SHM Demonstrator

simple harmonic motion - uniform circular motion - periodic motion

What it shows:
The projection of 2-dimensional uniform circular motion is identical to simple harmonic motion (SHM). This apparatus gives the audience a visual display of how the one dimensional projection varies in unison with circular motion.

How it works:
The apparatus is commercially available. ¹   It is designed to be used on an OHP and is animated by a hand-crank.

Setting it up:
Set it out on the OHP -- nothing could be simpler! If for some reason the alignment of the two dots is off, the circular motion glass plate can be easily repositioned from the underside of the apparatus -- the coupling between the circular and horizontal is just friction. Align the two dots with the horizontal one in the center of the circle as the positioning is more sensitive there.

Comments:
The apparatus doesn't prove or measure anything, but it is a good prop to give the student a more intuitive grasp of how the projection of circular motion varies, and therefore is an excellent introduction to the Circular Motion and SHM demonstration. Rating ***

1 Central Scientific Co.

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