Lecture Notes on Oscillations

These flashcards cover key concepts related to oscillations as described in the lecture notes.

What is displacement in terms of oscillations?

Displacement is the distance from the equilibrium position.

Define amplitude in oscillations.

Amplitude is the maximum displacement from the equilibrium position.

What does the period (T) represent in oscillations?

Period T is the time taken to complete one full oscillation.

What is frequency (f) in the context of oscillations?

Frequency f is the number of oscillations per unit time.

What is phase difference (ϕ)?

Phase difference is the fraction of an oscillation between the position of two oscillating objects.

How is angular frequency (ω) defined?

Angular frequency is the rate of change of angular position.

What characterizes simple harmonic motion?

In simple harmonic motion, the acceleration is directly proportional to the displacement from the equilibrium position and acts towards it.

What is the key equation for simple harmonic motion?

The key equation is a = -ω²x, where a is acceleration, ω is angular frequency, and x is displacement.

What does the negative sign in the SHM equation indicate?

The negative sign indicates that the direction of acceleration is always towards the equilibrium position.

What is an isochronous oscillation?

An isochronous oscillation has a period that is independent of the amplitude.

How can the frequency of an oscillator be determined?

The frequency is equal to the reciprocal of the period.

What technique can be used to improve the accuracy of period measurement?

Measure the time for 10 oscillations and divide by 10.

What is a fiducial marker used for in measuring oscillations?

A fiducial marker indicates the starting and stopping point for timings.

What is the equation for displacement in simple harmonic motion?

The equations are x = A sin(ωt) and x = A cos(ωt), depending on the initial position.

How is the velocity of an oscillator determined at a given time?

The velocity is determined by finding the gradient of the graph at that point.

When does the maximum velocity of the oscillator occur?

Maximum velocity occurs at the equilibrium position.

Where does maximum acceleration occur in an oscillator?

Maximum acceleration occurs at the amplitude points.

What is the relationship between kinetic and potential energy in SHM?

Energy is exchanged between kinetic and potential forms; max kinetic energy occurs at equilibrium, max potential energy at amplitude.

What is damping in simple harmonic motion?

Damping is the process by which the amplitude of oscillations decreases over time due to resistive forces.

What occurs during light damping?

In light damping, the amplitude decreases exponentially.

What is defined as free oscillation?

Free oscillation occurs when an object oscillates without any external forces applied.

What distinguishes forced oscillation from free oscillation?

Forced oscillation occurs when a periodic driving force is applied to an object.

What happens during resonance?

Resonance occurs when the driving frequency matches the object's natural frequency, leading to rapid amplitude increase.

What happens to amplitude as damping increases?

As damping increases, amplitude decreases at all frequencies.

How can resonance be investigated experimentally?

By suspending a mass between springs and using an oscillation generator to gradually increase the driver frequency.

When does maximum amplitude occur in the resonance experiment?

Maximum amplitude occurs when the driver frequency matches the natural frequency of the system.