What is Oscillations: Definition and 517 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. D

    Angular velocity of circular orbit, small oscillations

    Homework Statement The potential energy of a particle of mass m is V(r) = k/r + c/3r^3 where k<0 and c is a small constant. Find the angular velocity \omega in a circular orbit of radius a and the angular frequency \omega' of small radial oscillations about this circular orbit. Hence show...
  2. S

    Solve questions on oscillations and kinetic energy

    A spring of spring constant k sits on a frictionless horizontal table, one end of the spring is attached to a wall the other end to a block of mass M= 2kg, also resting on the frictionless table. Another block of mass m=450g moving at a speed of 7m/s collides in-elastically with the block of...
  3. H

    I How well are orbital inclination oscillations known?

    It seems that the orbital inclination oscillations of all the planets in our solar system are not well published. I've done some simulation work on this but can't find many publications to check my findings against.
  4. C

    How Is the Amplitude of a Membrane's Oscillation Determined by Sand Jumping?

    Homework Statement A little amount of sand is spilt over horizontal membrane that oscillates with frequency f=500Hz in vertical plane. If sand grains are jumping to the height h=3mm with respect to the equilibrium position, find amplitude of oscillation of membrane. Homework Equations ω=2πf...
  5. C

    Frequency of wire oscillations

    Homework Statement There's a horizontal thin wire whose mass is negligible and whose length is l=1m. It is strained with constant force F=10N. If we place a tiny pellet in the middle of wire (mass of pellet is m=1g) and then we bring wire out of equilibrium position (moving out of it's original...
  6. R

    Direction of oscillations (2nd order ODE)

    Homework Statement \frac{d\vec{Y}}{dt} = \begin{bmatrix} 0 & 2\\ -2 &-1 \end{bmatrix}\vec{Y} With an initial condition of \vec{Y_0} = (-1,1)[/B] a) Find the eigenvalues b) Determine if the origin is a spiral sink, source, or center c) Determine the natural period and frequency of the...
  7. RicardoMP

    Normal Modes and Normal Frequencies

    Homework Statement I have to determine the frequencies of the normal modes of oscillation for the system I've uploaded.Homework Equations [/B] I determined the following differential equations for the coupled system: \ddot{x_A}+2(\omega_0^2+\tilde{\omega_0}^2)x_A-\omega_0^2x_B = 0...
  8. Tazerfish

    I Oscillations and Waves in Fluids

    I first wanted to ask a very specific question: There is something called the Brunt-Vaisala frequency. It describes the frequency of oscillation in a fluid with a density gradient. Because if a parcel of fluid is pushed up or down from its stable state it will oscillate around it. What i don't...
  9. JulienB

    Damped and undamped oscillations (integration?)

    Homework Statement Hi everybody! I'm doing a problem about oscillations, and I must admit that a few things are still unclear to me about that subject. Can someone maybe help me? a) A onedimensional masspoint m is oscillating under the influence of the force F(x) = -c⋅x (c > 0). What is the...
  10. Spinnor

    B String oscillations, not parallel to momentum?

    I there a simple hand waving explanation why strings "can oscillate in any spatial direction except parallel to momentum" (quote from below). I assume the yellow arrows below represent momentum. Edit, why not parallel to momentum? From an interesting read on the electron...
  11. JulienB

    Spring and string pendulum (oscillations)

    Homework Statement Hi everyone! Here is a new problem about oscillations! Thx to all of you, I'm definitely making progress in the field. Let's see how that problem goes: A pendulum of mass m is hanging on a string of length L and is "pushed" by a spring with spring constant k. At the deepest...
  12. K

    Oscillations of a free hanging chain

    Homework Statement I am trying to find an equation for a free hanging chain of mass m and length L. The chain is hanging vertically downwards where x is measured vertically upwards from the free end of the chain and y is measured horizontally. Homework Equations [/B] I derived this...
  13. thebosonbreaker

    Oscillations of a Ruler: Equation, Explanation & Answers

    This probably has a very simple explanation, but I really need to know! What I really want to know is, is there any equation that relates the number of oscillations to other factors such as length, force applied, etc. to a simple plastic desk ruler (image attached)? (or) if there isn't one, how...
  14. G

    Frequency of small oscillations

    Two bodies of mass m each are attached by a spring. This two body system rotates around a large mass M under gravity. Will there be any relation between frequency of oscillation of the two body system and frequency of rotation? Frequency of small oscillations of a single body rotating in an...
  15. AlanKirby

    What are Friedel oscillations and how are they caused?

    Hi, and thank you to anyone who replies. I was hoping that someone could please elucidate as to what Friedel oscillations are and what causes them. All of the material that I can find on it is either too simple ("it's an oscillation in the charge density..." or "quantum mechanical analog of...
  16. diracdelta

    Mass m oscillations with conductivity

    Sphere of mass m, and charge q is hanged on a thread of length l in a constant gravitational field g. There is infinite horizontal conductive plan which is kept at potential 0. Find period of small oscillations of sphere. So my question is next, how do i get the force due tu charge q in Newtons...
  17. M

    Oscillations around CO atoms seen in STM images

    This effect can be seen in the short film "A Boy and His Atom". I had a couple ideas about what this could be but I am curious if someone knows better.
  18. gracy

    B Oscillations of Dipole in Electric Field: Stability & SHM

    In a uniform electric field if a dipole is slightly displaced from it's stable equilibrium position it executes angular SHM. What if a dipole is slightly displaced from it's unstable equilibrium position ,will it execute angular SHM?
  19. N

    Change of energy loss in driven oscillations

    I find most textbook explanations of resonance lacking. My understanding is that resonance occurs becuase less "driving energy" is lost when the driven frequency approaches the natural frequency of a system. But why does the energy loss curve like this? Since Q-factor is different for each...
  20. J

    Depth at which thermal oscillations become negligible

    Hello everyone, I am working thru some of the mathematics of geo-exchange systems (semi passive heating and cooling systems for homes) and I'm starting with a very simple model: The ground is modeled as a perfectly insulated rod (perfectly insulated because of symmetry, there is no heat flux in...
  21. CMATT

    How Does Energy Impact Bridge Oscillation Amplitudes?

    A suspension bridge oscillates with an effective force constant of N/m. (a) How much energy is needed to make it oscillate with an amplitude of 0.106 m? (b) If soldiers march across the bridge with a cadence equal to the bridge's natural frequency and impart J of energy each second, how many...
  22. L

    Exploring Fluid Oscillations in V-Tube: Does the Angle Matter?

    Homework Statement Basically, the goal of the "project" is to find the equation for oscillation of a "fractionless" fluid in a v-shaped tube, regarding the angle. I know how to solve the same problem regarding a u-shaped tube, but in this case, I can't figure out where to place the angle in the...
  23. Jordan&physics

    What Speed Makes a Pendulum Oscillate Most in a Moving Train?

    Mentor Note -- thread moved from the technical forums, so no HH Tempate is shown...>> 1. (10 points) A pendulum of length l = 39 cm is suspended in a railway car. At what train speed would the pendulum be oscillating with largest amplitude ? The length of the rails is l = 25 m. I am just not...
  24. M

    Period of small oscillations for a pendulum

    Homework Statement A pendulum consists of a light rigid rod of length 250 mm, with two identical uniform solid spheres of radius of radius 50 mm attached one on either side of its lower end. Find the period of small oscillations (a) perpendicular to the line of centres and (b) along...
  25. S

    Transverse Oscillations with 3 beads

    Homework Statement Consider a light elastic string of unstretched length 4a0, stretched horizontally between two fixed points distance 4a apart (a>a0). There are particles of mass m attached so as to divide the string into four equal sections. We enumerate the segments from left to right, i=1...
  26. G

    Forced oscillations and resonance (bis)

    I'm studying from landau lifšits "mechanics". I had some troubles in section small oscillations-->forced oscillations, especially from eq 22.4 to eq 22.5 i searched the web and came across this: https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/forced-oscillations-and-ressonance.488538/#post-3236442 this...
  27. H

    Are all damped oscillations periodic?

    I know the equation for damped oscillation where the damping force depends on velocity. In that case the damped oscillation has a fixed angular frequency and thus time period! I am wondering if there are any types of damped oscillation where the time period is not constant i.e. the motion is not...
  28. Garlic

    Neutral particle oscillations / quantum number conservation

    Hello everyone, Why don't neutral particle oscillations have to obey conservation of (quark) flavor quantum numbers, with the example of neutral Kaon oscillations?
  29. R

    I need advice on material to self-study physics (oscillations and waves)

    I am currently in my second year of a bachelor of science with a major in physics. The class I am taking is notorious for being hard and the professor is very hard to understand (understanding the material, not what she's saying). The class is all about oscillations and waves. The textbook is...
  30. S

    How to find wavelength of wave?

    Homework Statement A backyard pool is 14.5 m long. For fun Sally uses a board to create waves. Sally investigates the effect these waves have on Susan who is floating on another board near the middle of the pool. Sally notices that the waves travel with a speed 6.2 m/s. a) If Sally moves the...
  31. onkel_tuca

    Bifurcation between two oscillations

    Hello world! I've done a few simulations of an emulsion droplet which is actuated by a laser beam. The droplet starts to move due to the laser light. I don't want to talk too much about the physics behind this but more discuss the nonlinear dynamics of the trajectories. Depending on a parameter...
  32. J

    Period of radial oscillations

    Assuming a neutron star is a uniformly dense sphere of radius 10km and mass =1.4 mass of sun, derive the period of radial oscillations.First use hydrostatic equilibrium to calculate p, then the velocity of sound is $$v= \sqrt{ \gamma p / \rho}$$, so the period of pulsation is time it takes from...
  33. Calpalned

    Oscillation Equation Typo in Textbook?

    Homework Statement Homework Equations ##r=0.15-0.05cos(\omega t)## ##\omega = \sqrt {\frac{k}{m}}## ##\vec{E}=\frac{Qk}{r^2}## The Attempt at a Solution In my end result, I got the same thing as above, but with 10^5 in the numerator. According to the solutions guide, the final answer is a...
  34. S

    Approximate spring potential energy U(x) for small oscillations

    Homework Statement "Take a PE function U(x), which has an equilibrium point at x=0, and provides a restoring force in that region, and show that a Taylor expansion around that area can be approximated by a SHO PE function for small x." Homework Equations U=.5kx^2...x =...
  35. Xsnac

    Manipulating Equations for Perpendicular Oscillations

    Homework Statement I have 2 perpendicular oscilations and I have to find the trajectory equation. $$x=A\cos\omega t\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\, (1)$$ $$y=B\cos(\omega t+\Delta\phi)$$Homework Equations $$\cos (x+y) =\cos x\cos y -\sin x\sin y$$ $$\cos^{2} x+\sin^{2} x =1$$...
  36. ChrisVer

    CKM matrix and meson oscillations [book]

    Do you know any books or reviews that explains these in sufficient detail? I am having some small problems in understanding the triangles of the CKM matrix elements and experiments conducted for their measurement...
  37. Berenices

    Are Universal Oscillations Causing Changes in Cosmological Expansion?

    Hey all, I was reading up on some discoveries made in cosmology. http://iopscience.iop.org/1538-3881/149/4/137/ This could easily be due to observational error, but I was wondering whether something such as this is possible in our current models of expansion and dark energy without having to...
  38. ChrisVer

    Neutral Meson Oscillations (probabilities)

    I am looking into the probability for : \mathcal{P}(B^0 \rightarrow B^0). I said that if I start from a state |B^0> = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} (|B_L> +|B_H>) with L(ight)/H(heavy) are the mass eigenstates, then after some time t the state will evolve: |B^0(t) > = e^{-iHt} |B^0>= \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} (...
  39. T

    Frequency of Oscillation: Two Springs Connected to a Mass m | Homework Help

    Homework Statement Two springs are joined and connected to a mass m such that they are all in a straight line. The two springs are connected first and then the mass last so that all three are in a row. If the springs have a stiffness of k1 and then k2, find the frequency of oscillation of...
  40. T

    Help with oscillations problem

    Homework Statement A block with mass m rests on a frictionjless surfae and is connected to a horizontal spring of force constant k. The other end of the spring is attahced to a wall. A second block with mass m rests on top of the first block. The coefficient of static friction between the...
  41. Julian Blair

    Measuring Rabi Oscillations in a Two State Atom

    Can someone give me a simple explanation of how to measure the Rabi probability oscillations in a two state atom?
  42. N

    What is the power of a sound source placed on a tall radio tower?

    Homework Statement A sound source is placed at the top of a tall (h = 189.6m) radio tower. The source has a frequency of 740 Hz and an amplitude of 19.4 nm at point A. The air surrounding the tower has a density of 1.29 kgm-3 and sound travels through it with a velocity of 343 ms-1. Point A is...
  43. saadhusayn

    Oscillations due to restoring torque

    Hi, My problem is with A.P. French vibrations and waves question 3-10, part (b). Question 3-10(a) A metal rod, 0.5 m long, has a rectangular cross section of area 2 mm2. With the rod vertical and a mass of 60kg hung from the bottom, there is an extension of 0.25 mm. What is the Young's...
  44. S

    Solid State Physics: Atomic chain oscillations

    Homework Statement Ok, don't get angry with me. The original problem is from Solid State Physics but my problem is very well in "Introductory physics". Here is the problem: The chain consists of molecules, which has three atoms, each with mass ##M##. Spring constant between the atoms inside...
  45. E

    Neutral meson vs. neutrino oscillations

    Hello, I need to research online about the difference between neutral meson and neutrino oscillations. However I've found this difficult. I haven't found anywhere any comments on the differences between the two. The only thing which comes to mind is that the mesons can interact in their mass...
  46. Alex_Neof

    Oscillations concerning a pendulum

    Homework Statement A clock is regulated by a pendulum. The pendulum can be considered as a small weight connected to a rod of negligible mass. The period of oscillation of the pendulum can be adjusted by moving the weight up or down the rod. The angular frequency is given by ##\omega ^2...
  47. S

    Finding the frequency of small oscillations given potential energy U

    Homework Statement The potential energy of a particle of mass m near the position of equilibrium is given by U=U0sin2(αx) where U0 and α are constants. Find the frequency of the small oscillations about the position of equilibrium. Homework Equations Work energy equation...
  48. V

    Oscillation of a mass connected to a spring displaced

    Homework Statement A mass m hangs on a spring of constant k. In the position of static equilibrium the length of the spring is l. If the mass is drawn sideways and then released,the ensuing motion will be a combination of (a) pendulum swings and (b) extension and compression of the spring...
  49. ChrisVer

    Neutrino Oscillations -partition of PMNS

    I have seen that people write the PMNS matrix as a multiplication of the form: \text{PMNS}= A \cdot S_{ub} \cdot S_{ol} \cdot M \text{PMNS}= \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & c_{23} & s_{23} \\ 0 & -s_{23} & c_{23} \end{pmatrix} \cdot \begin{pmatrix} c_{13} & 0 & s_{13} e^{-i \delta} \\ 0 & 1 &...
  50. wolram

    How can BAO and SN constraints be compared for measuring dark energy?

    How do BAO help us measure dark energy? thank you for all the help PF members give in the cosmology forum.
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