Oscillations

Question 1

Oscillate

Answer 1

To undertake continuously repeated movements

Question 2

Period

Answer 2

The time taken for one complete oscillation

Question 3

Simple Harmonic Motion

Answer 3

When a system is oscillating such that a force is trying to return the object to its centre position and this force is proportional to the distance that centre position

Question 4

Free Oscillation

Answer 4

Happens when a system performs oscillations, free from the influence of any forces from outside the system

Question 5

Natural Frequency

Answer 5

The frequency of oscillation that a system will take if it undergoes free oscillations

Question 6

Forced Oscillation

Answer 6

When a system oscillates under the influence of an external force

Question 7

Driving Frequency

Answer 7

The frequency of an external force applied to a system undergoing forced oscillations

Question 8

Resonance

Answer 8

Describes very large amplitude oscillations that occur when a driving frequency matches the natural frequency of a system

Question 9

Damped oscillations

Answer 9

Occur with each oscillation, there is a loss in energy and this reduces the amplitude over time

Question 10

Damping

Answer 10

The material, or system, causing energy loss during each damped oscillation

Question 11

Critically damped

Answer 11

System occurs when damping is such that the oscillator returns to its equilibrium position in the quickest possible time, without going past that position.