What is Oscillation: Definition and 767 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. E

    First Year Forced Oscillator Problem

    Homework Statement Damping is negligible for a 0.164 kg mass hanging from a light 6.70 N/m spring. The system is driven by a force oscillating with an amplitude of 1.77 N. At what frequency will the force make the mass vibrate with an amplitude of 0.500 m? There are two possible solutions...
  2. M

    What is the variable A in the derivation for centre of percussion?

    My original question was answered, but I would just like some clarification regarding one concept. In the derivation for the centre of percussion in this link (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Center_of_percussion), what exactly is the variable A? How can it be determined (theoretically and/or...
  3. 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...
  4. jonny23

    Transverse waves oscillation direction

    Homework Statement A transverse wave travels along x-axis . what is direction of oscillation of particles ? Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution I think the answer is xy plane but Wikipedia says its yz plane . Please explain how?
  5. A

    Possible sources of error in compound pendulum experiment?

    completing my advanced higher physics investigation - measuring acceleration due to gravity for the oscillating mass on a spring experiment so far I have included friction between the nail & oscillating rod as a possible source of error can anyone think of anything else? thank you very much...
  6. moriheru

    Oscillation of nonrelativistic Strings

    Homework Statement Calculate the horizontal force dFhorizontal of a string .Show that for small oscillations this force is much smaller than the vertical force dFvertical responsible for the transverse oscillations. [I apolagize for the way the equations are written] Homework Equations...
  7. gracy

    Understanding Forced Oscillations: Exploring the Concept and Its Applications

    please i am not getting what forced oscillation really is?please explain.as far as i understand let's take example of a swing ,if we give force to it initially and leave it ,swing will oscillate all by it's own and eventually will come to rest due to damping but if we give continuous force to it...
  8. LaLaLina

    Frequency of Oscillation, with mass and k value given

    Homework Statement A mass m = 2.0 kg is attached to a spring having a force constant k = 990 N/m as in the figure. The mass is displaced from its equilibrium position and released. Its frequency of oscillation (in Hz) is approximately _____ . [/B] Homework Equations...
  9. Aristotle

    Need help with Oscillation Vertical Spring Problem

    Homework Statement Homework Equations ΣF , ω=√(k/m), f=w/(2pi) The Attempt at a Solution I figured since the only forces acting on the block is the Spring force and a normal force in the downward position. Not a hundred percent sure of this though. For Disc: ΣFy= Fn - Fg - fs (static) = ma...
  10. Q

    Frequency of Oscillation of a Block & Spring

    Homework Statement An oscillator consists of a block attached to a spring (k=400 N/m). At some time t, the position, velocity, and accelleration of the block are x = 0.100m, v = -13.6 m/s, a - 123 m/s2 A) Calculate the frequency of the oscillation for the system B)What is the mass of the...
  11. Q

    Calculating Mass & Spring Constant for Oscillation

    Homework Statement A block with mass m is attached to the end of a spring with a constant spring k. It oscillates with a period of 2 seconds when pulled. When an additional 2 kg is add to the block it oscillates with a new period of 3 seconds. What is the mass of the black and the spring...
  12. D

    Pendulum Oscillation Frequency?

    Homework Statement Given a pendulum with fixed length, at what angle does the pendulum have to be released at in order to not follow the standard formula for frequency? Homework Equations P = 2pi*sqrt(l/g) The Attempt at a Solution I know that this equation holds for "small" angles (theta <...
  13. Misheel

    Oscillation Problem: Find Period and Potential Energy

    Homework Statement mass "m" object is located near the origin of the coordinate system. External force was exerted on the object depending on the coordinate by the formula of Fx=-4*sin(3*pi*x). Find the short oscillation period, and the potential energy depending on the coordinate. Homework...
  14. Subhadeep Dey

    Applications of Damped Oscillation (in Vibrations): Researching for a Paper

    I've been researching on Damped Oscillation (in vibrations) for a few days for a research paper, however I couldn't find any applications. I would be very thankful if anyone can tell me about its applications.
  15. B

    Oscillation frequency of electrons in atoms (Bohr model)

    Homework Statement Here is a picture: http://puu.sh/bZtAu/82bdc201bc.png Homework Equations For force, F = (Ze^2)/4 * pi * e0 * R^3) * r f = sqrt(k/m) * 1/2pi Where e0 = vacuum permeability, 8.854 x 10^-12m and r = radius of hydrogen atom, 5.3 x 10^-11m The Attempt at a Solution I...
  16. T

    Calculating Oscillation Frequency and Max Acceleration of a String

    For the first part of the equation, I worked out k constant of a string which extended 12.6cm when a mass of 300g was suspended from it using the equation F = kx where F is the force applied and x its extension. So mg = xk, 300 x 9,81 = 0.126k, the answer was 23357N/m (23kN/m). The question...
  17. S

    Direction of oscillation of wave

    Homework Statement Can you explain why the for Y , the direction of reflection is in and out of page ? p/s : the wording is in the photo. so i think it's needless to retype it again . Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution is it because for reflected ray, the ray will...
  18. P

    What is wave of photon? oscillation of something in space?

    I am curious what a photon looks like if we could observe it pass through space. It's also supposed to be oscillation of electromagnetic field. I don't understand what that means. Is it the field gets stronger and weaker and stronger and weaker, or spreads out and shrinks etc etc? Or if it's...
  19. Greg Bernhardt

    How Do Neutrino Oscillations Reveal the Nature of Neutrinos?

    Definition/Summary There are three masses of neutrino (they are unknown, but the differences of their squares is known approximately). There are three flavours of neutrino: electron- muon- and tau-, and a neutrino when it is created must be one of those three flavours. Each flavour is a...
  20. T

    Help solving Simulink numerical oscillation

    Hi! I posted a new thread about a week ago, but so far no one was able to help me: https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=761892 I wasn't sure if I posted in the right forum, so I'm posting it here hoping to reach a wider audience :) Any help is greatly appreciated! -Tusike
  21. T

    Simulink help solving numerical oscillation

    Hi! I'm trying to compute air flow between chambers for a project. I'm having a numerical oscillation problem, and I've created an example Simulink program that highlights the cause. Please see the attached Simulink model for a clear understanding; in the following I will do my best to give...
  22. 4

    Oscillation Frequency for Peak Voltage

    Homework Statement Here is the prompt: http://i.imgur.com/GsZck8J.jpg Homework Equations E(max) = NABw = 2pi*NABf The Attempt at a Solution E(max) = NABw = 2pi*NABf = NA*B(nought)*2pi*f 1.50 / (NA*B(nought)*2pi) = f f = 1.50 / N / ((2.50/100)^2*pi) / 0.109 / (2pi) The...
  23. T

    Can the Neutrino Oscillation Formula be Simplified Using a Trivial Proof?

    Hi all! I am not sure how to prove mathematically that the expression for the probability that a neutrino originally of flavor α will later be observed as having flavor β P_{α \rightarrow β}=\left|<\nu_{\beta}|\nu_{\alpha}(t)>\right|^2=\left|\sum_{i}U_{β i}^*U_{α i}e^{-iE_it}\right|^2 (1) can...
  24. V

    Oscillation of a liquid in U -tube

    I am facing difficulty in understanding a key point . Hence I am putting it here instead of Introductory Physics section . Here is a part of the solution provided by the teacher ,but it doesn't look convincing to me. Similar solution is provided here...
  25. P

    Frequency of oscillation of a ball?

    Homework Statement Hi, For one of my physics projects i need the natural frequency, or frequency of oscillation of a ball. I don't even know where to start. I've got a short article of an experiment similar to mine where they also use this natural frequency. So if my story is unclear, which...
  26. V

    How Does the Period of Oscillation Change When a Block Detaches from the Wall?

    Homework Statement A system consists of two blocks, each of mass M, connected by a spring of force constant k. The system is initially shoved against a wall so that the spring is compressed a distance D from its original uncompressed length. The floor is frictionless. The system is now...
  27. T

    Min Period of oscillation of a rod

    Homework Statement An iron rod of length L is hung at a common point with threads of length 'l' which are attached to the two ends of the rod. The rod is displaced a bit in the plane of the threads. What is the length of the threads if the period of the swinging of the rod is the least, and...
  28. T

    Two masses and spring oscillation

    Homework Statement The ratio of the time periods of small oscillation of the insulated spring and mass system before and after charging the masses is (a) ≥ 1 (b) > 1 (c) ≤ 1 (d) = 1 Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution First I calculated the time period of...
  29. A

    Find the period of oscillation of a little charged ring

    Homework Statement Find the period of oscillation, T, of a little charged ring that is free to move along a vertical wire when placed equi-distant between two like charges above and below it. Small displacement only. Treat the “little” ring like a point charge and use the binomial expansion...
  30. S

    How do you find the center axis of a damped oscillation

    Hello! I have data of a damped oscillation (the movement on Y as it dies down in time). Imagine for example a ball that is hanging from a spring and it keeps bouncing up and down under the spring until it stops. The problem is I do not know how to find the axis around which the oscillation...
  31. G

    Solid pivoted pendulum attached to a spring - oscillation period?

    Homework Statement The figure shows a 200 g uniform rod pivoted at one end. The other end is attached to a horizontal spring. The spring is neither stretched nor compressed when the rod hangs straight down. What is the rod’s oscillation period? You can assume that the rod’s angle from vertical...
  32. G

    SHM Oscillation problem involving potential energy

    Homework Statement A molecular bond can be modeled as a spring between two atoms that vibrate with simple harmonic motion. Figure P14.63 shows an SHM approximation for the potential energy of an HCl molecule. For E < 4 * 10^-19 J it is a good approximation to the more accurate HCl...
  33. T

    Oscillation of disk and particle.

    Homework Statement A disk of mass M(=2 kg)and radius R(=5m) is pivoted at the center. The disk lies in the vertical plane and is free to rotate about the pivot .A particle of mass (=1 kg) is on the periphery of the disk. Find the time period of small oscillation of the system .Homework...
  34. T

    How Does Light Absorption Affect the Oscillation Period of a Pendulum?

    Homework Statement A small plate of mass m is suspended by a light string of length l .A monochromatic light beam starts falling on it and is completely absorbed. If the energy falling on the plate per unit time is W, then find the time period of oscillation? Homework Equations The Attempt at...
  35. S

    Oscillation (particle movement)

    Homework Statement A particle rotates counterclockwise in a circle of radius 4.4 m with a constant angular speed of 11 rad/s. At t = 0, the particle has an x coordinate of 2.9 m and y > 0 . Part 1: Determine the x coordinate of the particle velocity at t = 1.22 s. Answer in units of m/s...
  36. G

    Coupled Oscillation attached at one end ?

    Homework Statement I'm supposed to determine the equation of motion of the two masses on the worksheet. I just need to start with that. Here is the problem statement: http://www.physics.udel.edu/~jim/PHYS211_14S/Homework%20assignments/Assignment%205%20-%20coupled%20oscillations.pdf...
  37. K

    How to Calculate Spring Constant and Weight from Oscillation Frequency?

    I am in a lab class that is suppose to cover the content of the lecture, however this week we are doing things in lab we haven't even touched in lecture. I have been able to finish the entire report, however there is an extension problem on the lab that I'm not sure how to solve, because we...
  38. S

    Finding Frequency oscillation in Hz

    Homework Statement Hi there.. I would really love a but of help with this question. It seems like the simple sort but there is one step that I seem to be missing.. I need the answer in Hz so basically its this .. one over 2∏ times √ of inductance times Capacitence. So here is the prob I can...
  39. Maxo

    Damped Oscillation Equation: Finding Amplitude and Phase Angle

    Homework Statement The equation for a damped oscillation is y(t)=Ae^{-\frac{b}{2m}t}cos(\omega't + \phi) We know that y(0)=0.5 and y'(0)=0. Find the values of A and ø and then plot the oscillation in MATLAB. Homework Equations See above The Attempt at a Solution When...
  40. A

    Rotation dynamics, dealing with impulse and oscillation

    Homework Statement A homogene rod with length "l" is placed vertically, and a nail is stabbed on the top of the rod (now the rod has an axis). And then an impulse is given on the rod with the separation between the impulse given to the rod's axis is "d". Earth gravitational acc is represented...
  41. A

    Rotation dynamics, dealing with impulse and oscillation

    A homogene rod with length "l" is placed vertically, and a nail is stabbed on the top of the rod (now the rod has an axis). And then an impulse is given on the rod with the separation between the impulse given to the rod's axis is "d". Earth gravitational acc is represented as g, the mass of the...
  42. M

    Significance of this kind of oscillation.

    So if a rubber band is performing small-amplitude oscillations. Does this mean that it is performing quick oscillations or slow ones?
  43. T

    Can You Solve This Four Spring Oscillation Problem?

    Homework Statement Figure shows a particle of mass m attached with four identical springs each of length L0. Initial tension in each spring is F0.Neglect gravity calculate the period of small oscillations of the particle along a line perpendicular to the plane of figure. (Take F0 = (0.01 π2)N...
  44. R

    Determine the oscillation period

    Homework Statement Determine the oscillation period, as a function of energy E, when a particle of mass m moves in a field with potential energy V(x)=-V_0/cosh^2(\alpha x), for -V_0 < E < 0 with Vo positive. (a) First show that, with s=sinh (α x) and determining the appropriate smax ,the...
  45. A

    What is the differences between vibration and oscillation

    what is the difference between vibration, oscillation,simple harmonic motion and periodic motion?Is there any similarities between these terms? can anyone explain clearly pls.
  46. L

    MHB Object Oscillation & Spring Shortening: Find the Answer!

    1 object of 6.2 Kg hangs 1 balance of spring mass and performs an oscillation of each 0.3 sec If K = 2755 n/m? How much shortens the spring by removing the object? Use pi ^ 2 as 10
  47. S

    Bar and spring oscillation problem

    Homework Statement A bar with length l and homogeneous mass distribution (mass: m) can rotate around its fixed point O.The other edge of the bar is connected to the spring in the figure of constant k and length l, and the spring is fixed by its one edge at point P. The system is in the...
  48. G

    How Do Coupled Pendulums Behave When Connected by a Spring?

    Homework Statement Consider 2 pendulums with the same length L, but 2 different masses Ma and Mb. They are coupled by a spring of spring constant k which is attached to the bobs (the masses). a) find the equations of motion b) find the frequencies and configurations of the normal modes...
  49. Runei

    Solution: Solving Harmonic Oscillation Differential Equation

    Hello, When I have the differential equation \frac{dY(x)}{dx} = -k^2 Y(x) The solution is of course harmonic oscillation, however, looking at various places I see the solution given as: Y(x) = A cos(kx) + B sin(kx) instead of Y(x) = A cos(kx + \phi_1) + B sin(kx + \phi_2) Isnt...
  50. 6c 6f 76 65

    Harmonic oscillation; new amplitude?

    Homework Statement A block with a mass M is located on a frictionless, horizontal surface and is attached to a horizontal spring with spring stiffness k. The block is being pulled out to the right a distance x=x_0 of equilibrium and released at t = 0. At time t_1, corresponding to \omega...
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