2012

IV Oscillations and waves | y

CIE

AS & A LEVEL PHYSICS

14. Oscillations
15. Waves
16. Superposition
Simple Harmonic Motion is an oscillatory motion in which acceleration is always
proportional to its displacement from a fixed point, and is directed towards that
point.
See Q:3 of June:2003
Candidates should realise that both a sine wave and a cosine wave are sinusoidal.
State the effect, if any, on the appearance of the fringes observed on the
screen when the following changes are made, separately, to the doubleslit arrangement.
-the width of each slit is increased but the separation remains constant.
same separation
bright areas brighter
dark areas, no change
fewer fringes observed
-the separation of the slits is increased.
smaller separation of fringes
no change in brightness
Progressive wave:
frequency:
number of oscillations per unit time M1
of the source / of a point on the wave A1 [2]
speed:
speed at which energy is transferred / speed of wavefront
Standing wave:
does not transfer energy (along the wave)
position (along wave) where amplitude of vibration is a maximum is called
the anti node.
once we get
stress = force / area so area = force / stress
area = (1.9 103) / (9.5 108)
= 2.0 106 m2

now this is the minimum area the rod should have, so that it does not break.(lesser
shall it be, the rod would break.) and this can only be such when the area of bubble
is its maximum.
(max) area of cross-section = (3.2 2.0) 106
= 1.2 10^6
when bubble has 1.2 x 10^-6, rod has 2 x 10^-6, a total of 3.2 x 10^-6 n07 q4c

coherent = constant phase difference

Progressive wave = transfer of energy as a result of oscillations/ vibrations of a
particles.
N09#1 Q:5c for diffraction and interference
State what is meant by resonance.
1. large / maximum amplitude of
vibration .............................................................. B1
2. when impressed frequency equals natural frequency of
vibration ...................... B1
State and briefly explain a situation in which resonance should be
avoided.
1. e.g. metal panels on machinery vibrate / oscillate ...........................................
(M1)
motor in machine impresses frequency on panel ......................................(A1)
2. e.g. car suspension system vibrates / oscillates.................................................
(M1)
going over bumps would give large amplitude vibrations .............................
(A1)
Damping:
1. either loss of energy (from the system) or amplitude decreases or additional
force acting (on the mass)
2. either continuous/gradual loss or force always opposing motion
it is the reduction in amplitude due to friction.
Resonance:
Harmful:
The operation of the engine of a vehicle causes a periodic force on the parts of the
vehicle, which can cause them to resonate. For example, at particular frequencies of
rotation of the engine, the mirrors may resonate. To prevent excessive vibration, the
mountings of the mirrors provide damping.

Useful:
Musical instruments rely on resonance to amplify the sound produced.The sound
from a tuning fork is louder when it is held over a tube of just the right length, so
that the column of air resonates.
Radianangle (subtended) at centre of circle (by) arc equal in length to radius
Oscillations:
to-and-fro / backward and forward motion (between two limits)
Free oscillations:
no energy loss or gain / no external force acting / constant energy / constant
amplitude
Potential energy of the body:
ability to do work as a result of the position/shape, etc. of an object
Speed of the stationary wave
wave is reflected at end / at
P ............................................................................ B1
either incident and reflected waves interfere
or two waves travelling in opposite directions interfere
................................M1
speed is the speed of incident or reflected wave / one of these
waves .............. A1
Features of a stationary wave that distinguishes it from a progressive wave:

no energy transfer
amplitude varies along its length/nodes and antinodes
neighbouring points (in inter-nodal loop) vibrate in phase