What is Oscillating: Definition and 330 Discussions

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. saadhusayn

    Pendulum oscillating in an accelerating car

    We have a car accelerating at a uniform rate ## a ## and a pendulum of length ## l ## hanging from the ceiling ,inclined at an angle ## \phi ## to the vertical . I need to find ##\omega## for small oscillations. From the Lagrangian and Euler-Lagrange equations, the equation of motion is given...
  2. TheBigDig

    Resistance of an oscillating system

    Homework Statement [/B]Homework Equations ##F = -kx = m\ddot{x} ## ## f = \frac{2\pi}{\omega}## ## \omega = \sqrt{\frac{k}{m}} ## ##\ddot{x} + \gamma \dot{x}+\omega_o^2x = 0 ## ##\gamma = \frac{b}{m}## The Attempt at a Solution I'm stuck on part c of this question. Using the above equations I...
  3. T

    Opamp multivibrator not oscillating

    I'm trying to simulate this circuit in multisim The frequency should be 200 kHz. Used this site to calculate R1 and C1, http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/opamp/op-amp-multivibrator.html All I get is this from the oscilloscope Is the circuit wrong ? or is it just the simulator
  4. N

    Magnetic Torque on Dipole; Oscillating Magnet question

    Homework Statement A cylindrical bar magnet whose mass is 0.08 kg, diameter is 1 cm, length is 3 cm, and whose magnetic dipole moment is <5, 0, 0> A · m2 is suspended on a low-friction pivot in a region where external coils apply a magnetic field of <1.4,0,0> T You rotate the bar magnet...
  5. Ayenyen

    What is the tension in the strings when the slender bar begins oscillating

    Homework Statement There is a uniform slender bar which is suspended by two light inextensible strings and hangs in equilibrium. (if the mass and length of the bar are m and 2b ) Now, someone slightly knocks one end to make the bar rotate around the vertical axis with initial angular velocity...
  6. D

    Natural frequency of an Oscillating water column device

    Homework Statement Assuming that an OWC device is floating/moored in monochromatic waves. When there isn't air pressure distribution inside (atmospheric condition) the device behaves as an undambed body (with the oscillating chamber open to the atmosphere). When there is air pressure...
  7. Q

    A Oscillating Plane and Z axis - Energy Balance

    Hello, I have a few questions regarding the osculating plane, which I understand to be the plane generated by the Principal unit tangent vector and principal unit normal vector (both are orthogonal), and the inertial Cartesian z-axis. Ultimately, I plan to understand the geometric/kinematic...
  8. Adriano25

    Solving Oscillating Systems Homework: Angular Frequency & Velocity

    Homework Statement In the drawing below, a rod of length L and mass M is pivoted a distance L/4 from one end. The pivot attaches the rod to a smooth horizontal table, allowing the rod to rotate frictionlessly in a horizontal plane (so that gravity does not affect the motion). The end furthest...
  9. Adriano25

    Variety of Oscillating systems

    Homework Statement A 3.0kg mass is connected to a system of three springs, k1 = 100N/m, k2 = 80N/m, and k3 = 150N/m, as shown below. (a) Derive the relation between k1, k2, k3 and the equivalent spring constant of the three springs together. (b) If the mass is pulled 10cm from its equilibrium...
  10. SunRay-dvsh

    Oscillating Electron Beam potential between metal plates

    Take the case where the electron-beam is oscillating between two parallel metal plates, there will be alternating potential developed between the plates as metal tries to negate all external electric fields. My query is, (1) How to calculate the potential developed and possible way to simulate...
  11. FallenApple

    Oscillating Formation of Spherical Mass in elastic universe

    Situation, a empty universe where there are only concentric spherical shells of mass dm spaced apart by distance dx and contracts under gravity to form a sphere. Assume that there is a point mass in the middle of all the shells. I don't think it would work without it. case1 is an inelastic...
  12. Anypodetos

    I Do neutrinos ever stop oscillating?

    Neutrino oscillation seems to have as one of its prerequisites the fact that the flavour eigenstates differ from the mass eigenstates, so the time-dependent Schrödinger equation applies. Can a neutrino "drop" into the lowest mass eigenstate (which is also the lowest eigenstate of the...
  13. Vanessa Avila

    Simple Harmonic Motion: Finding displacement at given time t

    Homework Statement A 1.10 kg mass on a spring has displacement as a function of time given by the equation x(t)=(7.40cm)cos[(4.16rad/s)t−2.42rad]. Find the position of the mass at t=1.00s; Homework Equations x = Acos(ωt+∅) The Attempt at a Solution I tried to just plug in the time t in that...
  14. A

    I Integral with complex oscillating phase

    Does there exist and analytical expression for the following integral? I\left(s,m_{1},m_{2},L\right)=\sum_{\boldsymbol{n}\in\mathbb{N}^{3}\backslash\left\{ \boldsymbol{0}\right\}...
  15. ChloeYip

    Position of an oscillating object

    Homework Statement The position of an object that is oscillating on an ideal spring is given by the equation x = (12.3 cm) cos[(1.26s-1)t]. At time t = 0.815 s, (a) how fast is the object moving? (b) what is the magnitude of the acceleration of the object? Homework Equations As follow The...
  16. tensor0910

    Finding amplitude of oscillating spring; x(t) and v(t) given

    Homework Statement At t = 0 seconds, the position of the oscillator is found to be -27.33 cm and the velocity of the oscillator is +0.744 m/s. What is the amplitude of the oscillation?[/B]Homework Equations position/time equation for oscillation: x(t) = Acos(wt + phi ) for velocity: v(t)...
  17. O

    An oscillating mass within an orbiting spacecraft question

    Homework Statement A wire stretches from one side of an Earth-orbiting space station to the other through the centre of mass of the station, such that it always points along a radial line to the centre of the Earth. A bead is threaded on the wire and initially rests 1.0 m from the centre of...
  18. W

    Oscillating charges in an electric field

    I don't have a single problem, my teachers use this a lot. a few examples, are an uniformely charged circle and a point charge in the middle, where if you move the point charge a small distance perpendicular to the circle, it would begin to oscilate, and i need to find the frequency of...
  19. ryanuser

    Simple harmonic motion problem

    Homework Statement A body performaning simple harmonic motion has a displacement x given by the equation x= 30 sin 50t, where t is the time in seconds. what is the frequency of the oscillation? Answers are: A. 0.020Hz B. 0.13Hz C. 8.0Hz D. 30Hz E. 50Hz (correct...
  20. Scott Q

    Looking for flexible seal for oscillating thin opening

    Hello Everyone, I'm looking for a sealing membrane, or comparable solution, to seal a thin opening (~15mm x 2mm) that oscillates elliptically, like in my example picture below, with a low amplitude (+/- 1mm) and frequency in the 100s - 1000s of Hz range. Any ideas?
  21. J

    Initial energy stored in springy steel before oscillating

    1. Homework Statement Ok so, for part b ii) The solution did this : 1/2 (0.065) (2π /0.3)2 (1.5 x 10-2)2, which is the KE of the mass when its speed is max. But why do they calculate the energy when it is at its equilibrium position where its speed is max? I assume that the energy before...
  22. Fernando Valadares

    Electric flux density of oscillating electric charge

    Homework Statement The electric flux density in free space produced by an oscillating electric charge placed at the origin is given by \vec{D}=\hat{r}\frac{10^{-9}}{4\pi r^2}cos(wt-\beta r), \ \ where \ \beta=w \sqrt{\mu_0 \epsilon_0} Find the time-average charge that produces this electric...
  23. DaTario

    Oscillating masses and gravitational waves

    Let me ask one simple question. For less than a thousand dollars one can buy an apparatus which can provide experimental evidence for the gravitational attraction between two masses of one kilogram each, placed at distances of the order of ## 10^{-1} m ##. By making one of these masses to...
  24. S

    Can a Phase Constant Be Determined from Given Oscillation Data?

    Homework Statement A 3kg object is attached to a spring and oscillates with an amplitude of 10 cm and frequency f = 2 Hz a.) What is the force constant k of the spring? b.) what is the total energy of this motion? c.) Write an equation for x(t) describing the position of this object relative...
  25. samjohnny

    Radiation from Oscillating Dipole

    Homework Statement 2. Homework Equations [/B] Given in the question. The Attempt at a Solution [/B] For part a I obtained an expression for the the dipole moment: ##P(t)= P_0 cos(wt)## And therefore, for part b, I obtained the expressions ##\frac{dP}{dt} = -wP_0 sin(wt)## and...
  26. M

    Corresponding Pressure gradient with flow velocity

    I have some questions concerning hydraulic engineering. I'm currently working an simulating laminar flow. This laminar flow is induced by a pressure gradient. The assumed length is 1 meter, therefore the pressure gradient is equal to the actual pressure in reference with zero. What are typical...
  27. X

    Lagrangian of Pendulum with Oscillating Hinge

    1.) The Problem Statement: a.) Find the Lagrangian of a pendulum where the height of the hinge is oscillating in the y direction and is is defined as a function ##y_0=f(t)## b.) Add a function (a gauge transformation) of the form ##\frac{d F(\theta,t)}{dt}## to the original lagrangian...
  28. A

    What is an oscillating molecular dipole defined as?

    Is an oscillating dipole of a molecule the periodic motion of the atoms in the molecule (the oscillating back and forth of a more negatively charged atom and more positively charged atom), or, is an oscillating molecular dipole just oscillations in electron density? I just can't get a clear...
  29. S

    Light is an oscillating elec field, But with respect to what

    I hear frequently that light is simply an oscillating electric field. But I have problems visualizing this. Mostly because I'm a mech. engr. and I have a tendency to always try to picture something physically in my head to help me understand it. I simply can't do it when I think about light this...
  30. maistral

    Implicit iterative methods oscillating?

    I'm under the impression that any implicit method for numerically solving ODE should be providing high stability in exchange for accuracy. I'm trying to solve the differential equation: dy/dx = -1000y + 3000 - 2000exp(-x) with intial conditions (0,0). I still can't understand how come the...
  31. andyrk

    Displacement in SHM: Arc or Line from Mean Position?

    For SHM of oscillating pendulum, when the pendulum is at the extreme position, what is considered as the displacement? The curve/arc of the circle the bob is following or the straight line distance from the mean position?
  32. Merttt

    Calculating Pressure Drop w/ Oscillating Diaphragm

    Homework Statement During measurement of pressure differences by the using orifice and an electronic transducer, we can have some oscillation on diaphragm, I try to define this effect by the calculating pressure drop from vena contracta to transducer. I say that oscillation is 30 percent (maybe...
  33. andyrk

    Oscillating Spring Block System inside elevator

    A particle that hangs from a spring oscillates with an angular frequency of 2 rad/s. The spring is suspended from the ceiling of an elevator car and hangs motionless (relative to the car) as the car descends at a constant speed of 1.5 m/s. The car then suddenly stops. Neglect the mass of the...
  34. O

    Rotation from Oscillating Axis Of Rotation

    Hello. I was considering a case where a rod could rotate about its end freely on an axle. The axle is moved back and forth linearly and periodically, causing the rod to spin. Why is the rod spinning? Is it because after the axle has moved its distance in one direction and has stopped to move...
  35. A

    Electric Fields: Oscillating point charge

    Homework Statement Reading a journal from that crazy old retired physics professor on the hill, you stumble upon a scheme to generate high frequency (HF) radio waves (λ = 10 m). It requires generating an electric field that diverges from a point and increases in strength linearly with respect...
  36. M

    Graphing Oscillating Objects: Can You Find the Spring Constant?

    How could you graph a potential energy vs. time graph only knowing the position vs. time graph and the velocity vs time graph for a hanging object oscillating up and down on a string?
  37. S

    Finding the normal modes for a oscillating system

    Homework Statement The system is conformed by two blocks with masses m (on the left) and M (on the right), and two springs on the left/right has the spring constant of k. The middle spring has a spring constant of 4k. Friction and air resistance can be ignored. All springs are massless. Find...
  38. T

    A mass oscillating at the end of a spring

    1. A 250-g object hangs from a spring and oscillates with an amplitude of 5.42 cm. The spring constant is 4.80 N/m. a) What is the acceleration of the object when the displacement is 4.27 cm [down]? I put: m=0.25 kg d=0.0542 m k=48 N/m x=0.0427m Therefore: F=kx which leads to a=kx/m a=(48...
  39. K

    How to solve highly oscillating differential equation

    The equation looks like: ##x''(t)+b x'(t)+cx(t)+ d x^3(t)=0##. This is the motion of a particle in a potential ##cx^2/2+d x^4/4## with friction force ## b x'##. In my case, the friction term is very small and the particle will oscillate billions of times before the magnitude decreases...
  40. P

    Oscillating Isotopes: Semi-Stable/Stable Fission/Fusion?

    Are there any semi-stable or stable isotopes that can be made to oscillate between their self and their decay products? Specifically some kind of fission/fusion reaction where the decay is easily reversed with something like pressure (assuming the reversal is quick enough that the majority of...
  41. M

    Can I operate a 230V, 50 Hz, 500 W german oscillating saw

    Can I operate a 230V, 50 Hz, 500 W German oscillating saw in the US? I purchased for it a 1000 W step-up voltage converter in order to convert to 110 V, 60 Hz electricity used here in US. I am worried that 1000 W may not be enough. I am using the unit for 3-4 minutes at a time, once a week.
  42. F

    A system of 3 masses attached by springs is oscillating

    Homework Statement A system has 3 identical masses each connected by springs with stiffness k, and also with the end masses attached to a wall by a spring. The system is oscillating vertically. Write down the equations of motion for each of the masses, with the displacements of each mass...
  43. L

    Oscillating Hydrofoil Frequency

    Homework Statement Evening, As part of a project we are building a pico oscillating hydroelectricity generation system. Our system is based on the flow of a river providing lift onto a hydrofoil, which is then connected to a flywheel via a mechanism, the energy and rotational speed in the...
  44. C

    Oscillating current along antenna, electrodynamics

    Homework Statement A thin linear antenna of length ##d## is excited in such a way that it carries the sinusoidal current ##I(t) = I_0 \sin(2\pi z/d)e^{ i\omega t}##, where ##\omega = 2\pi c/d##. (i) Beginning with the exact solution for the vector potential in Lorenz gauge, calculate the power...
  45. S

    Oscillating springs in relativistic time frame

    1. The problem statement, equations, and work done: [A] Two identical spring and mass oscillators are set in motion in perpendicular directions. The masses are each 4.0 kg and the spring constants are 196 N/m. [1] Calculate the angular frequency and the period of the oscillators. ##\omega =...
  46. S

    Calculate energy of vertical oscillating spring

    Problem statement: An oscillating mass is hung from a vertical spring. Take the potential energy of the system when the spring is at the unstretched length to be zero for both spring and gravity. Calculate the gravitational potential energy, spring potential energy, and total potential energy...
  47. littlejon

    Why is this crazy oscillating graph decreasing?

    Homework Statement Homework Equations v= d/t The Attempt at a Solution v= T/A It is decreasing I think E
  48. Andy Resnick

    Q: oscillating cantilever

    I'm having a tough time with a simple problem- the resonant oscillation of a vertical cantilever immersed in a viscous fluid. I have, from Roark's tables, the oscillation frequency for a cantilever with both a concentrated tip load and distributed load: ω=1.732√[(EI*g)/(WL3+0.236(wL4)] But I...
  49. Jesse Millwood

    Request For a Set of Eyes on an Oscillating Steel Cantilever

    Hello, I am an electrical engineering student and I was hoping some body here could help me out with a cantilever question. I want to model a vibrating cantilever with a mass at the end. I am doing this for a project where I wanted to model a Wurlitzer 200 Electric Piano. The way they produce...
  50. jeffer vitola

    MHB Integration of function highly oscillating

    ,.,.,.hello to all forum users, I would like to know how to show or come to the solution of this oscillatory integral wolfram alpha program does not give the correct solution, I hope will be a real challenge for you,,. greetings from Colombia.,.,.,,..,,,...Integrate[ Sin[E^x^(4)], {x, 2...
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