OSCILLATIONS

Question 1

Oscillate

Answer 1

To undertake continuous repeated movement.

Question 2

Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)

Answer 2

When the resultant force (and hence acceleration) acting upon an oscillating object is directed towards the equilibrium position and is directly proportional to the displacement from the equilibrium position.

Question 3

Damped oscillation

Answer 3

Oscillations where there is a transfer of energy from the system to the surroundings with each oscillation (due to work being done against frictional forces), reducing the amplitude over time.

Question 4

Driving Frequency

Answer 4

The frequency of an external force that causes a system to oscillate at that frequency

Question 5

Equilibrium position

Answer 5

The rest position of an object

Question 6

Natural frequency

Answer 6

The frequency at which an object will oscillate at if left to oscillate freely.

Question 7

Resonance

Answer 7

When an object is driven at its natural frequency so that it oscillates with a maximum amplitude. There is maximum energy transfer from the driver to the oscillating system.

Question 8

Free

Answer 8

When a system is left to oscillate at its natural frequency with no driving force applied

Question 9

Forced

Answer 9

The resulting oscillation when a periodic driving force is applied to an oscillating system. When oscillations are forced, the system oscillated at the driving frequency.