Chapter 17 Oscillations Flashcards
What is the definition for simple harmonic motion?
The acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the displacement from the equilibrium and is always acting in the direction of the equilibrium position.
What is the difference between displacement and amplitude?
The displacement of an object in SHM is the distance from the equilibrium position and the amplitude of an object is the maximum displacement from the equilibrium.
What is the equation linking ω and a in SHM?
a = -ω²x
What is the gradient of a graph of a(y- axis) against x (x-axis)?
-ω²
What does isochronous mean?
The period of oscillation is independent to the amplitude.
What is the point of a fiducial marker?
To mark the equilibrium position
Do you can count each swing from exactly the same point.
Helps remove parallax.
What are the 2 equations linking x and t of a SHM pendulum?
x = Acosωt (for when the object starts at its amplitude)
x = Asinωt (for when the object starts at its equilibrium position)
What is damping?
When an external force acts on an oscillator which decreases the amplitude over time.
What is an example of heavy and light damping?
Heavy: water/treacle
Light: air
Where is damping useful and where is it a problem?
Useful: In suspension systems like in bikes
Problem:
What is the natural frequency?
The frequency of free oscillations.
When does resonance occur?
When the driving frequency and the nautical frequency are very similar.
When is resonance a problem and what causes it?
When on a bridge the people walking can cause it to resonate and can break the bridge
When is resonance a problem and what causes it?
When on a bridge the people walking can cause it to resonate and can break the bridge
When is resonance helpful?
Swings with intermittent pushes
