Chapter 15 & 16

Oscillations and Waves

Describing oscillations
(or periodic motion)

Here are
some
examples
of periodic
motion.
How do
they
differ?

Position

Repeating pattern (in time)

The motion can cover a large or small range

time

The body has lots of periodic systems

Electrocardiogram
EEG traces

Period of oscillation

Period = Time taken for one complete cycle [e.g. in seconds]

Frequency = Number of cycles per second [cycles/sec = hertz]
T = 1/f

Amplitude
a.
b.
c.

Which has the largest period?

Which has the largest frequency?
Amplitude = maximum distance from equilibrium

Restoring Force
Need a stable equilibrium
for an oscillation
Restoring force always
returns oscillator to center
Size of restoring force will
control how fast the object
moves
Inertia of object will slow
down the motion

Force & Energy in a Spring - reminder

F =

F =

kx

kxm

In a spring, the acceleration is not constantits

proportional to the displacement from
equilibrium:

F
a=
=
m

k
x
m

This is a special relationship and defines a specific

kind of oscillatory motion:
SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

As well see, this kind of oscillation is quite common; lots of

systems have acceleration that is (at least approximately)
proportional to displacement. We therefore study S.H.M. in
detail.

Experimental observations on springs

Begin from the written instructions, and measure the
value of k for your spring.
Find and record the amplitude and period, as described.
You have 12 minutes.

Velocity and acceleration

At what points in the motion is velocity a maximum?
Compare the position and velocity graphs to back up
your conclusion.
At what points is acceleration maximum? Compare
position and acceleration graphs to back up your
conclusion.
Where is acceleration zero? Why?
You have about 5 minutes.

Does period depend on amplitude?

That is, does a large vibration have a different period
from a small vibration, if all else stays the same?
Decide how you can answer this question using your
apparatus; then take data that will give you that
answer.
You have about 10 minutes.

Does period depend on mass?

Double the mass and check the period again
Quadruple the mass and check the period again
How does mass affect period?
You have about 10 minutes.

Conclusions:

Describing SHM
d2 x
=
2
dt

k
x
m

An example of a differential
equation!

Think of x(t) as a function of time, as usual

We want the specific function x(t) that is
appropriate for SHM
The function we want has a second derivative that
is proportional to itself, but with a minus sign
Think of such a function and try it in the equation
to see if it works, and to identify the constants

Solutions are trigonometric functions:

p
x(t) = A cos( k/m x + )

Simple Harmonic Motion:

All simple harmonic motion has these properties:
Displacement is a sinusoidal function of time:

x(t) = A cos(!t + )
! = 2f
A = amplitude = p
phase
For a spring, ! =
k/m

(Yes, its an angular

frequency!)

The frequency depends only on fixed properties of

the system and is independent of amplitude
Almost any natural vibration is approximately simple
harmonic, so we use this all the time!

Speed and acceleration

Initial E is potential and

given by spring
displacement

At a later point, the

energy is both KE and
PE

v=

k 2
(A
m

x2 )

Connection to circular motion:

One component of the

balls position on the
turntable is the position
of the shadow

The x-position of an object in uniform circular

motion undergoes SHM

We often use the idea

of the reference circle
to talk about SHM
This is why can be
called an angular
frequency, and why we
can measure a cycle
using angle

Period T = time for one oscillation

For spring:

T = 2

Define frequency f = 1/T

1
1
f=
=
T
2

m
k

k
m

2
!T = 2 ) ! =
) ! = 2f
T

Harmonic Oscillations in general:

x = A cos(2f t)

Fixed by properties of
system

Depends on how much

energy the system gets

How is f fixed by system properties? Recall

strength of restoring force

a=
x
mass
Turned out to be 2

So in general

f = 2

stiness or strength
inertia