Simple Harmonic Motion

Question 1

Describe how an object moves if it is oscillating.

Answer 1

An object will repeatedly move one way and then in the opposite direction through the equilibrium position

Question 2

What are free vibrations?

Answer 2

Where the amplitude of an oscillating object is constant but no frictional forces are present.

Question 3

What is the frequency?

Answer 3

The number of cycles made per second by an oscillating object.

Question 4

What is the amplitude?

Answer 4

The maximum displacement of an object from the equilibrium position.

Question 5

How do you calculate phase difference?

Answer 5

2πΔt / T
Δt = change in time between two points where both objects are at the same amplitude
T = time period

Question 6

When at maximum displacement, what is the velocity at?

Answer 6

The velocity is at it’s minimum when the object is at it’s maximum displacement.

Question 7

When at equilibrium position, what is the velocity at?

Answer 7

The velocity is at it’s maximum when the object is at it’s equilibrium position

Question 8

What is acceleration proportional to?

Answer 8

Acceleration is proportional to negative displacement.

Question 9

What is simple harmonic motion?

Answer 9

Acceleration that is proportional to the displacement but is in the opposite direction to the displacement.

Question 10

How do we calculate displacement using cosine?

Answer 10

x = Acos(ωt)
x = displacement
ω = angular velocity
t = time
A = amplitude

Question 11

How do we calculate the velocity of an object at any displacement?

Answer 11

v =±√(A²-x²)