Dolphins jumping during a delivery trip across the Mediterrean. Photo: Mark Roworth
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Home >> AP Physics I >> Simple Harmonic Motion
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Simple harmonic motion (SHM) is the oscillation of springs
and pendulums. The motion follows a sinusoidal pattern. The term “simple” comes from the fact that it
is the most basic of all modes of oscillation, which can get very complicated
indeed! In this context, the term “harmonic”
means a regular oscillation. SHM is found in a surprisingly large number of situations. For the AP course we consider the oscillation of the pendulum and that of a spring. The regularity of these vibrations led to the development of the first truly accurate clocks - first using a pendulum and later a spring mechanism.
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