Oscillations definitions

Question 1

Simple harmonic motion

Answer 1

The motion of a particle about a fixed point such that its acceleration is proportional to its displacement from the fixed point and always directed towards the point

Question 2

Free oscillation

Answer 2

Occurs when an object oscillates with no resistive forces and driving forces acting on it. Its total energy and amplitude remains constant with time

Question 3

Forced oscillation

Answer 3

Are produced when a body is subjected to a periodic external driving force and is made to oscillate at the frequency of the driving force, which may not be its natural frequency

Question 4

Damping

Answer 4

The process whereby energy is removed from an oscillating system

Question 5

Angular frequency

Answer 5

The rate of change of phase angle of the oscillation, and is equal to the product of 2pi and its frequency

Question 6

Resonance

Answer 6

Occurs when a system responds at maximum amplitude to an external driving force, when the frequency of the driving force is equal to the natural frequency of the driven system