Oscillations (M5) Flashcards
Energy graph of an oscillation
PE U shape
KE upside down U shape
Total E straight line
Free oscillation
The motion of a mechanical system displaced from its equilibrium position and then allowed to oscillate without and external forces.
Forced oscillation
An oscillation in which a periodic driver force is applied to an oscillator.
Phase difference
The difference in displacement between two oscillating objects or the displacement of an oscillating object at different times.
Symbol: phi
Isochronos oscillator
An oscillator that has the same period regardless of amplitude.
Defining equation for simple harmonic motion
SHM is a common kind of oscillating motion for which the acceleration of the object is given by
a = -w^2x where w^2 is constant.
Damping
An oscillation is damped when an external force that acts on the oscillator has the effect of reducing the amplitude of its oscillations.
Light damping
Damping that occurs when the damping forces are small and the period of the oscillations is almost unchanged.
Heavy damping
Damping that occurs when the damping forces are large and the period of the oscillations increases slightly with the rapid decrease in amplitude.
Resonance
The increase in amplitude of a forced oscillation when the driving frequency matches the natural frequency of the oscillating system.
Natural frequency
The frequency of a free oscillation
Driving frequency
The frequency of a driving force
Oscillating motion
Repetitive motion of an object around its equilibrium position.
Equilibrium position
The resting position of an object in an oscillation
Angular frequency
A quantity used in oscillating motion equal to the product of frequency and 2pi
Symbol: w
w = 2pif
w = 2pi/T
