Topic 4.1: Kinematics of Simple Harmonic Motion

Question 1

Define oscillations

Answer 1

o An oscillation is any motion in which the displacement of a particle from a fixed point keeps changing direction and there is a periodicity in the motion i.e. the motion repeats in some way.

Question 2

Define displacement

Answer 2

o displacement (x) – distance from the equilibrium or zero point

Question 3

Define amplitude

Answer 3

o amplitude (x0) – maximum displacement from the equilibrium or zero point

Question 4

Define frequency

Answer 4

o frequency (f) – How many oscillations are completed in one second, equal to the inverse of the period

Question 5

Define period

Answer 5

o period (T) – time it takes to complete one oscillation and return to starting point

Question 6

Define phase difference

Answer 6

o phase (�) – the difference between the actual position of a sine wave at t=0 and zero. The value of � determines the displacement at t=0