Linking Simple Harmonic Motion to Circular Motion and Real Systems A deeper understanding of Simple Harmonic Motion can be developed by examining its connection to uniform circular motion. Although systems such as springs and pendulums appear to move in a straight line, the motion can be modeled as the one-dimensional projection of circular motion. Because of this relationship, consistent and repeating patterns are followed by position, velocity, and acceleration in SHM. Uniform Circular Motion An object moves in a circle at constant speed in uniform circular motion. Although the speed remains constant, a continuous change in direction occurs . Because the direction of velocity changes, acceleration is experienced by the object. This acceleration is called centripetal acceleration, and it always points toward the center of the circle. A centripetal force is required in order to p...
