Give Examples for Oscillatory Motion

We all might have got a kick out of swinging in the swing when we were youngsters. Can you think of the type of motion a swing brings about? It’s an oscillatory motion. Motion is when an object transmits its position concerning time. Oscillation is one such type of motion. Here, the object pertains to the movement where a body has a to and fro motion tendency from its mean position. Another instance can be the pendulum timepiece that also makes an oscillatory motion and moves about the same path in a to and from movement.

What is oscillatory motion?

Oscillation refers to the repeated motion of a body on its mean path. It should be noted that this isn’t the same as the periodic movement that is taken up by the Earth around the sun. This type of motion is said to be resistant and unaffected by the force of friction. Still, this is not the case in certainty as the object must certainly settle into balance. 

The highest part that the body covers when in oscillatory motion is known as the amplitude of the object that is in motion. Here, the time taken by the body to finish off one such session from equilibrium position to the amplitude and again back to its position is referred to as the period. The characteristics of the oscillation are specified in terms of the rounds that the body can make in an oscillatory motion per unit time. 

Types of Oscillatory motion 

Oscillation is divided into two distinct categories namely, Circular oscillatory motion and Linear oscillatory motion. 

1)Linear Oscillatory Motion

Linear oscillation refers to the motion of a body either in the up-down direction or the left-right direction. Examples of this type of oscillation are the vibration of the cords in the musical instrument, movement of a fluid in a U-tube column, and Floating of boats and ships on the sea, as they make a to and from motion. 

2)Circular Oscillatory Motion 

Circular Oscillatory Motion refers to the motion of a body in a left-right direction in a circular manner. Examples of this type of motion can be the motion of a solid sphere ball in a half hollow sphere, the rotation of a wheel, and a stringed instrument that is suspended on a nail.

Examples of Oscillatory motion

There are various distinctive examples of oscillatory motion.

1)Pendulum Clock 

The Pendulum in a pendulum clock makes to and fro movement. The pendulum makes an oscillatory motion and moves about the same path in a to and from moving from its equilibrium position to the path and then back again. 

2) Freely hanging bob

When pushed, the bob that is freely hanging also tends to make an oscillatory movement. Here, the bob moves from its equilibrium position and then returns to its original position. 

3) Swing in the park 

We all would have got a kick out of swinging in the swing when we were youngsters. Swing also makes an oscillatory motion. When a force is applied to the swing, it moves from its equilibrium position and then returns to its original position. 

4) Tuning Fork

The vibration made by the tuning fork when it is touched on the glass is also an example of oscillatory motion. 

5) Flapping of Wings 

Birds also make an oscillatory motion with their wings by flapping their wings in a repeated manner. Wings move a particular distance and then return to their original position. This rhythmic movement is oscillation only. 

6) Heartbeat 

The motion which our heart makes while pumping blood is also a category of oscillatory motion. Here, our heart muscles make a to and fro movement which illustrates the existence of oscillatory motion in our heart. 

7) Tectonic Plates in Earthquakes

The motion that is undertaken by the tectonic plates during an earthquake is also an instance of oscillatory motion. 

8) Cords of musical instruments 

Musical Instruments like guitar, violin, and harp exhibit oscillatory motion. When the strings of the instruments are pushed, they move back and forth and vibrate which gives rise to an oscillatory motion.  

9) Spring Toy 

The spring toy which comes in a rainbow-colored pattern also depicts an oscillatory motion. When pulled or expanded, the toy goes a certain distance and then returns forth to its original position and shape. 

10) Alternating Current 

The traveling shape of the waveforms also depicts oscillatory motion. One can notice these in a particular type of current, known as the alternating current. The crest and trough of the waveforms demonstrate oscillation. 

Conclusion 

It can be concluded that Oscillation pertains to the movement where a body has a to and fro motion tendency from its mean position. This is done in a repeated technique and on the exact path every time it moves. There are various examples to explain this phenomenon of oscillation. Every object that undergoes an oscillation movement moves about the same path in a to and from moving from its equilibrium position to the path and then back again. The aspects of the oscillation are specified in terms of the rounds that the body can make in an oscillatory motion per unit time.