5.3 - Newtonian World - Oscillations

Question 1

What is simple harmonic motion ?

Answer 1

It is oscillatory motion about an equilibrium point

Question 2

What is the definition of SHM ?

Answer 2

The acceleration of the oscillator is
directly proportional to the displacement from the equilibrium position, and acts towards the
equilibrium position.

Question 3

What is the definition of displacement

Answer 3

distance from the equilibrium position

Question 4

What is the definition of amplitude

Answer 4

maximum displacement

Question 5

What is the definition of time period

Answer 5

Time taken for a complete oscillation

Question 6

What is the definition of frequency

Answer 6

Number of oscillations per second

Question 7

What is the equation for angular frequency

Answer 7

ω = 2π/T

ω = 2πf

Question 8

What are the 2 main systems which undergo SHM

Answer 8

A pendulum and a mass-spring system

Question 9

What is the constant of proportionality linking acceleration and displacement

Answer 9

-ω^2

Question 10

What is displacement as a function of t and ω

Answer 10

x = Acosωt
A = amplitude

Question 11

How do you calculate maximum speed

Answer 11

Vmax = ωA

Question 12

How do you calculate maximum acceleration

Answer 12

amax = -ω^2A

Question 13

How do you calculate acceleration

Answer 13

a = -ω^2x

Question 14

What is damping ?

Answer 14

It is by which the amplitude of the oscillations decreases over time due to an energy loss because of drag or friction

Question 15

How do you calculate displacement

Answer 15

x = Acosωt

Question 16

What is free oscillations

Answer 16

When an object oscillates without any external forces being applied

Question 17

What is forced oscillations

Answer 17

When a periodic driving force is applied to an object which causes it to oscillate at a particular frequency

Question 18

What is resonance

Answer 18

When the frequency from an external force applied is the same as the natural frequency of the object resonance occurs