Oscillator: Exploring "Back and Forth" & "Going Around

  • Thread starter PremedBeauty
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Oscillation
In summary, in the conversation, the speakers discuss the relationship between the back and forth motion of an oscillator and the concept of going around in cycles. They use the example of an object on a spinning turntable to explain how back and forth motion can also be seen as a circular movement. They also mention that back and forth motion can represent cycles in an oscillating system, and that the frequency of the back and forth motion can match the frequency of a rotating object.
  • #1
PremedBeauty
25
0
In the linear oscillator the motion is "back and forth" and angular frequency suggests something "going around". Try to explain how "back and forth" is related to "going around".

This question is pertaining to the oscillator machine. It is connected with two strings, and is a cart thing with a horn on and it goes back and forth and it's suppose to represent going around. Does the back and forth relate going around in cycles?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The position at any moment is a function of the maximum amplitude and of the cosine of [tex]\omega t[/tex].
You can represent this as the projection on the x-axis of a circular movement with radius equal to the amplitude and angular frequency [tex]\omega[/tex]
 
  • #3
reply

So, how does back and forth represent going around?
 
  • #4
Imagine an object at the edge of a spinning turntable. If you observe it from the top you will see it going around.
Now, observe it from a point of view at the plane of the turntable. You will see it going back and forth.
 
  • #5
Hmm, I thought when it comes to oscillation "back and forth", your talking about cycles.
 
  • #6
Yes, something oscillating back and forth moves in cycles. If you were to set up a spring system or pendulum that was oscillating back and forth with the same frequency as the rotating turntable, (that is it takes the same amount of time for each of them to get back to where they start) you will see them moving in unison when you look at them from the side.
 
  • #7
Okay

Oh okay, thanks for your help you guys :):):)
 

FAQ: Oscillator: Exploring "Back and Forth" & "Going Around

What is an oscillator?

An oscillator is a mechanical or electronic device that produces periodic and repeating movements or signals. It is commonly known for its ability to move back and forth or go around in a circular motion.

How does an oscillator work?

An oscillator works by converting energy from one form to another, such as electrical to mechanical, to create a repetitive motion. This is achieved through the use of a power source, a resonator that controls the frequency of the movement, and an amplifier that increases the power of the signal.

What are some examples of oscillators?

Some common examples of oscillators include pendulums, metronomes, tuning forks, quartz crystals, and electronic circuits such as the astable multivibrator. They can also be found in many devices such as clocks, radios, and electronic instruments.

Why are oscillators important in science?

Oscillators are important in science because they allow for the precise measurement and control of time, frequency, and other physical quantities. They are also used in many scientific experiments and technologies, such as in lasers, communication systems, and medical devices.

What are the applications of oscillators?

Oscillators have a wide range of applications in various fields, including physics, engineering, medicine, and communication. They are used in devices such as clocks, radios, sensors, and generators. They are also essential in research and development, as well as in everyday technologies that we use.

Similar threads

I Understanding the dynamics of a perturbed quantum harmonic oscillator
Replies
3
Views
871
I How Does Changing Mass and Spring Force Affect Watch Oscillators?
Replies
11
Views
942
Understanding solution to equations of motion of n coupled oscillators
Replies
4
Views
739
Ballistocardiograph and conservation of momentum
Replies
8
Views
4K
Oscillating horizontal mass attached to a spring with Friction
Replies
1
Views
2K
Foucault Pendulum at the North Pole
Replies
9
Views
1K
Energy in Pendulums: Exploring Potential & Kinetic Energy with Abz
Replies
3
Views
2K
Simple continuous back-and-forth linear movement
Replies
4
Views
3K
A Equipartition theorem and Coupled harmonic oscillator system
Replies
3
Views
1K
I Justification (or philosophy) of modal analysis
Replies
3
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top