b) Oscillation

ci) simple harmonic motion; defining equation a = -ω²x

f) the period of a simple harmonic oscillator is independent of its amplitude (isochronous oscillator)

oscillation

• object is in equilibrium

• a force is applied

• (part of) the object is displaced

  • travels towards equilibrium position at increasing speed

    • accelerating

  • passes the equilibrium position → slows down

  • reaches maximum positive displacement

  • travels towards the equilibrium position at increasing speed

    • accelerating

  • passes the equilibrium position → slows down

  • reaches maximum negative displacement

  • repeat

simple harmonic motion = an oscillation where a = -ω²x and ω is constant

• acceleration ∝ displacement

• acceleration acts opposite in direction to displacement

graph of acceleration against amplitude for an object in simple harmonic motion

gradient = -ω²

• constant gradient = constant frequency/period

frequency/period = independent of amplitude

• amplitude increases → speed increases → frequency/period remains constant

isochronous oscillator = an oscillator with a frequency/period independent of its amplitude