Oscillations can be defined as the process concerning the repetition of variations of any quantity from its equilibrium over a definite period. In other words, oscillation can be described as the periodic variation between two predetermined values or from its centralised equilibrium value. And about waves, it is the energy transferred from one point to the other and not the matter. And this energy transmission takes place due to the association of the neighbouring particles of the medium by elastic forces.

The objects that depict the object’s motion around its equilibrium point are termed oscillators. It is to be noted that the term vibration is used for describing the mechanical oscillations in an object. Oscillations also tend to occur in dynamic systems and other aspects of scientific practises. For example, the heart beating in the human body is also an example of oscillations.

Some examples of oscillation

Let us look at some common examples of oscillation before moving on to the oscillations of a spring. 

Tides in the ocean and a simple pendulum are examples of oscillation. The clock’s pendulum moves to and fro, which creates an oscillatory motion. Vibrations are mechanical oscillations. When an object vibrates, it means that the object moves back and forth between two points about the equilibrium or mean or central point. Similarly, the movement of spring is also an example of oscillation.

Types of Oscillation

There are 3 primary kinds of oscillation – damped, undamped, and oscillation motion.

Damped Oscillations

Damping can be defined as the process of controlling or restraining oscillatory motion. For instance, mechanical vibrations cause dissipation of energy. It is noted that oscillation tends to remain undamped when induced force is equal to the restoring force for restraining external constraints and ensuring the object oscillates on the same energy. Additionally, if the restoring force is halted, the oscillations will suddenly stop; however, when the restraining force is greater than the applied restoring force, damping is introduced.

The difference classifies damped oscillations noted between energy-related to acting restraining force and applied to restore forces. Damped oscillation tends to fade over time; thus, its magnitude reduces. An ideal oscillating system is not classified under damped oscillations. The ideal oscillation case is when its magnitude does not reduce with time and the amplitude stays the same throughout the oscillation process. Swinging on swings can be used as an example of damped oscillation. Swing does not move unless an external force pumps it and the motion of swing tends to fade away slowly, which means swing will stop over time if an external force is not applied again.

Undamped Oscillations

Undamped oscillations can be defined as the process in which an object displaces from its equilibrium along with experiencing restoring force in proportionality to the displacement. Thus, the magnitude of the oscillations never fades in such types of oscillations. We can also say that the magnitude of the oscillation tends to remain the same. An alternating current wave is one of the best examples of undamped oscillation. The magnitude of the alternating current tends to oscillate between two values across the equilibrium points in a repetitive manner. There is no restraining force in alternating currents that acts on the oscillations, and the signal’s magnitude also does not fade over time; thus, it maintains the amplitude.

Oscillation Motion

Oscillation motions occur when an object swings from side to side in a mechanical system. This type of movement is known as oscillation motion. It is to be noted that potential energy generally changes into kinetic energy in oscillation motion within a complete cycle. 

Waves

Definition & Importance of waves 

A wave is a pattern of disturbances propagating through a medium, usually in space and time. It carries and transports energy while propagating from one point to another without any net movement of particles. Waves exchange energy in all our communications as it involves the transmission of signals.

Different kinds of waves platform

All communications involve different types of waves possessing different sets of characteristics. Based on the direction of energy and orientation of particle motion, waves are of three types : 

• Mechanical waves: Here, the transmission medium limits the direction of the wave propagation—for example- sound waves, water waves.
• Electromagnetic waves: These waves are a merger of electric and magnetic fields. Example- light waves.
• Matter waves: These waves are related to the constituents of matter- protons, electrons, and neutrons. They are more conceptual than mechanical or electromagnetic waves. For example- They find application in electron microscopes.

Medium of propagation of waves

• Mechanical waves need a medium to propagate themselves, and they cannot propagate through a vacuum. These waves are further classified into two categories:

1. Transverse waves: These waves propagate in a direction perpendicular to displacement or disturbances. For example- ripples on the surface of the water.
2. Longitudinal waves: These waves propagate in a direction parallel to the direct displacement or disturbances—for example- sound waves.

• Electromagnetic waves don’t need any medium to propagate and can travel through a vacuum—for example- radio waves, microwaves.

• Matter waves are a complicated concept related to matter, and you will learn more about this in later studies.

Conclusion

Concluding Study material notes on Oscillations and waves, here are some key points that you should always remember.

• Oscillations can be defined as the process concerning the repetition of variations of any quantity from its equilibrium over a definite period.
• There are 3 primary kinds of oscillation – damped, undamped, and oscillation motion.
• Mechanical waves are associated with the elastic properties of the medium.
• Longitudinal waves can propagate in a medium with a bulk modulus of elasticity, such as solids, liquids, and gases.
• Transverse waves need mediums with a shear modulus of elasticity to propagate, such as solids.
• Air can propagate on longitudinal sound (pressure) waves.