Physics Waves and Simple Harmonic Motion Review

oscillation

A repetitive variation, typically in time, of some measure about a central value (equilibrium position)

vibration

A periodic back-and-forth movement of the particles of an elastic body or medium, commonly resulting in the production of sound

equilibrium position

The position where the net force on an object is zero and the object is in a state of balance. It's the point to which an oscillating system returns when undisturbed

displacement

The distance of an oscillating object from its equilibrium position at any given moment

amplitude

The maximum displacement of an oscillating object from its equilibrium position. It represents the intensity of the oscillation.

cycle

A complete sequence of events in an oscillating system, from a starting point through all possible states back to the starting point.

period

The time required for one complete cycle of an oscillation or wave. It is usually measured in seconds and is inversely proportional to frequency

frequency

The number of cycles of an oscillation or wave that occur per unit of time. It is usually measured in Hertz (Hz), where 1 Hz = 1 cycle per second.

simple harmonic motion

A type of periodic motion where the restoring force is directly proportional to the displacement and acts in the opposite direction. This results in sinusoidal motion. A classic example is a mass-spring system.

simple harmonic oscillator

A physical system that exhibits simple harmonic motion. Examples include a mass attached to a spring or a simple pendulum (under small angle approximations).

simple pendulum

A pendulum consisting of a point mass suspended from a fixed point by a massless, inextensible string. Its motion approximates simple harmonic motion for small angular displacements

forced vibrations

Vibrations that occur when an external force is applied to a system, causing it to oscillate at the frequency of the applied force.

resonance

A phenomenon that occurs when a system is driven by an external force at its natural frequency, resulting in a large amplitude oscillation. It's a condition where the driving frequency matches the natural frequency of the system.

resonant frequency

The specific frequency at which a system is most easily set into oscillation. It's the frequency at which resonance occurs, leading to maximum energy transfer and large amplitude vibrations.

wave pulse

A single, non-periodic disturbance that propagates through a medium. It's a short burst of energy that travels as a wave.

periodic wave

A continuous wave in which the displacement of the medium oscillates with time in a repeating pattern.

wavelength

The distance between two successive points in a wave that are in phase, such as two crests or two troughs.

wave velocity

The speed at which a wave propagates through a medium.

angle of reflection

The angle between the reflected ray and the normal (perpendicular line) to the reflecting surface at the point of incidence.

angle of incidence

The angle between the incident ray and the normal (perpendicular line) to the surface at the point of incidence.

interference

The phenomenon that occurs when two or more waves overlap in space, resulting in a combined wave with an amplitude that is either larger or smaller than the amplitudes of the individual waves.

principle of superposition

When two or more waves overlap in space, the displacement of the medium at any point is the sum of the displacements of the individual waves.

destructive interference

A type of interference that occurs when two waves are out of phase, resulting in a decrease in amplitude. If the waves are completely out of phase, they can cancel each other out.

constructive interference

A type of interference that occurs when two waves are in phase, resulting in an increase in amplitude.

phase

The position in a cycle of oscillation or wave at a particular point in time. It describes the relative timing of a wave.

in phase

When two or more waves have the same phase, meaning their crests and troughs align. They reach their maximum and minimum values at the same time and location.

out of phase

When two or more waves do not have the same phase, meaning their crests and troughs do not align. They reach their maximum and minimum values at different times and locations

standing wave

A wave that appears to stay in one place, formed by the interference of two waves traveling in opposite directions. It has fixed points of maximum and minimum amplitude.

nodes

Points along a standing wave where the amplitude is zero. These points remain stationary.

antinodes

Points along a standing wave where the amplitude is maximum. These points experience the greatest displacement.

natural frequencies

The frequencies at which a system will oscillate freely when disturbed. These frequencies depend on the physical properties of the system.

resonant frequencies

The frequencies at which a system is most easily set into oscillation, corresponding to its natural frequencies. When a system is driven at these frequencies, resonance occurs.

harmonics

Frequencies that are integer multiples of the fundamental frequency (first harmonic) in a periodic wave or oscillating system. They contribute to the complex sound or vibration of the system.

first harmonic

The lowest natural frequency of a vibrating object or system. It is also known as the fundamental frequency and determines the perceived pitch of a sound.

second harmonic

The harmonic with a frequency that is twice the fundamental frequency (first harmonic).

refraction

The change in direction of a wave as it passes from one medium to another due to a change in wave speed.

diffraction

The spreading of waves as they pass through an opening or around an obstacle. The amount of diffraction depends on the wavelength of the wave and the size of the opening or obstacle.