Oscillators Definition and 161 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. B

    Calculating Total Energy and Number of States for N Harmonic Oscillators

    I am having this problem in my book: For a set of N identical harmonic oscillators, the energy for the ith harmonic oscillator is E(i)= (n(i) - 1/2)*h (nu). (a) What is the total energy of this system? (b) What is the number of states, Omega (E) , for N=2 and 3? (c) What is the number...
  2. D

    Are strings oscillators with specific gauge properties?

    I have been reading about string theory, most recently about twistor string theory. I think that I have a basic understanding, but certainly am no expert. The helix is an important structure in transmitting information of various types: - music theory mathematics [wave and matrix] - only...
  3. K

    Calculating Amplitude and Phase for Superimposed Harmonic Oscillators

    Can anybody give me the hint where to start on this question? Two simple harmonic oscillators of the same frequency and in the same direction having amplitudes 5 mm and 3 mm, respectively and the phase of the second component relative to the first is 30°, are superimposed. Find the amplitude...
  4. T

    Understanding Coupled Oscillators: Solving for Forces on Two Masses

    Ok here's the problemo: | |ooooo[m1]00000[m2] | I have two masses attached to two springs, the "ooo"s are the springs, and the "[m]"s are the masses, the spring constants are the same , and so are the masses. I know to do the problem, the only thing is I am having trouble figuring out the...
  5. E

    Energy of Harmonic Oscillators?

    Question: Find the kinetic energy K of the block at the moment labeled B. Express the answer in terms of k and A. Well, I know the potential energy at point B. That's U_B = (1/2)(k)(\frac{1}{2}A^2) = \frac{1}{8}kA^2. How am I supposed to find the kinetic energy?
  6. D

    Solving Problems Involving Simple Harmonic Oscillators

    I have two questions: #1.) The velocity of a simple harmonic oscillator is given by v=-7.22(26.0t) (mks units) If the mass is 0.29kg, what is the spring's potential energy at the time t=40.33? MY WORK: First I found k by using ω^2=k/mass. This equaled 196.04. I couldn't really...
  7. R

    Understanding Simple Harmonic Oscillators: Phase Constant Explained

    Can someone explain this: For question A I originally got around .142 M, but that was apparently wrong, because I assumed the phase constant was zero. Can someone explain what the phase constant is and how to find it? A simple harmonic oscillator consists of a block of mass 2.60 kg...
  8. M

    Why Are My Oscillator Problem Solutions Not Accepted?

    I have two problems, the second of which I think I might be solving right. The web program we use to do our homework isn't accepting my answer. It might be the program's fault, but I'm not sure, so I'd like to check. Here's my first problem: Damping is negligible for a 0.131-kg object...
  9. P

    Phase Angle in Harmonic Oscillators: What Does It Measure?

    could someone please explain to me the phase angle? more specifically, what does it measure? i think it measures the initial displacement from the equilibrium position but i don't really get it.
  10. M

    Epsilon in Simple Harmonic Oscillators

    Can anyone tell me what role epsilon play in a simple harmonic oscillator, and what the formula is relating epsilon to SHO?
  11. S

    Coupled Forced Oscillators- Small Question-

    I have the infamous triatomic molecule, with two m masses in the extremes and one 2m mass in the middle, joined by two k springs. I have worked all through the problem (found frequencies, normal modes, drawn configurations, initial conditions) with no hindrances, but I can't seem to get the last...
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