Further Mechanics Flashcards
What is meant by angular speed?
A measure of the speed of an objects angular rotation. Is equal to the frequency of rotation multiplied by 2pi
Define centripetal acceleration
The acceleration of an object moving in circular motion. Any object moving in circular motion must have an acceleration since the direction of the object, and therefore the velocity of the object, is constantly changing
Define centripetal force
The resultant force responsible for an object moving in circular motion. Always acts towards the centre of the objects rotation
Define critical damping
The form of damping that reduces the displacement of an oscillating object to its equal position in the quickest time possible and without further oscillation
Define damping
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 systems motion
What are forced vibrations?
Repeated up and down oscillations, at the frequency of a driver. The amplitude of oscillations is small at high frequencies and large and low frequencies
What are free vibrations?
Oscillations that are not caused by a driver. An object will naturally oscillate at its natural frequency
What is overdamping?
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
What is a radian?
A unit of angle
What is 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
Define simple harmonic motion
Motion where the acceleration of an object is directly proportional, and in the opposite direction, to its displacement
What is underdamping?
A type of damping where energy is gradually removed from the system and the amplitude of oscillations slowly decreases
