Oscillations

Question 1

Simple Harmonic Motion

Answer 1

-acceleration proportional to displacement and in opposite direction
-acceleration always directed to equilibrium position

Question 2

Damped Oscillation

Answer 2

a pendulum slows down over time due to resistive forces opposing the direction of motion, therefore decreasing amplitude

Question 3

Light Damping

Answer 3

several oscillations required before amplitude reaches zero. Time period unaffected

Question 4

Heavy Damping

Answer 4

amplitude reaches zero over one or two oscillations. period is slightly stretched

Question 5

Critical Damping

Answer 5

oscillation gently returns to equilibrium position

Question 6

Free Oscillations

Answer 6

unaffected by external forces and occurs at the oscillation’s natural frequency

Question 7

Forced Oscillations

Answer 7

driven by an external driving force/frequency

Question 8

Natural Frequency

Answer 8

the frequency at which an object will oscillate after an initial disturbance