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.