Chapter 10: Oscillations

Question 1

Define simple harmonic motion

Answer 1

For a particle performing simple hamonic motion, there are 2 conditions that must be satisfied:
1. The acceleration is directly proportional to the displacement from equilibrium position.
2. The acceleration is always directed towards the equilibrium position OR the direction of acceleration is always opposite to the displacement from equilibrium position

Question 2

Define free oscillation

Answer 2

In a free oscillation, there is neither resistive forces nor driving forces acting on the system. Thus, total energy is always constant and it oscillates with a constant amplitude. Natural frequency is the frequency at which a body will vibrate when there is no driving force or external force acting on it.

Question 3

Define damped oscillation

Answer 3

A damped oscillation is one which experiences resistive or dissipative forces. The oscillation loses energy until it comes to a stop.

Question 4

Define forced oscillation

Answer 4

A forced oscillation is one that is driven by an external periodic driving oscillator or driver. There is continuous energy input to the oscillating system by the driver, and the system oscillates at the frequency of the driver

Question 5

Define resonance

Answer 5

Resonance is the phenomenon in which there is a maximum transfer of energy from the driver to the oscillating system in a forced oscillation. The oscillating system achieves maximum amplitude during resonance. For an undamped system, resonance occurs when the driving frequency equals the natural frequency of the oscillating system