Physics Paper 1- Oscillations

• Define Displacement

  The distance from the equilibrium Position
• Define amplitude

  Maximum displacement
• Define Period

  Time taken for a complete oscillation
• Define Frequency

  Number of oscillations per second
• What are the conditions for SHM?

  Amplitude directly proportional to displacement
• What is constant that links acceleration and displacement?

  Angular velocity
• When is velocity at a maximum in a SHM system?


  At the equilibrium position
• What is the gradient of a displacement time graph?

  Velocity
• Define damping

  A process which the amplitude of oscillations decreases over time
• What is damping due to?

  Energy loss due to resistive forces
• What are the three types of damping?

  Critical

  Heavy

  Light
• What is a forced oscillation ?

  when a periodic driving force is applied to the object
• Define resonance

  When the driving frequency of an object is the same as the natural frequency of an object
• What occurs to an object if its resonating?

  The amplitude of oscillations rapidly increase
• What type of damping would a liquid such as water be?

  Heavy damping
• What is an example of critical damping?

  Shock absorbers in a car