Waves + SHM Flashcards
Displacement (for oscillations)
The distance and direction of an oscillating object from its rest position
Amplitude
The maximum displacement of an oscillating object from its rest position
Period
The time taken for an object to complete one oscillation
Frequency
The number of oscillations of a particle per unit time
Frequency is…
Independent of amplitude
Angular speed /Angular frequency
[ω]
The rate of change of angle expressed in radians per second.
=2π/T = 2πf
Phase difference
The fraction of an oscillation between two oscillating particles expressed in degrees or radians
Simple harmonic motion
Motion of an oscillator whose acceleration is directly proportional to displacement and directed towards the equilibrium position
On a graph of acceleration against displacement…
Straight line through the origin means acceleration is proportional to displacement. Negative gradient means acceleration and displacement are in opposite directions
Path difference
The difference in distance travelled for two waves coming from different sources but reaching the same point.
Simple harmonic motion equation
a = -(ω^2)x
a is acceleration
ω is angular frequency
x is displacement from the the equilibrium position
How to calculate maximum velocity during SHM?
V max = (angular frequency) x (amplitude)
In formula book
