Simple pendulums and alternating current are two examples of oscillations that are all too familiar to us. The following are some of the parameters that govern oscillation: the period of the oscillation, the frequency of the oscillation, and the amplitude of the oscillation. In general, an oscillation is a back and forth movement that occurs in a regular rhythmic pattern. Let us go into greater detail about oscillation in this article.

Simple Harmonic Motion

We all encounter this type of oscillatory motion on a daily basis because it is the most basic form of oscillation. It is an oscillatory motion in which the amount of displacement of an object from its equilibrium position is proportional to the amount of retarding force applied to the object. Or, to put it another way, the restoring force acts in the opposite direction of the object’s displacement and is proportional to the amount of displacement.

One more simple illustration is provided by the motion of a pendulum, in which case the restoring force acts in the opposite direction of displacement when it is displaced in one direction. Any simple harmonic motion can be divided into three types of oscillation, each of which is described below.

There are three main types of Simple Harmonic Motion

• Damped Oscillation
• Forced Oscillation
• Free Oscillation

Oscillation

In physics, oscillation is defined as a periodic variation in time of a substance around its mean value or between two fixed states.

The term oscillation refers to a cycle of periodic to and fro motion of the body about its central position in space. Vibrations are mechanical oscillations that occur in a closed system. When a particle vibrates, it means that it oscillates between two points that are close to its central point.

The amplitude of an oscillation is defined as the height or the maximum distance over which the oscillation occurs. It is expressed as a number of metres. While the time it takes to complete one complete oscillation cycle is referred to as the time period, the frequency refers to the number of complete oscillation cycles that occur in one second. The time period is measured in seconds. In a nutshell, frequency is the reciprocal of time period. The time period is measured in seconds, and the frequency is measured in hertz. The frequency is measured in hertz.

The Characteristics of Oscillation

The following are the characteristics of oscillation:

• Frequency can be defined as the number of complete oscillations that occur in one unit of time.
• The amplitude of an oscillator is defined as the maximum displacement of the oscillator from its equilibrium point.
• The time period is the amount of time it takes for one complete oscillation to occur, measured in seconds.
• The relationship between frequency and period is denoted by the equation f=1/T.

Example

Once again, the motion of a simple pendulum serves as an excellent illustration of simple harmonic motion. This is because, when the pendulum is moved in one direction, a proportional restoring force acts on it in the opposite direction.

Simple harmonic motions are classified into three significant categories based on the external forces acting on them. These categories are as follows: We will now define oscillating motion and its various types, followed by a brief description of each type.

Free Oscillation

A free oscillation is a perfect condition in which a particle’s motion is not influenced by any external resistance, which is the case in most cases. It is a motion that has a natural frequency that corresponds to the particle and constant amplitude, energy, and time period.

It is an ideal condition because, in reality, every oscillating object is subjected to some form of interaction with external conditions, resulting in a net loss of energy, which is not the case in this ideal condition.

The amplitude and period of the free oscillation are both constant because there is no external force to set the oscillation in motion. In an ideal situation, free oscillation does not experience damping. Damping is observed in all natural systems, however, and this is true until and unless a constant external force is applied to overcome damping. In such a system, the amplitude, frequency, and energy are all kept constant at the same values.

An example of free oscillations is the motion of a simple pendulum in a vacuum.

Damped OScillations

The difference in energy between the applied restoring force and the restraining force acting on the oscillation is used to classify it as damped. Essentially, it is an oscillation that fades away with time, which means that the frequency and magnitude of the oscillations will decrease over time.

The damping can be either natural or artificial.

The most straightforward example of damped oscillations is a simple pendulum oscillating under natural circumstances. Shock absorbers in automobiles are an example of damping devices, which are used to reduce the vibrations of the vehicle.

The following are the various types of damped oscillation:

• Under damped oscillations, the damping constant is equal to one.
• Oscillations that have been critically damped: Damping constant is equal to one.
• Over damped oscillations are those where the damping constant is greater than 1.

Forced Oscillation

Forced oscillation is the term used to describe when a body oscillates as a result of being influenced by an external periodic force. Because of the external energy supplied to the system, the amplitude of the oscillation experiences damping but remains constant.

When you push someone on a swing, you must keep pushing them at regular intervals to ensure that the swing does not become less effective.

Conclusion

The damping is a resistance that is provided to the oscillating system. Damped oscillation is the term used to describe an oscillation that fades with time. The amplitude of oscillations decreases over time as a result of damping. The loss of energy from the system as a result of overcoming external forces such as friction or air resistance, as well as other resistive forces, results in a reduction in amplitude. As a result, as the amplitude of the system decreases, the energy of the system decreases as well.