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 time piece that also makes an oscillatory motion and moves about the same path in a to and from movement.

What is an oscillation?

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, rotation of a wheel and a stringed instrument that is suspended on a nail. 

Other types of oscillation

Another type of oscillation can be the Simple harmonic motion which is referred to as the simplest oscillatory motion. This motion is specified for a particle, moving in a straight and linear manner with a balanced velocity that is commensurate to the distance on a fixed path. According to Hooke’s law, it is the restoring force that pushes the body to its original position again and again. 

         F (Restoring force) = -kx

Here, in the above-mentioned equation, F is the restoring force that pushes the body to its original position, again and again, k is described as the spring constant and x is the displacement that takes on from the equilibrium position to the amplitude of the body. 

Some 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) 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. 

3) 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. 

4) 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. 

5) Tectonic Plates in Earthquakes

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

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. The aspects of the oscillation are specified in terms of the rounds that the body can make in an oscillatory motion per unit time.