Exam 3 terms and equations Flashcards
Natural Resonance
Energy in an isolated system makes the object perform a repetitive motion.
Harmonic Oscillator
A mechanical object that goes through simple harmonic motion
Simple Harmonic Motion
A regular and predictable oscillation.
Period
The amount of time it takes for a harmonic oscillator to complete one cycle of its harmonic motion. Inversely proportional to stiffness.
Restoring force
force acting upon an object to return it to stable equilibrium.
Stiffness
The measure of how strongly the restoring force strengthens as an oscillator is removed from equilibrium. Inversely proportional to period.
Increasing mass in a pendulum
Decreases acceleration and therefore longer period. Increases weight and therefore stiffness.
Amplitude
Has no effect on period due to restoring force being proportional to displacement from equilibrium.
Pendulum length
Shortening stiffens.
Gravity
Higher gravity stiffens.
Period of Pendulum Equation
2(pi)sqrt(length of pendulum/acceleration due to gravity)
Spring oscillator
Gravity independent. Only dependent on mass and spring stiffness.
Gravity’s effect on spring
Shifts equilibrium position forward.
Frequency
Hertz - 1/second
Restoring Force Spring
spring constant * displacement = -k * x