1. Simple Harmonic Motion & Problem Solving Introduction

Instructor: Wit Busza

We discuss the role problem solving plays in the scientific method. Then we focus on problems of simple harmonic motion - harmonic oscillators with one degree of freedom in which damping (frictional or drag) forces can be ignored.

*NOTE: These videos were originally produced as part of a physics course that is no longer available on OCW.*

Chapters
0:00:00 Title slate
0:00:27 Why learn about waves and vibrations?
0:01:31 What is the Scientific Method?
0:03:19 Ideal spring example
0:10:27 Oscillations of a bird after landing on a branch (example of a more qualitative understanding of a physical phenomenon).
0:12:53 The LC circuit (charge and current oscillations in an electrical circuit).
0:24:17 Motion of a mass hanging from a spring (a simple example of the scientific method in action).
0:25:07 Oscillation of a hanging ruler pivoted at one end (example of SHM of a rigid body—problem involves the understanding of angular motion, torques and moment of inertia).

License: Creative Commons BY-NC-SA

[KostantisX]

If you know your stuff you don't add unneeded complexity. I've seen this in almost all MIT videos. The teachers there actually care and want you to understand. Thank you MIT!!!

[pronaypramanick]

Respected Professor, the reason you gave at 8:10, for *"why u r going slowly"*, honestly saying, made me clap(out of appreciation + joy) at that very moment....U observed that seemingly common yet important thing which both our teacher and we tend to overlook .... *That was really "Richard Feynman-ish"*

[alexleviyev]

This really has the calculus revisited feeling to it. I love it when all the information is already on the board so you can see it, and then the lecturer works through it. You see where you're starting, where you're going, and you can understand which points are important and which aren't. Very well done

[BoZhaoengineering]

Professor Wit is awesome to explain the SHM. And his example just before end of the lecture is very inspiring. As a practicing engineer, we always use the “ general features” to predict the product we are designing. Superb! Than you professor.

[supernis]

this is to be honest, quite admirable and dare i say, even lovely
a guy that even at this age, with white hair, still loves and understands the scientific method.
Not only that, he cares enough about it to emphasize why it's so important so younger people can follow along
this right here is a true scientist.

[sarvesh]

Wow, his presentation on the blackboard is so clear and precise! Somehow, it increments my interest in this lecture

[seoulatheart]

I've realized what a real pain it is to teach myself something but MIT is always very helpful. I'm glad I found this video, very helpful.

[RafaelHenrique-jzvw]

We need more teachers like you!!
Congratulations

[nishantsinghsogarwaloffici]

Thank you so much for this wonderful lecture
Love from Bharatpur Rajasthan India 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️

[jayceeappi]

You have seriously advanced my understanding of mathematics from this lecture.  Thank you so much.

[Axelonmorales]

Thank you MIT this is an amazing lecture :D And an incredible professor

[DeepakAtreja]

I am in eleventh standard and this video helped me a lot.
Thanks

[FingerThatO]

THANK YOU MIT. my physics professor is the worst and this explained alot

[markptak]

A new rock star is born.  Thank you SOOO much for my kids generation!

[bibh]

Thank You Sir Wit. Your teaching is really witty .

[jesusalexispachecomonagas]

Greetings from Venezuela. The professor explain very well the topic, I understood almost Simple Harmonic motion.

[unclefreddy]

If only my college Physics professors were as clear. Fantastic

[oWhiteMonster]

Eyyy this professor has good hand writing, wow

[Akshaygupta]

In love with the board work and the lecture ♥️

[fernandonora]

Dear Professor:

First of all I want to thank you by this excellent video.

I also want to make you a comment: In minute 42, when you write the equation of motion for a rule, you forget to explain why is possible to aproximate sinus(theta) by theta. 

At this point, maybe you could talk about MacLaurin development of sinus function and aproximation of small oscilations.

It´s just a mathematical sugestion that could be useful for many students.

Yours faithfully.

Fernando Nora.