Relating simple harmonic motion and uniform circular motion with tracker

Abstract

In this study, we demonstrate an interesting relationship between the simple harmonic motion and uniform circular motion trough a simple experiment. The experiment requires a low cost, easily-found materials, and free software Tracker. To represent uniform circular motion, we use a tape that is stuck on a fan moving with the constant angular speed. Meanwhile, spring and pendulum motion are used to represent simple harmonic motion. Through video analysis with Tracker, we have shown that the positions (x and y coordinates) of an object undergoes uniform circular motion fit to the sinusoidal function of time, similar to simple harmonic motion. We also analyze the behavior of velocity and acceleration in simple harmonic motion and uniform circular motion. This simple experiment can be used in high school physics courses to lead students in developing a conceptual understanding of uniform circular motion with a less mathematical approach.