7 Further Mechanics Definitions Flashcards
Define angular speed
A measure of the speed of an object’s angular rotation. It is equal to the frequency of rotation multiplied by 2pie
Define centripetal acceleration
The acceleration of an object moving in a circular motion. Any object in circular motion must have an acceleration since the direction of the object, and therefore the velocity of the object, is constantly changing.
Define centripetal force
The resultant force responsible for an object moving in a circular motion. Centripetal forces always act towards the centre of the object’s rotation.
Define critical damping
The form of damping that reduces the displacement of an oscillating object to its equilibrium position in the quickest time possible and without further oscillation.
Define damping
The dissipation of energy from an oscillating system. The consequence is that the amplitude of oscillation will decrease. Damping occurs when a force opposes the system’s motion
Define forced vibrations
Repeated up and down oscillations, at the frequency of a driver. The amplitude of oscillation is small at high frequencies and large at low frequencies.
Define free vibrations
Oscillations that are not caused by a driver. An object will naturally oscillate at its natural frequency
Define overdamping
A type of damping where the system is damped more than required to stop the oscillations. It takes longer for the system to return to equilibrium than for critical damping.
Define radian
A unit of angle
Define resonance
Resonance occurs when the frequency of oscillations is equal to the natural frequency of the oscillating system. The rate of energy transfer is at a maximum during resonance
Define simple harmonic motion
Motion where the acceleration of an object is directly proportional, and in the opposite direction, to its displacement.
Define underdamping
A type of damping where energy is gradually removed from the system and the amplitude of oscillations slowly decreases
