5.3 Oscillations

Question 1

Displacement

Answer 1

Distance from the equilibrium position

Question 2

Amplitude

Answer 2

Maximum displacement

Question 3

Period

Answer 3

Time taken to complete one full oscillation

Question 4

Frequency

Answer 4

Number of oscillations per unit time

Question 5

Angular Frequency

Answer 5

Also a measure of the number of oscillations per unit time, just in radians.

Question 6

Simple Harmonic Motion

Answer 6

Motion where the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the displacement from the equilibrium position, and is always acting towards the equilibrium position.

Question 7

What does ω represent in a = -ω^2 x

Answer 7

Angular frequency

Question 8

Does changing the amplitude affect the time period in SHM?

Answer 8

No.

Question 9

Investigating period/frequency of SHM

Answer 9

The period/frequency can be determined by setting the oscillator (pendulum / spring w mass) into motion using a stopwatch to measure the time taken for 10 oscillations. Divide this time by 10 to find the period.
Place a marker at the EQ position, which will be used as the point to start and stop timings.

Question 10

Formula for max velocity / acceleration?

Answer 10

Vmax = ωA
Amax = -ω^2 A