Simple harmonic motion
Simple harmonic motion is a type of periodic motion in which an object undergoes oscillatory motion. The restoring force exerted by the object exhibiting SHM is proportional to the displacement from the equilibrium position. The force is directed towards the mean position. We see many examples of SHM around us, common ones are the motion of a pendulum, spring and vibration of strings in musical instruments, and so on.
Simple Pendulum
A simple pendulum comprises a heavy mass (called bob) attached to one end of the weightless and flexible string.
Oscillation
In Physics, oscillation means a repetitive motion that happens in a variation with respect to time. There is usually a central value, where the object would be at rest. Additionally, there are two or more positions between which the repetitive motion takes place. In mathematics, oscillations can also be described as vibrations. The most common examples of oscillation that is seen in daily lives include the alternating current (AC) or the motion of a moving pendulum.
Some non-digital scales use springs to determine the mass of interest.
A grocery store provides such a scale for customers to weigh their fruits and vegetables.
One customer has a bag of apples, each with a mass of 187 grams [g].
When holding the bag of apples, the scale is pushed down by 2.9 millimeters [mm].
The scale operates using two springs connected in parallel, one with a spring constant of 4.5 newtons per millimeter [Nmm] and the other with a spring constant of 3.1 newtons per millimeter [Nmm].
In Question 5, you will be asked to determine the number of apples in the bag.
Next, determine the force applied to the spring system in units of newtons [N].
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