SHM and damping

Question 1

State the 2 conditions for SHM/ oscillations and the equation which links them

Answer 1

-The force acting on the object is directly proportional to the object’s displacement from the equilibrium position
-The force is always acting towards the equilibrium position( restoring force)
F = -kx

Question 2

What counts as one oscillation?

Answer 2

One oscillation is from equilibrium to highest point, to lowest point and back to equilibrium

Question 3

The equations for x, v and a apply to starting the timer when the object is at which position?

Answer 3

Maximum displacement

Question 4

What is the connection between time period/ frequency and amplitude?

Answer 4

Time period and frequency are independent of amplitude

Question 5

What element links circular motion with SHM?

Answer 5

Angular frequency (Rad s^-1)

Question 6

Describe the total energy in a SHM system, how it varies and the conditions this relies upon.

Answer 6

Total mechanical energy= Kinetic energy + Potential energy

Total energy remains constant

Because of conservation of energy

As long as the motion isn’t damped

Question 7

State what the type of potential energy depends on, give 3 examples of oscillating systems and their potential energy.

Answer 7

Type of potential energy depends on what is providing the restoring force
Pendulums: gravitational potential energy
Horizontal mass spring systems: elastic potential energy
Vertical mass spring systems: elastic and gravitational potential energy