Simple Harmonic Oscillations Flashcards
Define simple harmonic motion
Motion of an oscillator, where its acceleration is directly proportional to its displacement from its equilibrium position and is directed towards that position
What is the equation for simple harmonic motion?
a = – ((2πf)^2)x
What is the relationship between frequency and time period for simple harmonic motion?
Time period = 1/frequency
Examples of free oscillations
Plucking a guitar string, striking a tuning fork. These will vibrate at their natural frequency
Define amplitude
The maximum displacement from the equilibrium position
Define time period
The time taken for one complete oscillation
Define frequency
The number of oscillations per unit time
Define displacement
Distance from equilibrium position
Describe phase and phase difference
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
What is the angular frequency?
The frequency of the oscillation expressed in radians per second. Frequency in Hertz can be converted to angular frequency by dividing by 2pir
