Oscillation / Waves Flashcards
Amplitude
The maximum displacement from the equilibrium position
Period
Time taken to complete one cycle of oscillation
Frequency
Number of complete cycles per second made by the oscillating object
Simple harmonic motion
Oscillatory motion of a body whose acceleration is directly proportional to its displacement from the equilibrium position and is opposite in direction from its displacement
Resonance
The tendency of a system to oscillate at maximum amplitude when the driver frequency matches the natural frequency
Forced oscillation
When the system is forced to oscillate at a frequency other than the natural frequency by a periodic external force
Natural frequency
The frequency of oscillation when a system oscillates freely without any external force applied
Displacement
The distance of the oscillating object from its equilibrium position at any instant
Wavelength
Distance between corresponding points in successive waveforms, such as two successive crests or troughs
Intensity
Amount of energy incident per unit area per unit time
Phase
The state of motion of the particle with respect to other particles in the same wave or another wave
Transverse wave
Propagation of disturbance in which the direction of propagation of the wave is perpendicular to its vibrations.
Longitudinal wave
One in which particles of the medium move in a direction parallel to the direction of travel of the wave
Polarized waves
All particles vibrate in the same plane at all times
Electromagnetic radiation
A self-propagating transverse wave in space with electrical and magnetic components
