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. J

    Oscillating Electric Field Lines

    I'm have some conceptual problems with electric fields and waves. When I think of electromagnetic waves I imagine field lines emanating from a charge that is oscillating, consequently causing the field lines to oscillate. In diagrams showing field lines, the electric field runs parallel with the...
  2. J

    Calculating Force on an Oscillating Mass: A Simple Harmonic Motion Problem

    Force on an oscillating mass? Homework Statement A 2.10 kg mass on a frictionless horizontal track is attached to the end of a horizontal spring whose force constant is 6.00 N/m. The mass is displaced 3.09 m to the right from its equilibrium position and then released, which initiates simple...
  3. L

    Method of image charges: any extension for oscillating fields?

    I was wondering if the "Method of image charges" could be extended even partly or approximately to oscillating charges. I am not considering nearly-static problems, but really radiating problems. After all, the Poisson equation and the wave equation are rather close ! Therefore, I thought...
  4. T

    Torque/ force/and oscillating spring

    Hello i am looking for help on a home work assignment , i have no idea how to even approach this this was the first assginment that was given to me and i was told to use anyway methods of attaing the answers. However as i do not want to be a complete idiot or degrage you guys intelligence would...
  5. V

    What is the Angular Frequency of a Bent Wire Over a Pivot?

    Homework Statement A uniform piece of wire is bent into an upside down V shape with angle \theta between two legs of length L. The wire is placed over a pivot. Show that the angular frequency of small-amplitude oscillations about the equilibrium is...
  6. L

    Does the Belousov-Zhabotinsky Reaction Lead to a Steady State or Oscillations?

    I'm interested in oscillating chemical reaction, as Belousov-Zhabotinsky one. Does it oscillate "forever" or it relax to a macroscopical stationary state? Ll.
  7. L

    Line Driver and Oscillating Circuit

    So I have this line driver using an IR2110 to amplify a square function tuned for a specific frequency. Its used to cause oscillations in an LC circuit (pulsed at the same frequency, 1/root LC). Experimentally though I can't find that resonance frequency. As I go above the theoretical...
  8. S

    Find max energy stored in oscillating system

    A 0.90 kg mass on a spring oscillates horizontally with little friction according to the following equation: x = 0.090cos(2.90t), where x is in meters and t in seconds. Find the maximum energy stored in the spring during an oscillation. X=a*cos (omega*t) omega =2pi*frequency = sqrot k/m...
  9. S

    Circus performer oscillating

    A 57.0 kg circus performer oscillates up and down at the end of a long elastic rope at a rate of once every 7.20 s. The elastic rope obeys Hooke's Law. By how much is the rope extended beyond its unloaded length when the performer hangs at rest T=2pi* sqrt m/k kx=mg 7.2sec=2pi*sqrt 57/k...
  10. L

    Vertically oscillating spring-mass system

    Consider a mass hanging freely from a spring, oriented vertically downwards. We know that because the restoring force acting on the mass is directly proportional to the displacement of the mass from the equilibrium position, i.e. the extension of the spring (F=kx), the system exhibits simple...
  11. S

    Graphing potential & kinetic energy of an oscillating particle

    Graphing potential & kinetic energy of an oscillating particle! 1. A particle oscillates back and forth in a frictionless bowl whose height is given by h(x) = 0.22x2 where h and x are meters. (a) Show graphically how the potential and kinetic energies of the particle vary with x. 2. I...
  12. S

    Graphing Potential and Kinetic Energy of an Oscillating Particle

    1. A particle oscillates back and forth in a frictionless bowl whose height is given by h(x) = 0.22x2 where h and x are meters. (a) Show graphically how the potential and kinetic energies of the particle vary with x. 2. I completed the (b) and (c) part of the problem, but I'm not sure as...
  13. M

    Oscillating table and reference frames

    Homework Statement A horizontal table oscillates with a displacement A sin ωt , where A = (Ax , 0, Az ) is the amplitude vector and ω the angular frequency in an inertial frame of reference with the z axis vertically upwards, normal to the table. A block sitting on the table has mass m and...
  14. J

    Oscillating Dipole: E & B Fields Near Source

    Was studying in class the effects of the E and B fields far from the source and what they looked like, but we failed to discover what happens near the source...Is this because there is no difference or did we just not cover the material
  15. A

    Spring and Mass Oscillating on a Slope

    Homework Statement An elastic spring has modulus of elasticity \lambda and natural length l_{0}. The spring is on the slope of a hill with an angle \alpha to the horizontal such that one end of the spring is fixed at the foot of the hill and the other end can move freely along the slope. A...
  16. J

    Period of a mass oscillating on a spring

    Homework Statement The period of a mass m oscillating on a hookian spring of negligible mass. Homework Equations F = -kx The Attempt at a Solution I'm using x in place of ∆x for convienance. F = -kx dv/dt = -kx/m ∫vdv = -k/m∫xdx v^2 = C - k(x^2)/m: Placing the...
  17. D

    Energy in oscillating string

    Homework Statement A 4.24 m long, 1.27 kg rope under a tension of 475 N oscillates with a frequency of 11.2 Hz. If the oscillation amplitude is 6.32 cm, how much energy is required to keep the rope oscillating for 6.25\,{\rm s?} Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I don't...
  18. H

    A Sphere Oscillating in the Bottom of a Cylinder

    Homework Statement "A small ball with radius r and uniform density rolls without slipping near the bottom of a fixed cylinder of radius R. What is the frequency of small oscillations, assuming r<<R?" http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/8614/helpwu8.png Homework Equations F=ma...
  19. N

    Wave with oscillating frequency

    Hello, In order to test-drive a data analysis program, I am looking for a function that generates sine waves with slowly oscillating frequency, i.e. the distance between the maxima should be slowly changing. I thought that I could simply achieve this by using a function of the form f(t)...
  20. V

    Calculating Speed of Mass Oscillating on Spring

    Homework Statement The position of a mass that is oscillating on a spring is given by x(t) = (14.5cm)cos[(14.0s-1)t]. What is the speed of the mass when t = 0.820 s? Homework Equations A= Amplitude W= Angular frequency x(t) = ACos(Wt) v(t) = -WASin(Wt) The Attempt at a...
  21. maverick280857

    Particle oscillating between two wells

    Hi Suppose we a pair of symmetric wells of finite potential and the particle is given to be in the initial state |\psi(0)\rangle = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}(|\psi_{s}\rangle + |\psi_{a}\rangle) (a = antisymmetric state, s = symmetric state) For t > 0, we have |\psi(t)\rangle =...
  22. T

    Compass in a solenoid, oscillating

    Homework Statement A compass, consisting of a small bar magnet resting on a frictionless pivot through its centre, is placed in the middle of a long solenoid, which in turn is aligned with its axis pointing North-South. With a current of 1 Amp passing through the solenoid, a small...
  23. M

    Simple Harmonic Motion of an oscillating particle

    The period of an oscillating particle is 56 s, and its amplitude is 18 cm. At t = 0, it is at its equilibrium position. Find the distances traveled during these intervals. (a) t = 0 to t = 14 s cm (b) t = 14 s to t = 28 s cm (c) t = 0 to t = 7 s cm (d) t = 7 s to t = 14 s cm x =...
  24. L

    Frequency of oscillating cylinder

    Homework Statement The problem is this: Find the angular frequency of the system in the figure when it's displaced at a small angle from equlibrium, given that ρ_0 < ρ_1. There is friction with the ground, so the motion is a rolling motion, without slipping. Homework Equations I used...
  25. L

    Oscillating electron has drift velocity too?

    Just hoping you might explain the physics here for me. An electron is placed in an oscillating electric field, say, E = E_0\sin(\omega t) and as a result accelerates in x at, a = a_0\sin(\omega t) (grouped some constants in a_0). Solving for the resulting motion yields, x =...
  26. E

    Advanced calculus proof- oscillating sequences

    Homework Statement For the sequence defined recursively as follows: a_1 = 2, and a_(n+1) = 1/ (a_n)^2 for all n from N. Homework Equations So, we are supposed to use induction to first fidn if the sequence increases or decreases, and then use induction again to show if it...
  27. A

    Calculating Frequency of Oscillating Mass on a Spring

    Homework Statement The position of a mass oscillating on a spring is given by x(t) = (18.3cm)cos[(2.35s^-1)t] . What is the frequency of this motion? Homework Equations X= Amplitude x Cos (2pi/T x time) The Attempt at a Solution I know that frequency= 1/Period, I am trying to...
  28. J

    Pendulum and Oscillating Motion

    Homework Statement A pendulum is 0.8 m long and the bob has a mass of 1.0 kg. At the bottom of its swing, the bob's speed is 1.3 m/s. What is the tension in the string at the bottom of the swing? Homework Equations F=m((v^2)/r) The Attempt at a Solution F= 1.0kg((1.3 m/s^2)/.08)...
  29. K

    U-Tube - Oscillating Liquid

    Hi, Just wondering if anyone has any thoughts on how to approach this question: A U-tube has vertical arms of radii 'r' and '2r', connected by a horizontal tube of length 'l' whose radius increases linearly from r to 2r. The U-tube contains liquid up to a height 'h' in each arm. The liquid...
  30. K

    Oscillating liquid in U-tube

    Hi, Just wondering if anyone has any thoughts on how to approach this question: A U-tube has vertical arms of radii 'r' and '2r', connected by a horizontal tube of length 'l' whose radius increases linearly from r to 2r. The U-tube contains liquid up to a height 'h' in each arm. The...
  31. H

    Electron's response to a oscillating Electric field.

    Homework Statement The problem is to find the motion of the electron of charge -e and mass m which is initially at rest and which is suddenly subjected to an electric field E= E0sin(\omegat). The following mathematical expression is safe and sound but I am having trouble with the Physics...
  32. S

    Oscillating universe and entropy

    I heard that : 1- Is this accurate: Entropy would build up from oscillation to oscillation ? 2- What's the reason of that build up: does the big crunch conserve the previous entropy or just minimizing it ? 3- Does the universe become bigger in every next cycle in the oscillating...
  33. M

    Normal Modes - One Dimensional Oscillating Systems

    Hi Can someone help me with the following questions please (see attachment)? I really need some help on the following: i). Drawing a force diagram for each particle (I really hate drawing these). As a guess for m1, am I right in thinking that H and N point up and W points down? But...
  34. Hydr0matic

    Oscillating charge, wave shift

    Consider a charge oscillating along the Y axis. EM waves are emitted around it and hits an observer further down the X axis. The charge then gains speed along the X axis, moving towards the observer. He notes a blueshift in the measured EM wave, ie the Doppler effect. My question is... Will...
  35. J

    An oscillating spring with mass

    A 1.00 kg glider attached to a spring with a force constant 49.0 N/m oscillates on a horizontal, frictionless air track. At t = 0, the glider is released from rest at x = -2.7 cm. (That is, the spring is compressed by 2.7 cm.) (a) Find the period of its motion. (b) Find the maximum values of...
  36. H

    Design with Springs in an Oscillating System

    Hi everyone. I am attempting to design a harmonically oscillating piston cylinder device and I need to incorporate some mechanical springs. To ensure the device works the way I want it too the relaxed length of the spring needs to be in the middle of the piston stroke. This means the...
  37. 4

    Finding an oscillating sequence that diverges and whose limit is zero.

    Homework Statement Hi, I need to find an oscillating sequence whose limit of the differences as n approaches infinity is zero but the sequence itself is diverging. Homework Equations None. The Attempt at a Solution My initial guess was: \frac{sin(ln(n))}{ln(n)}
  38. C

    Pendulum and Oscillating Motion

    Homework Statement A pendulum is 0.8 m long and the bob has a mass of 1.0 kg. At the bottom of its swing, the bob's speed is 1.8 m/s. What is the tension in the string at the bottom of the swing? I don't even know how to get started on this problem, I think it has something to do with using...
  39. T

    Time it takes an oscillating mass to reach a certain velocity

    Hi everybody, this problem is giving me trouble and I was wondering if you could give me any advice. Homework Statement The velocity of an object in simple harmonic motion is given by vx(t)= - (0.35 m/s)sin(20t + pi), where t is in s. What is the first time after t=0s at which the velocity...
  40. G

    Analyzing an Oscillating Slingshot System

    A ball of mass m is connected to two rubber bands of length, L, each under tension T, as in Figure P12.49. The ball is displaced by a small distance y perpendicular to the length of the rubber bands. (a) Assuming that the tension does not change, show that the restoring force is -2yT/L ...
  41. Saladsamurai

    Finding Spring Constant for Oscillating Mass

    A 2.0kg mass attached to a spring makes 10 oscilations in 21.6s; its amplitude is .0320m Find spring constant k. My question about this part is frequency=(#of oscillations)/(#of seconds to complete) right? So f=10/21.6s =2.16Hz? So if k=m\omega^2 k=2(2\pi*2.16)^2 IT's the wording that...
  42. Y

    Stretch of Vertical Spring: Oscillating at 5.87 Hz

    An object, suspended from a vertical spring, oscillates up and down at 5.87 Hz. How much would this object stretch the spring, if it were hanging at rest?
  43. Y

    Solving Oscillating Mass-Spring System w/ Non-Resonant Force

    1. Homework Statement and 2. Homework Equations Find position/velocity of a mass m attached to a spring of constant k when subjected to an oscillatinf roce F(t) = F sin(Bt) With B\not = \sqrt{k/m} The Attempt at a Solution Model; mx'' + kx = F \sin(Bt) I have no...
  44. I

    Is my graph of Ep/J against t/s for an oscillating object correct?

    Homework Statement Hi,the question is draw a graph of E_{p} against t/s of the oscillating motion above,I've done it and have no exact answer in my hand,hoping some ppl to double check my answer that's all.My answer is here below Homework Equations E_{p}=mgh , where E_{p} is potential...
  45. P

    Solving an Oscillating Block's Period and Speed

    Homework Statement A 500g block is attached to a spring on a frictionless horizontal surface. The block is pulled to stretch the spring by 10cm, then gently released. A short time later, as the block passes through the equilibrium position, its velocity is 1m/s. >A)What is the block's period of...
  46. A

    Energy of an oscillating system

    State how the total energy of an oscillating system depends on the amplitude of the motion, sketch or identify a graph of kinetic or potential energy as a function of time, and identify points in the motion where this energy is all potential or all kinetic. I know that mechanical energy is...
  47. T

    Masses and charges oscillating

    Homework Statement 3 masses m, all with charge q, attached by two ropes of length d. the system is oscillating with small perturbations around a configuration where the three are in a straight line. Find q, given the period T, d, and m. Homework Equations The Attempt at a...
  48. mbrmbrg

    Max Acceleration of Oscillating Platform

    Homework Statement What is the maximum acceleration of a platform that oscillates with an amplitude of 2.70 cm and at a frequency of 6.40 Hz? Homework Equations a(t)=-\omega^2x_m\cos{(\omega t=\phi)} \omega=2\pi f The Attempt at a Solution a(t) will be maximized when a'(t)=0 (or...
  49. T

    Oscillating Reactions: Exploring Chemical Magic

    What are the basic principles behind oscillating reactions, I mean, if its known as 'chemical magic' what must it undergo to be such a thing? I've been looking all over the web and havn't been able to find enough information, for example, how the laws of thermodynamics are broken or how it...
  50. I

    Question: coupled oscillating circuits

    Dear readers :) I've tried to figure this out for quite some time now, I hope anyone can help me on this: I'm looking for the differential equations for 2 PARALLEL oscillating circuits coupled by a capacitor. I've tried to start similar as in http://www.ruhr.de/home/leser/mathe/355.pdf...
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