Velocity in Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) is a crucial factor that tells us how fast and in which direction an oscillating object is moving at any given point in its cycle. It's important to note that velocity in SHM isn't constant; it varies throughout the cycle.
For an oscillating object, velocity reaches its maximum at the equilibrium position where the displacement is zero. As the object moves towards the extreme positions, the velocity decreases to zero. This pattern repeats itself throughout the motion.
We find the velocity by differentiating the displacement equation. For any SHM described by \( y = A \sin(\omega t + \phi) \), the velocity equation can be expressed as:
- \( v = \frac{dy}{dt} = A\omega \cos(\omega t + \phi) \).
- The term \( A\omega \) is the amplitude of velocity, indicating the maximum speed of the particle.
Understanding velocity in SHM allows us to analyze how the energy of the system distributes over its cycle, which is invaluable in both theoretical and practical applications.