Simple Harmonic Motion Flashcards
What is an oscillation?
Something that moves backward and forward at a constant frequency.
What are free vibrations?
Oscillations that are free from frictional forces and have a constant amplitude.
How do you calculate the phase difference between two oscillating systems with the same frequency?
ϕ = 2πΔt/T
What is simple harmonic motion?
An oscillating motion where acceleration is: proportional to displacement and opposite to the direction of displacement.
When is an oscillating system damped?
When dissipating forces such as friction or air resistance are present and the amplitude decreases.
What does a damped oscillator mean?
An oscillator where friction is not negligible and amplitude is not constant.
What is light damping?
There is a small amount of friction so that one oscillation is slightly lesser in amplitude than the previous one.
What is heavy damping?
The system returns to equilibrium slowly with no full oscillation after being released from a displacement.
What is critical damping?
The object will return to equilibrium as fast as possible.
What is the natural frequency of a system?
The frequency a system oscillates at without a periodic force.
