Simple Harmonic Oscillations

Question 1

Define simple harmonic motion

Answer 1

Motion of an oscillator, where its acceleration is directly proportional to its displacement from its equilibrium position and is directed towards that position

Question 2

What is the equation for simple harmonic motion?

Answer 2

a = – ((2πf)^2)x

Question 3

What is the relationship between frequency and time period for simple harmonic motion?

Answer 3

Time period = 1/frequency

Question 4

Examples of free oscillations

Answer 4

Plucking a guitar string, striking a tuning fork. These will vibrate at their natural frequency

Question 5

Define amplitude

Answer 5

The maximum displacement from the equilibrium position

Question 6

Define time period

Answer 6

The time taken for one complete oscillation

Question 7

Define frequency

Answer 7

The number of oscillations per unit time

Question 8

Define displacement

Answer 8

Distance from equilibrium position

Question 9

Describe phase and phase difference

Answer 9

Phase describes the point that an oscillating mass has reached within the complete cycle of an oscillation. The phase difference is the difference between the phases of two oscillations

Question 10

What is the angular frequency?

Answer 10

The frequency of the oscillation expressed in radians per second. Frequency in Hertz can be converted to angular frequency by dividing by 2pir