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Vibration
A back and forth motion, like a pendulum or mass on a spring.
Period (T)
The time it takes to complete one cycle of motion.
Frequency (f)
The number of cycles the mass makes per second.
Relationship between frequency and period
T = 1/f or f = 1/T.
Amplitude
The distance the mass travels between its maximum (or minimum) position and its equilibrium position.
Natural frequency
The frequency at which an object naturally oscillates.
Resonance
The condition in which an oscillating system's amplitude increases due to periodic force applied at its natural frequency.
Transverse wave
A wave where the medium vibrates perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.
Longitudinal wave
A wave where the medium vibrates in the same direction as the wave.
Wave pulse
A one-time disturbance traveling through a medium.
Wave train
A continuous wave created by multiple disturbances.
Equilibrium position
The resting position of a mass in an oscillating system.
Cycles
Complete back and forth movements of a mass on a spring.
Oscillating system
A system that moves back and forth regularly.
Energy transport
Waves carry energy from one place to another without transporting matter.
Compression
Regions in a longitudinal wave where particles are closest together.
Rarefaction
Regions in a longitudinal wave where particles are furthest apart.
Mass/spring system
A simple oscillatory system where a mass is attached to a spring.
Child on a swing
An example of resonance where a child must pump legs at the natural frequency to increase amplitude.
Disturbance
An event that initiates a wave by disrupting a medium.
