Oscillations & Mechanical Waves Flashcards
What are free oscillations?
Oscillations that occur naturally due to internal forces without any external influence.
What are forced oscillations?
Oscillations that occur when an external force drives the oscillating system.
Give an example of free oscillations.
A pendulum swinging without external force.
Give an example of forced oscillations.
Pushing a swing at a certain rhythm.
Define harmonic oscillation.
A type of oscillation where the displacement follows a sinusoidal function.
What is the harmonic oscillation equation?
X(t) = A sin(omega_0 t + phi) = A cos(omega_0 t + eta)
What does A represent in the harmonic oscillation equation?
Amplitude (maximum displacement).
What is the effect of damping on free oscillations?
Free oscillations are always damped due to internal resistance.
What are damped oscillations?
Oscillations where the amplitude decreases over time while the frequency remains constant.
What are non-damped oscillations?
Oscillations that occur with a constant amplitude indefinitely.
Define decrement of damping.
The ratio of the amplitude of two successive oscillations.
What is resonance?
When a system is driven at its natural frequency by an external force, causing significant amplitude increase.
What happens during resonance in living systems?
Can be harmful or facilitate natural rhythmic processes.
What are auto-oscillations?
Oscillations that occur at the system’s natural frequency without external forces.
What is the primary change during resonance?
Amplitude increases significantly.
What remains constant during resonance?
Frequency remains constant and equals the natural frequency of the system.
Define damped oscillation.
Occurs when an oscillating system experiences resistance forces causing amplitude to decrease over time.
What is a mechanical wave?
The transfer of energy through a medium caused by oscillations in the particles of the medium.
What is the formula for wavelength?
λ = V/T
What are longitudinal waves?
Waves where particles of the medium oscillate parallel to the direction of wave propagation.
What are transverse waves?
Waves where particles of the medium oscillate perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.
What happens to wave speed during refraction?
The speed of the wave changes when it passes from one medium to another.
What is reflection of waves?
Occurs when a wave encounters a boundary, causing it to return into the original medium.
What is diffraction of waves?
The bending of waves around obstacles or through slits.
List the basic properties of mechanical waves.
- Interference
- Diffraction
- Reflection
- Refraction
What is a wave front?
A surface representing points of equal phase in the wave.
What is a wave surface?
The three-dimensional counterpart to a wavefront.
What environment do mechanical waves require for propagation?
A medium (solid, liquid, or gas).
How does amplitude relate to sound waves?
Amplitude refers to the maximum displacement and is perceived as loudness.
What does frequency measure in oscillations?
The number of oscillations per unit of time (measured in Hz).
