Felix Olsson
Online SHM sims and other resources.
Simple harmonic motion arises in many linear systems. This page describes it and gives examples. It supports the multimedia tutorial Simple Harmonic Motion. Here we treat simple harmonic motion kinematically. For an analysis of the forces involved see Oscillations. Simple harmonic motion (SHM) - some examples.
Play with one or two pendulums and discover how the period of a simple pendulum depends on the length of the string, the mass of the pendulum bob, and the amplitude of the swing. It's easy to measure the period using the photogate timer. You can vary friction and the strength of gravity.
A realistic mass and spring laboratory. Hang masses from springs and adjust the spring stiffness and damping. You can even slow time. Transport the lab to different planets. A chart shows the kinetic, potential, and thermal energy for each spring. Explain the Conservation of Mechanical Energy concept using kinetic, elastic potential, and gravitational potential energy.
