Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 3
KINEMATICS
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KINEMATICS
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Subject: Physics
Class: SHS 3
Term: 1st Term
Week: 12
Grade code: 3.1.2.LI.3
Strand code: 1
Sub-strand code: 2
Content standard code: 3.1.2.CS.1
Indicator code: 3.1.2.LI.3
Theme: MECHANICS AND MATTER
Subtheme: KINEMATICS
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This lesson focuses on the energy transformations that occur during Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM). SHM is a special type of oscillatory motion that is all around us. We see it in the swinging of a pendulum in a grandfather clock, a child on a playground swing, the vibration of a guitar string when plucked, or even the way the suspension of a "trotro" bounces after hitting a pothole on a Ghanaian road. Understanding the energy changes in these systems is crucial. It helps us understand how energy is conserved and converted from one form to another. For an object in SHM, energy continuously swaps between Kinetic Energy (energy of motion) and Potential Energy (stored energy).
A. Recap: What is Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)?
Before we discuss energy, let's remember the two defining conditions for SHM: The acceleration (and thus the restoring force) is directly proportional to the displacement from the equilibrium position. The acceleration (and restoring force) is always directed towards the equilibrium position.
Mathematically, for a mass-spring system, the restoring force is given by Hooke's Law: `F = -kx`, where `k` is the spring constant and `x` is the displacement. The negative sign shows the force opposes the displacement.
Key Positions in SHM: Equilibrium Position (x = 0): The point of zero displacement where the object would rest if not disturbed. Extreme Positions (x = ±A): The points of maximum displacement, also known as the amplitude (A). The object momentarily stops here before changing direction. B. Kinetic Energy (KE) in SHM