17.1 Oscillations

Oscillations

Oscillation

An oscillation is the repetitive variation with time of the displacement of an object about the equilibrium position

Key Terms

Example: A simple pendulum.

Equilibrium position ( $x=0$)

The position where there is no resultant force acting on the object

Displacement ( $x$)

Distance from equilibrium position in a given direction

Amplitude ( $x_0$)

Maximum displacement from equilibrium position

Period ( $T$)

Time for one complete oscillation

Frequency ( $f$)

Number of complete oscillations per unit time

Angular Frequency $\omega$)

Angular frequency = $2\pi \times frequency$

Phase Difference ( $\varphi$)

Difference in the stage of oscillation between two points in radians