Oscillations
1. Students should understand the kinematics of simple harmonic motion so they can:
a) Sketch or identify a graph of displacement as a function of time, and determine from such a graph the amplitude, period and frequency of the motion.
b) Identify points in the motion where the velocity is zero or achieves its maximum positive or negative value.
c) State qualitatively the relation between acceleration and displacement in simple harmonic motion.
d) Identify points in the motion where the acceleration is zero or achieves its greatest positive or negative value.
e) State and apply the relation between frequency and period for simple harmonic motion.
f) 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 kinetic.
2. Students should be able to apply their knowledge of simple harmonic motion to the case of mass on a spring, so they can:
a) Apply the expression for the period of the oscillation of a mass on a spring.
3. Students should be able to apply their knowledge of simple harmonic motion to the case of a pendulum, so they can:
a) Apply the expression for the period of a simple pendulum.
b) State what approximation must be made in deriving the period.
Made 25 July 2006