7.2 Frequency and Period of SHM

Period

In simple harmonic motion, the period is the time required for one full oscillation (one complete back-and-forth motion).

It is a scalar, represented with T, and measured in seconds (s).

For a spring-mass system:

Important Equation: ${T_s = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{m}{k}}}$

${T_s}$ = period of oscillation for a spring system

${m}$ = mass attached to the spring

${k}$ = spring constant

For a simple pendulum:

Important Equation: ${T_p = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{l}{g}}}$

${T_p}$ = period of oscillation of a pendulum

${l}$ = length of the pendulum

${g}$ = acceleration due to gravity