Chapter 11: Simple Harmonic Motion Flashcards
What is an oscillation?
An object moves back and forth about a fixed point
What is the symbol for frquency?
f
What is the symbol for period?
T
3 examples of oscillations?
Heart pulsing, electrons oscillating, and eardrum beating
When are oscillation possible?
§ When there is a restoring force that pushes or pulls the object towards the equilibrium position
What is the relationship between restoring force and how far an object is displaced from equilibrium?
They are proportional
If the restoring force is proportional to -displacement, what equation relates restoring force to displacement?
F=-kx
Why do many solids vibrate?
They have elastic properties
What is an elastic property?
1) A force is applied to an object and the original length (l zero) is changed by delta l; after removing the force, the length of the object goes back to the original length
What is period?
Time needed to complete one cycle/oscillation
What is frequency?
Number of cycles/oscillations per unit time (usually seconds)
What is the relationship between period and frequency?
Inversely related; T=1/f
What is a forced oscillation, even with damping?
When a rhythmic force is applied to an object
Example of rhythmic force?
Swing
What is the SI unit for cycles/sec?
Hertz (Hz)
