Essential idea: A study of oscillations underpins many areas of physics with simple harmonic motion (SHM) a fundamental oscillation that appears in various natural phenomena.

Nature of science: Models: Oscillations play a great part in our lives, from the tides to the motion of the swinging pendulum that once governed our perception of time. General principles govern this area of physics, from water waves in the deep ocean or the oscillations of a car suspension system. This introduction to the topic reminds us that not all oscillations are isochronous. However, the simple harmonic oscillator is of great importance to physicists because all periodic oscillations can be described through the mathematics of simple harmonic motion.

Understandings:

Guidance:

• Graphs describing simple harmonic motion should include displacement–time, velocity–time, acceleration–time and acceleration–displacement

• Students are expected to understand the significance of the negative sign in the relationship: F = -kx

Data Booklet reference:

• T = 1 / f

• The T represents the period of the oscillation, and the f represents the frequency of the oscillation.

International-mindedness:

• Oscillations are used to define the time systems on which nations agree so that the world can be kept in synchronization. This impacts most areas of our lives including the provision of electricity, travel and location-determining devices and all microelectronics.

Theory of knowledge:

• The harmonic oscillator is a paradigm for modelling where a simple equation is used to describe a complex phenomenon. How do scientists know when a simple model is not detailed enough for their requirements?

Utilization:

• Isochronous oscillations can be used to measure time

• Many systems can approximate simple harmonic motion: mass on a spring, fluid in U-tube, models of icebergs oscillating vertically in the ocean, and motion of a sphere rolling in a concave mirror

• Simple harmonic motion is frequently found in the context of mechanics (see Physics topic 2)

Aims:

• Aim 6: experiments could include (but are not limited to): mass on a spring; simple pendulum; motion on a curved air track

• Aim 7: IT skills can be used to model the simple harmonic motion defining equation; this gives valuable insight into the meaning of the equation itself