1 - Oscillations

Question 1

What is oscillatory motion?

Answer 1

Oscillatory motion = a periodic motion during which an object moves around an equilibrium position

Question 2

What does the restoring force do?

Answer 2

The restoring force causes the object to repeatedly overshoot the equilibrium position, and thus oscillate around it.

Question 3

What is simple harmonic motion?

Answer 3

Simple harmonic motion (SHM) = oscillatory motion for which the restoring force is linearly proportional to the displacement from the equilibrium position.

Question 4

What is a harmonic oscillator?

Answer 4

An object (or a system) that undergoes simple harmonic motion is called a harmonic oscillator.

Question 5

Where does maximum speed occur?

Answer 5

equilibrium position (x=0)

Question 6

Where does maximum acceleration occur?

Answer 6

turning points (x=+/- A)

Question 7

What is spring force?

Answer 7

The restoring force that makes the mass oscillate for a mass attached to a spring

Question 8

When is the total energy all in the form of potential?

Answer 8

at the turning points (x=+/-A)

E=1/2kA^2

Question 9

When is the total energy all in the form of kinetic?

Answer 9

at the equilibrium position (x=0

E=1/2m(vmax)^2

Question 10

What is the restoring force of a pendulum?

Answer 10

The restoring force that pulls the pendulum towards the equilibrium position is the tangential component of the force of gravity.