SHM
Science & Engineering abbreviation · Physics
| Stands for | Simple harmonic motion |
|---|---|
| Categories | Science & Engineering |
SHM stands for Simple harmonic motion, a physics abbreviation.
Repetitive back-and-forth motion in which the restoring force is proportional to the displacement from equilibrium, producing a sinusoidal oscillation with a constant period. A mass on a spring and a pendulum swinging through small angles are classic examples.
Example: For small angles, a pendulum's SHM period depends only on its length and on g.
Usage notes
The period of a mass on a spring is 2 pi times the square root of mass divided by spring constant, independent of amplitude. SHM models vibrations of molecules, sound sources and AC circuits. Real oscillators lose energy to friction, giving damped harmonic motion.
Related abbreviations
More physics abbreviations
- QFT – Quantum field theory
- QM – Quantum mechanics
- radar – Radio detection and ranging
- RF – Radio frequency
- RHIC – Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider
- SEM – Scanning electron microscope
- SLAC – SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory
- SM – Standard Model
- sonar – Sound navigation and ranging
- SQUID – Superconducting quantum interference device
- SR – Special relativity
- STM – Scanning tunneling microscope