Oscillations

Question 1

Damping

Answer 1

An oscillation is damped when an external force acts on the oscillator that has the effect of reducing the amplitude of its oscillations

Question 2

Light damping

Answer 2

damping forces are small, oscillator amplitude gradually decreases (e.g pendulum in air)

Question 3

Heavy damping

Answer 3

amplitude decreases significantly and period increases slightly

Question 4

Free oscillations

Answer 4

Oscillation without any external forces - oscillate at natural frequency

Question 5

Forced oscillations

Answer 5

periodic driver is applied to an oscillator - oscillates at driving frequency

Question 6

Resonance

Answer 6

When driving frequency = natural frequency, object will resonate. Amplitude of oscillations will increase dramatically

Question 7

Effect of damping on oscillations

Answer 7

As damping increases, amplitude at any frequency decreases
Maximum amplitude occurs at a lower frequency than f0
Peak becomes flatter and broader