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Comparison Of Shm And Ucm

Purpose

To demonstrate the relationship between uniform circular motion and simple harmonic motion.

Equipment

As photographed.

Images

g1-11

Description

Turning a crank on the rear of the apparatus causes the center ball to move in circular motion while the ball on top executes simple harmonic motion. It can be seen that SHM is the projection of UCM. This device can also be used to discuss the concept of degrees of motion in SHM by comparison with the reference circle.◙

References

D. M. Bennett, Apparatus for the Demonstration of Simple Harmonic Motion, AJP 30, 470 (1962).