Periodic motion key terms

angular speed

The rate at which an object rotates or revolves around a central point, measured in radians per second (rad/s).

period

The time taken for one complete cycle of motion, measured in seconds (s). In Periodic motion, use this term with the exact equation, unit, motion model, or thermal process it belongs to, rather than as a generic label.

centripetal acceleration

The acceleration directed towards the center of a circular path, calculated using the formula a_c = v^2 / r, where v is the linear speed and r is the radius of the circular path.

centripetal force

The net force acting on an object moving in a circular path, directed towards the center, calculated using the formula F_c = m x a_c, where m is the mass and a_c is the centripetal acceleration.

centripetal force

The net force acting on an object moving in a circular path, directed towards the center of the circle.

circular motion

The motion of an object in a circular path, characterized by a constant distance from a fixed point and a changing direction.

angular speed

The rate at which an object rotates or revolves around a central point, measured in radians per second (rad/s).

centripetal force

The net force acting on an object moving in a circular path, directed towards the center of the circle, calculated using the formula F = m * a_c, where a_c is the centripetal acceleration.

simple harmonic motion

A type of periodic motion where the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to its displacement from the equilibrium position and is directed towards that position.

displacement

The distance and direction from the equilibrium position to the object in simple harmonic motion, indicating how far the object is from its rest position.

displacement

The distance and direction from the equilibrium position in simple harmonic motion. In Periodic motion, use this term with the exact equation, unit, motion model, or thermal process it belongs to, rather than as a generic label.

acceleration

The rate of change of velocity in simple harmonic motion, directed towards the equilibrium position.

Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)

A type of periodic motion where the restoring force is directly proportional to the displacement and acts in the opposite direction.

Phase Relationship

The difference in phase between two oscillating quantities, often measured in degrees or radians, indicating how one oscillation relates to another over time.

angular frequency

The rate of change of the phase of a sinusoidal waveform, typically measured in radians per second, and related to the period and frequency of oscillation.

period

The duration of one complete cycle of a periodic motion, measured in seconds, and inversely related to frequency.

simple harmonic motion

A type of periodic motion where the restoring force is directly proportional to the displacement from the equilibrium position.

angular frequency

The rate of change of the phase of a sinusoidal waveform, measured in radians per second, related to the frequency of oscillation.

time period

The time taken for one complete cycle of a periodic motion, typically measured in seconds.

simple harmonic motion (SHM)

A type of periodic motion where the restoring force is directly proportional to the displacement from the equilibrium position.

oscillation

The repetitive variation, typically in time, of some measure about a central value or between two or more different states.

energy changes

The transformation of energy from one form to another during the process of oscillation, such as from potential energy to kinetic energy and vice versa.

simple harmonic motion

A type of periodic motion where the restoring force is directly proportional to the displacement from the equilibrium position.

angular frequency

The rate of change of the phase of a sinusoidal waveform, measured in radians per second, related to the frequency and period of oscillation.

free vibrations

Oscillations that occur when a system is displaced from its equilibrium position and allowed to oscillate without any external force acting on it.

forced vibrations

Oscillations that occur when a system is compelled to oscillate by an external periodic force.

resonance

The phenomenon that occurs when the driving frequency of an external force matches the natural frequency of a system, resulting in increased amplitude of oscillation.

natural frequency

The frequency at which a system naturally oscillates when not subjected to any external force, determined by the system's physical properties.

damping

The process by which energy is gradually removed from an oscillating system, leading to a decrease in amplitude over time.

resonance

The phenomenon that occurs when a system is driven at its natural frequency, resulting in a significant increase in amplitude.