Circular motion

Question 1

Define Angular frequency

Answer 1

A measure of an object’s angular displacement per unit time.

Question 2

Define Simple harmonic motion

Answer 2

Motion where the acceleration of an object is directly proportional, and in the opposite direction, to its displacement.

Question 3

Define Critical Damping

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Define Damping

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Forced Oscillations

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Free Oscillations

Answer 6

Oscillations that are not caused by a driver. An object will naturally oscillate at its natural frequency

Question 7

Isochronous Oscillator

Answer 7

An oscillator whose frequency is independent to
amplitude

Question 8

Natural Frequency

Answer 8

The frequency that a system naturally oscillates at when there is no driving force

Question 9

Overdamping

Answer 9

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

Question 10

Resonance

Answer 10

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