Module 5 - Circular motion and oscillations

Question 1

Simple Harmonic Motion

Answer 1

An oscillation in which the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to its displacement from the midpoint, and is directed towards the midpoint.

Question 2

Displacement

Answer 2

Varies as cosine or sine wave with maximum value, A

Question 3

Velocity

Answer 3

Gradient of the displacement-time graph, has a maximum value wA

Question 4

Acceleration

Answer 4

Gradient of the velocity-time graph, has a maximum value w^2A

Question 5

Phase difference

Answer 5

A measure of how much one wave lags behind another wave and can be measured in radians, degrees or fractions of a cycle

Question 6

Free vibrations

Answer 6

Involve no transfer of energy to or from surroundings.

Question 7

Forced vibrations

Answer 7

External driving force causing the oscillations.

Question 8

Resonance

Answer 8

When the driving frequency is the same as the natural frequency of the system and so has an increased amplitude.

Question 9

Critical damping

Answer 9

Reduces the amplitude in the shortest possible time.

Question 10

Overdamping

Answer 10

Systems with heavier damping than critical damping take longer to return to equilibrium than critically damped systems.