oscillations Flashcards
State by reference to displacement, what is meant by simple harmonic motion.
-Acceleration is proportional to displacement.
-Accecleration and displacement are in negative directions.
In a SMH system describe the interchange between kinetic and gravitational potential energy.
-The sum of kinetic and gravitational potential energy is always constant.
-At maximum displacement the kinetic energy is zero and potential energy is at its maximum.
-At zero displacement kinetic energy is at its maximum and potential is at its minimum.
Define resonance
Resonance is the maximum amplitude of vibration of an oscillating body when the forced frequency equals the natural frequency. The frequency of the object in resonance is called the resonant frequency.
Define forced frequency
Frequency at which an object is made to vibrate/oscillate.
Define natural frequency
Frequency at which an object vibrates when it is free to do so.
Define Period
The time taken for one complete oscillation or vibration.
Define Frequency
The number of oscillations per unit time.
Define Amplitude
The maximum displacement.
Define displacement
The distance from the equilibrium position.
Define free oscillations
A particle is said to be undergoing free oscillations when the only external force acting on it is the restoring force. (vibrating at its natural frequency).
When are oscillations damped?
When there are resistive forces causing the oscillator’s energy to be dissipated, eventually converted into thermal energy.
Define light damping
Amplitude decreases gradually
Define heavy damping
The oscillations will die away more quickly
Define critically damped
The displacement decreases to zero in the shortest time, without any oscillation.
