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Free & Forced Vibrations
Introduction
Free and forced vibrations describe how oscillating systems behave when they are allowed to vibrate naturally or are driven by an external periodic force. This topic introduces natural frequency, resonance and damping, explaining why oscillations can increase dramatically when a system is driven at its natural frequency. These concepts are widely applied in engineering, music, earthquake-resistant structures and mechanical design.
AQA A Level Physics Specification: 3.5.2.3 Free and Forced Vibrations
What You Need to Know
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Define free vibrations and describe when they occur.
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Define forced vibrations and explain how they are produced.
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Define the natural frequency of an oscillating system.
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Explain the conditions required for resonance.
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Describe how the amplitude of oscillations changes at resonance.
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Understand the effects of damping on oscillations.
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Compare lightly damped, critically damped and heavily damped systems.
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Describe practical applications and hazards of resonance.
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Solve qualitative and quantitative problems involving oscillations, resonance and damping.
Downloadable Topic Pack
Free and Forced Vibrations Topic Pack Exam Questions and Answers
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