Oscillations Definitions Flashcards
Define displacement
Distance from the equilibrium position
Define amplitude
Maximum displacement
Define Period
Duration of a complete oscillation
Define Frequency
Number of complete oscillations per unit time
Define Phase difference
Difference in displacement of two oscillating objects in radians
Define Simple Harmonic Motion
Motion in which an objects acceleration is directly propoortional to its displacement from and always orientated towards the equilibrium position.
Define Isochronous oscillator
An oscillator who’s period is idenpendant of the amplitude
Define Light dampening
- amplitude decreases over time
- constant period
Define Heavy dampening
- amplitude decreases very quickly
- Slightly increased period
Define Critical dampening
-return to the equilibrium as quickly as possible
Define Free Oscillation
System oscillates at the natural frequency
Define Forced Oscillation
System oscillates at the driven frequency
Define Resonance
The increase in amplitude when the driven frequency is equal to the natural frequency
