Oscillations

Question 1

Simple Harmonic Motion

Answer 1

Simple harmonic motion is an oscillatory motion of a particle whose acceleration is proportional to its displacement from the equilibrium position and is always directed towards that position.

Question 2

Damped oscillation

Answer 2

A damped oscillation is an oscillation that loses energy due to dissipative forces like friction and air resistance.

Question 3

Light damping (underdamped)

Answer 3

Light damping (underdamped) is when the dissipative force is small so that definite oscillations still occur but the amplitude of oscillation decreases exponentially with time.

Question 4

Critical damping

Answer 4

Critical damping is when the dissipative force is of a critical value so that the system returns to equilibrium position in the shortest possible time without oscillation.

Question 5

Heavy damping

Answer 5

Heavy damping (overdamped) is when the dissipative force is large so that the system returns very slowly to equilibrium position without oscillation.

Question 6

Natural frequency

Answer 6

Natural frequency is the characteristic frequency at which a system oscillates when it is set into motion.

Question 7

Driving frequency

Answer 7

Driving frequency is the frequency of the external periodic force which replenishes the energy of an oscillating system.

Question 8

Forced oscillation

Answer 8

Forced oscillation occurs when an oscillating system is subjected to an external periodic force. It oscillates at the driving frequency of the applied force.

Question 9

Resonance

Answer 9

Resonance occurs when the driving frequency of the external periodic force equals the natural frequency of the oscillating system. There is maximum energy transfer and the system oscillates with maximum amplitude.