The maximum displacement of particles from their normal position during a single period of oscillation.
One full repetition of oscillation. In a single cycle, the oscillating particle moves from a certain point in a certain direction, then switches direction and moves back to the original point. Typically, this is from the position of stable equilibrium to maximum displacement and back again to the stable equilibrium position.
The dissipation of energy during oscillation, which prevents an object from continuing in simple harmonic motion and will eventually force it to stop oscillating altogether. Damping is usually caused by friction.
The potential energy that a spring or a spring-like object possesses by virtue of its deformation from the state of equilibrium. Sometimes called strain potential energy, it is equal to ½ KS 2 , WHERE S is the distance stretched and k is a figure related to the size and composition of the material in question.
A state in which the vector sum for all lines of force on an object is equal to zero.
For a particle experiencing oscillation, frequency is the number of cycles that take place during one second. Frequency is measured in Hertz.
The force that resists motion when the surface of one object comes into contact with the surface of another.
The repeated movement of a particle within a position of equilibrium, or balance.
A unit for measuring frequency. The number of Hertz is the number of cycles per second.
The energy that an object possesses due to its motion, as with a sled, when sliding down a hill. This is contrasted with potential energy.
For an object in oscillation, maximum displacement is the furthest point from stable equilibrium. Since stable equilibrium is in the middle of a cycle, there are two points of maximum displacement. For a swing or pendulum, this occurs when the object is at its highest point on either side of the stable equilibrium position. Maximum displacement in a spring occurs when the spring is either stretched or compressed as far as it will go.
A type of harmonic motion, typically periodic, in one or more dimensions.
The amount of time required for one cycle in oscillating motion—for instance, from a position of maximum displacement to one of stable equilibrium, and, once again, to maximum displacement.
Motion that is repeated at regular intervals. These intervals are known as periods.
The energy that an object possesses due to its position, as for instance, with a sled at the top of a hill. This is contrasted with kinetic energy.
A force that directs an object back to a position of stable equilibrium. An example is the resistance of a spring, when it is extended.
Harmonic motion, in which a particle moves back and forth about a stable equilibrium position under the influence of a restoring force proportional to its displacement. Simple harmonic motion is, in fact, an ideal situation; most types of oscillation are subject to some form of damping.
A type of equilibrium in which, if an object were disturbed, it would tend to return to its original position. For an object in oscillation, stable equilibrium is in the middle of a cycle, between two points of maximum displacement.
A quantity that possesses both magnitude and direction.
A calculation that yields the net result of all the vectors applied in a particular situation. Because direction is involved, it is necessary when calculating the vector sum of forces on an object (as, for instance, when determining whether or not it is in a state of equilibrium), to assign a positive value to forces in one direction, and a negative value to forces in the opposite direction. If the object is in equilibrium, these forces will cancel one another out.
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