
v3
Make a Copy

Overview

Simple Harmonic Motion(SHM) is represented here using a mass that is attached to a spring. The other end of the spring is fixed to the middle of a horizontal surface. In this model there is no friction. This SHM simulation was designed to help students better conceive the relationship between position, velocity and acceleration.

The simulation allows the student to vary the mass of the oscillating mass and the strength constant of the spring. Thus, the student will be able to make conjectures on subsequent motion as the inertia and net force have changed. These variances will help the student gain a deeper understanding of Newton's Laws.

Finally, the SHM simulation can be done in 2 dimensions creating elliptical motion. Newton wrote this is the Principia and the motion is similar to planetary orbits.

Underlying Pages

Standards

Computational Thinking in STEM 2.0
  •   Computational Modeling and Simulation Practices
    • [CT-MODEL-1] Using computational models to understand a complex phenomenon
    • [CT-MODEL-2] Using computational models to hypothesize and test predictions
    • [CT-MODEL-3] Using a computational tool to understand a system's compenents and dynamics
Next Generation Science Standards
  •   Physical Science
    • [HS-PS2-1] Analyze data to support the claim that Newton’s second law of motion describes the mathematical relationship among the net force on a macroscopic object, its mass, and its acceleration.
    • [MS-PS4-2] Develop and use a model to describe that waves are reflected, absorbed, or transmitted through various materials.

Credits

The coding was done by Jacob Kelter. Help uploading and editing the lesson was given by Kelvin Lao.

Make a Copy