Concepts

Simple harmonic motion

Overview

The motion of a ball placed in a bowl is an example of simple harmonic motion. When the ball is placed at the centre of the bowl, the net force acting on the ball is zero and thus there is no motion. Now if the ball is released from a position near the edge of the bowl, the ball moves back and forth about a mean position until all of its energy is lost due to friction.

Details

Equipment

• [1] Clear bowl
• [2] Rubber ball
• [1] Container of clear and orange beads

Important Notes

• Keep the small beads in the provided container after using it.

Script

1. Place the rubber ball at the centre of the bowl and show that the ball remains stationary.
2. Release the ball from the edge of the bowl and point out that the ball undergoes oscillatory motion.
3. Repeat step 1 to 2 using small beads.

Additional Resources