Further Mechanics

Question 1

Conditions for Simple Harmonic Motion

Answer 1

acceleration is proportional to displacement

acts in the opposite direction

Question 2

Define Free Vibration

Answer 2

No force acting other than internal force

Natural Frequency

Question 3

Define Forced Vibration

Answer 3

Oscillator is acted on by a periodic external driving force

Question 4

What is Resonance?

Answer 4

When the frequency of the applied force to an oscillating system is wueal to it’s natural frequency, the amplitude of the resulting oscillations increases significantly.

Question 5

Implications of Resonance

Answer 5

Soldiers must break step when crossing Bruges and vehicles must be designed so there are no unwanted vibrations

Question 6

Define Damping.

Answer 6

Where energy in a oscillating system is lost to the environment, leading to reduced amplitude of oscillations.

(when a force opposes motion)

Question 7

What are the 3 types of damping?

Answer 7

1. Light/Under-damping - gradual decrease of amplitude

2.Critical - reduces the amplitude to zero in the shortest possible time without oscillating

3. Heavy/Over-Damping - amplitude reduces slower then critical damping without any additional oscillations

Question 8

How does the spring constant (k) change for two springs in parallel and in series?

Answer 8

Parrelel - 2k

Series - k/2