Oscillations

Question 1

Critical damping

Answer 1

Where the oscillations stop and return to equilibrium in the quickest time possible

Question 2

Damping

Answer 2

When the energy in SHM is not kept as KE or PE and the total energy is not constant

Question 3

Free vibrations

Answer 3

When a system oscillates without a driving force
Occurs at the natural frequency of the system

Question 4

Forced vibrations

Answer 4

When a system is forced to oscillate by an external driving force

Question 5

Light damping

Answer 5

Where the amplitude of oscillations reduces slowly
E.g. due to friction or air resistance

Question 6

Natural frequency

Answer 6

Frequency at which a system naturally vibrates

Question 7

Overdamping

Answer 7

When damping is greater than critical damping, taking a longer time to return to equilibrium position

Question 8

Pendulum oscillator

Answer 8

Mass on a string that oscillates with SHM
Time period is dependent on mass and initial displacement

Question 9

Resonance

Answer 9

When the driving force is at the natural frequency of the system causing maximum energy transfer resulting in maximum amplitude
Driving force is pi/2 radians ahead in phase of the oscillations

Question 10

SHM, simple harmonic motion

Answer 10

Mechanical process where the force on an object is proportional to the negative displacement from equilibrium position
There is always a restoring force towards the equilibrium position that is proportional to the extension

Question 11

Spring oscillator

Answer 11

A mass on a spring that oscillates with SHM
Time period is independent of gravitational field strength and the initial displacement