Harmonic Oscillator

A simple harmonic motion can be used as a mathematical model for a variety of motions such as the oscillation of a spring.

The time period of a simple harmonic oscillator can be expressed as

T = 2 π (m / k)^1/2                            (1)

where

T = time period (s)

m = mass (kg)

k = spring constant (N/m)

Example - Time Period of a Simple Harmonic Oscillator

A mass of 500 kg is connected to a spring with a spring constant 16000 N/m. The time period can be calculated as

T = 2 π ((500 kg) / (16000 N/m))^1/2

  = 1.1 s