Comparing simple harmonic motion with uniform circular motion using Video Tracker
Elisabeth Pratidhina, Ferina Rizky Yuliani
Department of Physics Education, Widya Mandala Catholic University Surabaya
Abstract
In this study, we describe an interesting relationship between uniform circular motion and simple harmonic motion trough simple experiment. The experiment requires a low cost-easily found materials and free software Video Tracker. To represent uniform circular motion, we use a tape stick on a fan moving with constant angular speed. Meanwhile, spring and pendulum motion are used for representing the simple harmonic motion. Through Video Tracker analysis, we showed that the positions (x and y coordinates) of an object moves along a circle with constant angular speed follow a sinusoidal function, as same as, showed in simple harmonic motion. This simple experiment can be embedded in high school physics or introductory physics in college to lead for the students to develop conceptual understanding about uniform circular motion with less mathematical approach.
Keywords: uniform circular motion, simple harmonic motion, Video Tracker, introductory physics course
Topic: Physics Education