Simple Harmonic Oscillation

Question 1

Simple harmonic motion

Answer 1

Oscillatory motion in which acceleration is opposite and proportional to displacement from equilibrium

acceleration is proportional to negative displacement

Question 2

Characteristics of simple harmonic motion

Answer 2

• period and amplitude constant
• period independent of amplitude
• displacement,velocity and acceleration are sine or cosine functions of time

Question 3

Period

Answer 3

Time for one oscillation

Question 4

Frequency

Answer 4

Number of complete oscillations per second in Hertz (Hz)

Question 5

Relationship between period and frequency

Answer 5

F = 1/T
T = 1/F

Question 6

Amplitude

Answer 6

Maximum displacement from equilibrium position in metres

Question 7

Phase difference definition

Answer 7

Difference in displacement between two waves moving in the same direction

Given in terms of angle φ

Question 8

Phase difference formula

Answer 8

φ = shift/T * 360°

Shift: time difference between the two waves when crossing the x-axis

Question 9

Pulse

Answer 9

a single disturbance transferring energy from one point to another

Question 10

Transverse wave

Answer 10

particles of medium move in a direction perpendicular to the direction the wave moves

Question 11

Which waves are transverse

Answer 11

• All electromagnetic waves
• Water
• Waves on a string/rope

Question 12

Longitudinal wave

Answer 12

particles of medium move in a direction parallel to the direction the wave moves

Question 13

Wave equation linking speed, frequency and wavelength?

Answer 13

Speed = wavelength * frequency
V = λf

Question 14

Compression

Answer 14

Area of wave where there is high pressure and particles are closely packed together

Question 15

Rarefaction

Answer 15

Area of wave with low pressure where particles are far apart from each other

Question 16

Speed of light and all electromagnetic waves?

Answer 16

3.0 * 10⁸ m/s