C17 Oscillations

Question 1

Define amplitude, state its unit

Answer 1

• The maximum displacement of a vibration or oscillation, measured from the position of equilibrium.
• A/m

Question 2

Define period, state its unit

Answer 2

• The time taken for one full oscillation.
• T/s

Question 3

Define frequency, state its unit

Answer 3

• The number of complete oscillations per unit time.
• f/Hz

Question 4

Define displacement, state its unit

Answer 4

• The distance at a point from the equilibrium position.
• x/m

Question 5

Relationship between acceleration (SHM) and displacement

Answer 5

Displacement ∝ Acceleration

Question 6

What is isochronous oscillation?

Answer 6

• An oscillator in simple harmonic motion is said to be an isochronous oscillation.
• The period of the oscillation is independent of the amplitude.

Question 7

What does the gradient of a graph of acceleration against displacement represent?

Answer 7

-ω²