Post on 02-Apr-2015
Chapter 14
Oscillations
Section 14-1: Simple Harmonic Motion
A simple harmonic oscillator is any system that oscillates. An example of this is a mass on the end of a spring.
F is a linear restoring force. Hooke’s law F=-kX
F
X
t
The frequency and period of the simple harmonic oscillator are independent of the amplitude.
Simple Harmonic Motion and Circular Motion
Section 14-2: Energy in Simple Harmonic Motion
General Motion Near Equilibrium
Section 14-3: Some Oscillating Systems
Object on a vertical spring
Here’s an applet to study the vertical spring pendulum.
springforce
Derivation of the Potential Energy for the Vertical Spring
Here’s an applet to study the
wave motion of a vertical spring.
springwave
The Simple Pendulum
The speed is not uniform in a simple pendulum. The speed is greatest near the bottom of its swing. The reason why the period is independent of amplitude is because the speed makes up for the difference in amplitude.
Pendulum in an accelerated reference frame
The tilt of a pendulum in an accelerated reference frame forms the basis of modern accelerometers.