Oscillation Definition and 769 Threads

Oscillation is the repetitive variation, typically in time, of some measure about a central value (often a point of equilibrium) or between two or more different states. The term vibration is precisely used to describe mechanical oscillation. Familiar examples of oscillation include a swinging pendulum and alternating current.
Oscillations occur not only in mechanical systems but also in dynamic systems in virtually every area of science: for example the beating of the human heart (for circulation), business cycles in economics, predator–prey population cycles in ecology, geothermal geysers in geology, vibration of strings in guitar and other string instruments, periodic firing of nerve cells in the brain, and the periodic swelling of Cepheid variable stars in astronomy.

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  1. K

    How Do You Calculate Maximum Speed in Spring Oscillations?

    [SOLVED] More Spring oscillation Homework Statement A 2.20 kg mass is attached to a spring and placed on a horizontal, smooth surface. A horizontal force of 17.6 N is required to hold the mass at rest when it is pulled 0.200 m from its equilibrium position (the origin of the x axis). The mass...
  2. M

    Oscillation of Magnet: Physical Factors & Improvement

    hi there , When a North Pole of a magnet is made to oscillate in the direction of Earth's North Pole magnetic field. Also When a south pole of a magnet is made to oscillate in the direction of Earth's north pole magnetic field . I then measure both of there period of oscillation When doing...
  3. K

    Spring Oscillation: Solve for Speed at t = 0.820s

    Hello, Ive been working on some oscillation problems and i got a couple of them correct (im suspecting flukes) but i can't get past this one: The position of a mass that is oscillating on a spring is given by (17.5cm)cos[(11.0s^-1)t]. What is the speed of the mass when t = 0.820 s? I...
  4. W

    Particle oscillation and energy (potential/kinetic)

    A particle oscillates back and forth in a frictionless bowl whose height is given by h(x) = 0.22x2 where h and x are meters. (a) Show graphically how the potential and kinetic energies of the particle vary with x. (b) Where does the particle have maximum kinetic energy? (c) If the maximum...
  5. N

    Gravitational force and oscillation question

    Part1-A tunnel is bored through the center of a planet, as shown in the figure. (This drawing is NOT to scale and the size of the tunnel is greatly exaggerated.) Assume that the planet is a homogenous sphere with a total mass M = 3.5x 1024 kg and a radius R = 6600 km. A package of mass m = 7.5...
  6. T

    Damped Oscillation with a Driving Force (Help)

    Homework Statement A sinusoidally varying driving force is applied to a damped harmonic oscillator of force constant k and mass m. If the damping constant has a value b_1, the amplitude is A_1 when the driving angular frequency equals sqrt (k/m). In terms of A_1, what is the amplitude for...
  7. S

    Dampened Harmonic Motion and oscillation

    [SOLVED] Dampened Harmonic Motion Homework Statement A mass M is suspended from a spring and oscillates with a period of 0.900 s. Each complete oscillation results in an amplitude reduction of a factor of 0.985 due to a small velocity dependent frictional effect. Calculate the time it takes...
  8. T

    Oscillation frequency of circuit

    [SOLVED] oscillation frequency of circuit Homework Statement An L-C circuit containing an 83.0 \rm mH inductor and a 1.50 \rm nF capacitor oscillates with a maximum current of 0.800 A. Calculate the oscillation frequency of the circuit. Homework Equations \omega =...
  9. F

    Physics I- impossible question on oscillation (help needed).

    The question is "The magnitude of the gravitational acceleration inside Earth is given approximately by g(r) = g_0(r/R_E), where g_0 is the surface value, r is the distance from Earth's center, and R_E is Earth's radius; the acceleration is directed toward Earth's center. Suppose a narrow...
  10. M

    Quality Factor in damped oscillation

    Working through my lecture summaries, I have been given that Q (the quality factor) =\frac{2\pi}{(\Delta E/E)cycle} and accepted this as a statement, taking \((\Delta E/E)cycle} to mean the 'energy loss per cycle'. The notes carry on to say 'The frequency \widetilde{\omega} of...
  11. T

    Find the ratio of mass spring, oscillation problem

    Homework Statement Two identical springs have attached mass M1 on the one and mass m2 on the other. We found that the psrings with mass m1 osciallates with a 2/5 frequency of the other spring.. Find the ratio of the mass of spring B to that of spring A ( M2/M1) Can someone work this out...
  12. P

    Mechanical oscillation task

    Hi everybody! I have a big question for you, I have been staring me blind on this problem I got. And wonder if someof you could help mee with it? the guestion is this: "Find the time dependent oscillation u(t) for time t>0 for a damped system with one degree of freedome where c=50 kg/s...
  13. P

    How to Determine u(t) for a Damped System with Step Function Force?

    Hi everybody! I have a big question for you, I have been staring me blind on this problem I got. And wonder if someof you could help mee with it? the guestion is this: "Find the time dependent oscillation u(t) for time t>0 for a damped system with one degree of freedome where c=50 kg/s...
  14. W

    Berry's phase of bloch oscillation

    we know in bloch oscillation, the wavefunction of an electron returns to its initial state after a period, but up to a phase. my question is, can this phase be nontrivial?
  15. K

    Hoop Radius for 2.0s Oscillation | SHM Object Time Calculation

    We want to support a thin hoop by a horizontal nail and have the hoop make one complete small-angle oscillation each 2.0s . What must the hoop's radius be (in meters) ? and An object is undergoing SHM with period 0.260 s and amplitude 5.55 cm. At t=0 the object is instantaneously at...
  16. ~christina~

    What Is the Amplitude and Period in Forced Oscillation?

    [SOLVED] Forced Oscillation Q Homework Statement A 2.00kg object attatched to a spring moves without friction and is driven by an external force given by F= (3.00N)sin(2 \pi t) The force constant of the spring is 20N/m. Determine a) period b) amplitude of motion Homework...
  17. B

    What is the equation for the period of oscillation for a physical pendulum?

    Homework Statement A physical pendulum consists of a meter stick that is pivoted at a small hole drilled through the stick a distance d from the 50 cm mark. The period of oscillation is 2.5 s. Find d Homework Equations T=2PI*sqrt(I/mgh) I(com)=(1/2)mL^2 parallel axis theorem...
  18. M

    What is the total energy stored in this oscillation

    1. The length of a simple pendulum is 0.760 m, the pendulum bob has a mass of 365 grams, and it is released at an angle of 12-degree to the verticle. (a) With what frequency does it vibrate? Assume SHM. b) What is the pendulum bob's speed when it passes through the lowest point of the swing? c)...
  19. R

    Damped Oscillation Homework: Calculating b & Q for Lightly Damped System

    Homework Statement A damped oscillator of mass m=1,6 kg and spring constant s=20N/m has a damped frequency of \omega' that is 99% of the undamped frequency \omega. As found out by me: The damping constant b is 0.796 kg/s. Q of the system is 7.1066 kg^-1. Are the units here right? The...
  20. S

    Cylindrical transverse oscillation

    Hi all. Picture a series of strings around a circle, oscillating with fixed ends. Now picture a these strings as being in a pseudo-cylinder. Akin to a "breathing" tube, expanding and contracting in on itself. I'm trying to identify just how that'd work for an idea that I have about an IPMC...
  21. E

    Displacement of Underdamped Oscillation: Maximum and Minimum Occurrence?

    Homework Statement Show that the local maximum or minimum for the displacement of an underdamped oscillation does not occur halfway between the times at which the mass passes its equilibrium point. Homework Equations x = e^{-\frac{ct}{2m}}(A cos(wt) + B sin(wt)) x = K e^{-\frac{ct}{2m}} sin(wt...
  22. P

    What causes the Pacific decadal oscillation?

    What causes the Pacific decadal oscillation in which a large part of the pacific ocean gets hotter than normal - this effect superimposes itself on El Nino.Is the pacific decadal oscillation linked to El Nino - does one cause the other?
  23. C

    How Does Elevator Motion Affect Spring Oscillation?

    [SOLVED] Spring Oscillation Problem! 1. A 2.0 kg mass hangs at rest from a harmonic spring with a spring constant of 500 N/m inside an elevator that is stationary. a) by how much is the spring stretched b) suppose that the elevator is rising with a constant upward accel of 1/3 g. By how...
  24. J

    Angular momentum and oscillation of disk

    [SOLVED] Angular momentum and oscillation of disk A large solid disk of mass M and radius R is mounted on a fixed axis through its center using ideal bearings. A small projectile of mass m_1 traveling with velocity v_1 collides tangentially to the slight extension and sticks to the larger disk...
  25. W

    Hello, can anybody help me ? one question about simple harmonic oscillation

    1. Homework Statement [/b] Let Z(t)=(3/4)Sin(2π/3t) be the equation for a SHO in the Z diection about z=0. 1. what are the amplitude, phase, frequency, angular frequency and period of this SHO? 2. what is the maximum velocity? what is the maximum acceleration? 3. when Z= 3/4, what...
  26. R

    How Do You Calculate the Oscillation Frequency of an Engine Block on a Cable?

    1. Homework Statement A winch cable has a cross sectional area of 1.5 cm^2 and a length of 2.5 m. Young's modulus for the cable is 150 GN/m^2. A 950-kg engine block is hung from the end of the cable. (a) By what length does the cable stretch? (b) If we treat the cable as a piece of string...
  27. A

    Spring constant and oscillation frequency

    Homework Statement A compact car has a mass of 1300kg. Assume that the care has one spring on each wheel, that the springs are identical, and that the mass is equally distributed over the four springs. a.) What is the spring constant of each spring if the empty car bounces up and down 1.4...
  28. N

    Quantum Effects Negligible in Diffraction, Tunneling & Zero-Point Oscillation

    Homework Statement I am to show that quantum effects are negligible in: (i) The diffraction of a tennis ball of mass m=0.1 kg moving at a speed of 0.5 m/s by a window of size 1X1.5 m^2 (ii)The tunneling probability for a marble of mass m=5 g moving at a speed of 10 cm/s against a...
  29. C

    Litteraure about Waves and Oscillation

    Hi Guys and Girls Take note that I am not sure if Waves or Oscillation, is the right word to use about this Physics phenomenon. Well the general subject is, what I could translate it to from danish, Waves. From the movement of a object hanging in a spring, and its movements, to the behaviour...
  30. A

    Help Period of oscillation of the mass

    A mass which is resting on a horizontal frictionless surface is connected to a fixed spring. The mass is displaced 0.16 m from its equilibrium position and released. At t = 0.50 s, the mass is 0.08 m from its equilibrium position (and has not passed through it yet). What is the period of...
  31. S

    Oscillation Motion Frequency: Spring & Block

    A spring is hung from the ceiling. When a block is attached to its end, it stretches 2.0 cm before reaching its new equilibrium length. The block is then pulled down slightly and released. What is the frequency of oscillation? I'm totally Stuck help would be appreciated...
  32. A

    Harmonic oscillation, spring not attached to center of mass

    A bar is guided so that one end moves on a vertical line and the other on a horizontal line. A spring is attached to the upper end according to the figure. Any friction is neglected. http://web.comhem.se/~u48800174/springbar.jpg I want to find out how x varies in time. If the center of mass...
  33. T

    Why are the calculated energies for two oscillating waves not equal?

    Hi everyone, I have a question about waves. Suppose there are two waves that make one water atom vibrate. The first equation of oscillation is: x1= A1sin(wt+p1), energy propagated to the atom is (1/2)m.(w^2)(A1^2) and the other: x2=A2sin(wt+p2), E2 = (1/2)m.(w^2)(A2^2) so the total energy...
  34. S

    Forced, Damped Harmonic Oscillation

    Homework Statement PROBLEM STATEMENT: Under these conditions, the motion of the mass when displaced from equilibrium by A is simply that of a damped oscillator, x = A cos(ω_0t) e^(−γt/2) where ω_0 = K/M, K =2k,and γ = b/M. Later we will discuss your measurement of this phenomenon. Now...
  35. P

    Solve Oscillation Problem: Find C Value to Avoid Oscillations

    Homework Statement A spring (which tension is k) is connected with a body (which mass is m). The whole system is in viscous liquid. In this liquid frictional force is proportional to speed: F = -C*v. With what C value the oscillation won't happen? The Attempt at a Solution The...
  36. I

    Dipole Oscillation: Solving for Period

    Homework Statement #3 on this PDF Homework Equations \tau = Frsin(\theta) = I \alpha I=mr^2 The Attempt at a Solution Here's what I've done: \tau = Frsin(\theta) = I \alpha F=QE 2QEsin(\theta) \frac{A}{2} = 2M\left(\frac{A}{2}\right)^2 \alpha simplify: QEsin(\theta)A =...
  37. B

    How Many Oscillations and Amplitude of a Damped Pendulum in 4 Hours?

    Homework Statement Given: "In a science museum, a 110 kg brass pendulum bob swings at the end of a 15.0-m-long wire. The pendulum is started at exactly 8:00 a.m. every morning by pulling it 1.5 m to the side and releasing it. Because of its compact shape and smooth surface, the pendulum's...
  38. H

    Solving Pendulum Oscillation Homework Problem

    Homework Statement A student decides to use a simple pendulum to check the shutter time of her camera. A meter stick is laid horizontally, and a simple pendulum is set up so that, when it is hanging vertically, the mass falls on the 50.0 cm mark of the meter stick. The pendulum is set into...
  39. K

    Finding magnitude of maximum angle theta for oscillation

    Homework Statement Suppose at t=0, theta=0 degrees a pendulum swings to the left with angular velocity wo=47.5 rad/s. Find the magnitude of the maximum angle theta for the oscillation. Given w=60.7 rad/s, and wo=47.5 rad/s, where w is angular frequency of the small oscillation. Answer in...
  40. T

    Differential Equations - Simple Harmonic Oscillation

    Homework Statement Consider y''(t)+(k/m)*y = 0 for simple harmonic oscillation A) Under what conditions on Beta is y(t)=cos(Beta*t) a solution? B) What is the period of this solution? C) Sketch the solution curve in the yv-plane associated with this solution (Hint: y^2 + (v/Beta)^2)...
  41. U

    Frequency of oscillation problem

    So.. I have an ideal linear spring that streches 20 cm when a 40g mass is hung from it. The spring is then mounted horizontally on a frictionless surface (screams conservation of energy/momentum) and a 60g mass is attached to it. The 60g mass is then displaced 20cm from equilibrum and released...
  42. D

    Gravity and periods of oscillation

    a mass hanging from a vertical spring and a simple pendulum each have a period of oscillation of 1 sec. If you were to take these devices to another planet where the acceleration due to gravity is greater than on earth, would the period of each device be greater than 1 sec , less than 1 sec, or...
  43. U

    How Do You Calculate Amplitude, Period, and Frequency in Simple Harmonic Motion?

    A particle of mass 12 grams moves along the x axis. It has a restoring force F= -0.06 N/m. If it starts from x=10 cm with a speed of 20 cm/sec toward the equilibrium position, Find its amplitude, period, and frequency. Determine when the particle reaches the equilibrium point for the first time...
  44. S

    What are the frequency and maximum velocity of a wheel rolling without slipping?

    Homework Statement W = 20 lb k = 50 lb/ft r = 4 in. Initially displaced 0.5 in. Determine the frequency and maximum velocity of the wheel (which rolls without slipping). Homework Equations (theta) double dot + (w^2)theta = 0 (x) double dot + (w^2) (x) = 0 t = 2*pi / w...
  45. A

    How High Did Jose Jump Above the Lowest Point on His Bungee Adventure?

    Homework Statement Jose, whose mass is 90 kg, has just completed his first bungee jump and is now bouncing up and down at the end of the cord. His oscillations have an initial amplitude of 9 m and a period of 4.0 s.2. The attempt at a solution a) The spring constant of the bungee cord is...
  46. B

    How Do You Calculate the Frequency of a Mass Oscillating on a Spring?

    Homework Statement A mass m is gently placed on the end of a freely hanging spring. The mass then falls 36 cm before it stops and begins to rise. What is the frequency of the oscillation? Homework Equations f=[1/(2pi)]*[k/m]^0.5 E=KE+PE PE_s=0.5kx^2 KE=0.5mv^2 v=rw The Attempt...
  47. E

    Is the Motion of a Mass Attached to Two Springs Simple Harmonic?

    A mass m is connected to two springs with equal spring constants k. In the horizontal position shown, each spring is streched by an amount \Delta a. The mass is raised vertically and begins to oscillate up and down. Assuming that the displacement is small, and ignoring gravity, show that the...
  48. I

    How to Solve for Amplitude and Phase Constant in an Oscillation Problem?

    I'm not quite sure on what I did wrong. Can anyone please help me with this? Homework Statement An air-track glider attached to a spring oscillates with a period of 1.50sec . At the glider is 4.60cm left of the equilibrium position and moving to the right at 33.4cm/s. What is the...
  49. R

    Is the Universe's Oscillating Theory Inefficient?

    The oscillation of the universe therory was dropped because 'the universe is very inefficient' and so could not rebound after a collapse. What is the reason that cosmologist say this? In what way is it inefficient? It seems that the conservation laws say the opposite. Robert.
  50. C

    Two Questions on Oscillation: Normal Modes and Natural Frequencies

    I have been pondering these two questions for a while: How many normal modes of oscillation or natural frquencies does each of the following have: 1. A simple pendulum 2. a mass oscillating on a spring :confused: Thanks! CIB
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