5.3 Oscillations Flashcards
Define displacement
Distance from equilibrium position
Define amplitude
Maximum displacement from equilibrium position
Define period
Time taken for one complete oscillation
Define frequency
Number of oscillations per unit time
Define phase difference
Difference in displacements of two oscillating objects
Define angular frequency
Rate of change of angle
What is simple harmonic motion
Acceleration is directly proportional to the displacement from the equilibrium position
Acceleration always acts opposite to displacement and towards the equilibrium position
What is the relationship between amplitude and time period
They are independent of each other
How can you determine the period and frequency of simple harmonic oscillators
-Set up a simple pendulum
-Displace the weight from equilibrium
-Measure the time taken for 20 oscillations using a stopwatch and calculate the period
-Use a fiducial marker to help time as it provides a clear point
When do you use x=Acos@ and x=Asin@
X=Acos@ when pendulum starts at maximum amplitude
X=Asin@ when pendulum starts at equilibrium position
At what position is there no kinetic energy and no potential energy
Max amplitude : no kinetic energy and max potential energy
Equilibrium position : max kinetic energy and no potential energy
What is light damping
Small damping force
Amplitude of oscillator decreases with time
Period is almost the same
What is heavy damping
Amplitude decreases significantly
Period increases slightly
What is critical damping
No oscillations
Oscillator moves slowly towards equilibrium position
What is free oscillation
When an object is allowed to oscillate without any external forces
