P18- Simple Harmonic Motion Flashcards
(28 cards)
What is simple harmonic motion?
An object is experiencing simple harmonic motion when its acceleration is directly proportional to displacement and in the opposite direction.
What is the equation that represents acceleration in simple harmonic motion?
a = − ω x
What does ‘a’ represent in the equation a = − ω x?
Acceleration
What does ‘ω’ represent in the equation a = − ω x?
Angular speed
What does ‘x’ represent in the equation a = − ω x?
Displacement from the equilibrium position
Give an example of a simple harmonic oscillator.
Simple pendulum
What is the equilibrium position in the context of a simple pendulum?
The central midpoint around which the pendulum oscillates
What is the amplitude of oscillations in a simple harmonic motion?
The maximum displacement from the equilibrium position
How is the time period (T) of a pendulum’s oscillation measured?
By measuring the time taken to move from equilibrium to maximum displacement and back
What is the formula for the time period of a simple pendulum?
T = 2π √(l / g)
What do the variables ‘l’ and ‘g’ represent in the pendulum time period formula?
‘l’ is the length of the string and ‘g’ is acceleration due to gravity
Why must the angle of displacement for a pendulum be less than 10°?
Because a small angle approximation is used in the derivation of the time period formula
What type of energy is transferred during the oscillations of a simple pendulum?
Gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy
What is the formula for the time period of a mass-spring system?
T = 2π √(m / k)
What do the variables ‘m’ and ‘k’ represent in the mass-spring system time period formula?
‘m’ is the mass and ‘k’ is the spring constant
What happens to energy in a simple harmonic motion system?
Kinetic energy is transferred to potential energy and back as the system oscillates.
At what point does a simple harmonic system have maximum potential energy?
At the amplitude of its oscillations
What is damping in the context of oscillations?
The loss of energy in an oscillating system to the environment, leading to reduced amplitude.
What are the three main types of damping?
- Light damping (under-damping)
- Critical damping
- Heavy damping (over-damping)
What is the definition of free vibrations?
Oscillations occurring without continuous external force acting on the system.
What are forced vibrations?
Oscillations caused by an external driving force acting on the system.
What occurs during resonance?
The amplitude of oscillations drastically increases due to energy gain from the driving force.
What is the significance of the driving frequency in forced vibrations?
It determines if resonance will occur when it matches the natural frequency of the system.
Provide an example of resonance in everyday life.
A swing being pushed at the right frequency to swing higher.
