Waves and Oscillations

Ref book: Physics for Engineers - Giasuddin Ahmad (Part-1)

University Physics - Sears, Zemansky, Young & Freedman

Prepared by Dr. Md. Abu Saklayen, Nipa Roy, and Md. Asaduzzaman
Institute of Natural Sciences
United International University

Web ref provided on slides

 Basics for Waves and Oscillations

Differentiation Vector Analysis Basics of Motion

Harmonic Motion

Ref: google image

 Simple Harmonic Motion
Periodic Motion: A motion which repeats itself in equal intervals of time is periodic
motion. For example, the motion of the hands of a clock, the motion of the wheels of a
car and the motion of a merry-go-round.
Oscillatory Motion: An oscillatory motion is a periodic motion in which an object
moves to and fro about its equilibrium position. The object performs the same set of
movements again and again after a fixed time. One such set of movements is an
Oscillation. The motion of a simple pendulum, the motion of leaves vibrating in a
breeze and the motion of a cradle are all examples of oscillatory motion.
SHM: To-and-fro motion under the action of a restoring force. Simple harmonic motion
is the simplest example of oscillatory motion.

Ref: toppr.com
 Simple Harmonic Motion: Definition
Definitions of some related
quantities for y = A sin(ωt+φ)

Amplitude: The amplitude of the

motion, denoted by A, is the
maximum magnitude of
displacement from the equilibrium
position. It is always positive

Period: The period T, is the time

required for one oscillation.

Frequency: The frequency, f, is

the number of cycles in a unit tine.

Ref: google
Simple Harmonic Motion: Graphs

Ref: google image

Simple Harmonic Motion

Ref: toppr.com
 Simple Harmonic Motion: Equation
Hooke’s Law: The extension of an elastic object is
directly proportional to the force applied to it. Or,
The restoring force applied to an elastic object (such as a
spring) is proportional to the displacement (or, extension)
and in the opposite direction of that displacement. k is called the spring constant,
which is characteristic of
a spring which is defined as
the ratio of the force affecting
the spring to the displacement
caused by it.

Ref: google
 Simple Harmonic Motion: Equation
We can combine the constants k and m by
making the substitution:
𝑘
=ω02, which results
𝑚

d2 x
2 + ω02 x = 0.
dt

Some solutions of this equation are:

x = A sin(ω0t+φ)
x = A cos(ω0t+φ)

This solutions can be proved to be

the solutions of the above
differential equation (see lecture).

Ref: google image

Here,
For t = 0 at x = 0 mean or equilibrium position
➢ 0 = a sin(0+ Ø)
➢ a sinØ = 0
➢ Ø =0
➢ x = a sinωt

If x = ± a at t = 0
➢ ± a = ± a sin Ø
➢ sin Ø = ± 1
𝜋
➢∅= ±
2
𝜋
➢ 𝑥 = asin(ω𝑡 + ± )
2

➢ 𝑥 = acos ω𝑡
Simple Harmonic Motion: Graphs

Ref: google image

Simple Harmonic Motion: Graphs

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 Simple Harmonic Motion: Equation
Another Method:
F ∝ -x
or, F= -kx,
where x is the displacement from equilibrium and k is called the spring
constant, which is characteristic of a spring which is defined as the ratio of
the force affecting the spring to the displacement caused by it.

Since the acceleration:

dv d2x
a = dt = dt2 ,
Newton's second law becomes:
d2x
-kx = m dt2 ,
which is called a second-order differential equation because it contains a
second derivative.
For vertical motion:
d2y
m 2 + ω2 y = 0.
dt
Some solutions of this equation are:
y = A sin(ωt+φ)
y = A cos(ωt+φ)
Ref: csbsju.edu
Simple Harmonic Motion: Energy

Ref: google
Simple Harmonic Motion: Energy

Differential Equation of SHO/SHM from

Conservation of Energy for a mass spring system

Ref: google
Simple Harmonic Motion: Energy

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Simple Harmonic Motion: Energy

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 Simple Harmonic Motion: Energy

Energy vs. Time Graph

Energy vs. Displacement Graph

Ref: google image
Animation link DESMOS
1. Periodic and oscillatory motion animation https://www.desmos.com/calculator/stlsddhpte
2. SHM in 2D plane https://www.desmos.com/calculator/jw8hw5bay8
3. Energy vs. Time SHM https://www.desmos.com/calculator/jw8hw5bay8
4. Energy Vs. Position SHM https://www.desmos.com/calculator/vwfgmhpv64
5. Damped Harmonic Oscillation animation https://www.desmos.com/calculator/k01p40v0ct
6. Damping constant change https://www.desmos.com/calculator/qnb9052bzl
Simple Harmonic Motion: Pendulum

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Simple Harmonic Motion: Pendulum

Ref: google
 Simple Harmonic Motion: Pendulum
The moment of inertia of the pendulum about
an passing through the point of suspension is
= mK + mL
2 2

gL
Therefore, 0 =
K 2 + L2

Time Period
K +L
2 2
T = 2
Lg

Ref: google image

Simple Harmonic Motion: Simple Pendulum

Ref: google image

Simple Harmonic Motion: Simple Pendulum
Restoring force

F = −mg sin 
If the angle  is very small sin is very nearly
equal to . The displacement along the arc is

x = L
Therefore, F = −mg
Ref: google
Simple Harmonic Motion: Simple Pendulum
d x2
d  2
Acceleration =L 2
d  2 2
dt dt
mL 2 = − mg
dt d  2
Force = mL 2
dt
d  g
2

2
+  =0
dt L g
 =
2
d2θ L
+ ω2θ = 0
dt2
L
T = 2
g
Ref: google
 Simple Harmonic Motion: LC Circuit
An LC circuit, also called a resonant circuit, tank
circuit, or tuned circuit, consists of an inductor,
represented by the letter L, and a capacitor,
represented by the letter C. When connected
together, they can act as an electrical resonator.

Q
Voltage across capacitor at any instant VC =
C
Q is the charge on the capacitor and C is capacitance of capacitor.
di
Voltage across inductor at the same instant VL = L
dt
i is the current flowing and L is inductance of inductor.
Ref: google
 Simple Harmonic Motion: LC Circuit
Kirchhoff's voltage
law:
Q di
+L =0
C dt
2
di 1
2
+ i=0
dt LC

Similar to differential equation of SHM:

d2x 2 x = 0, with 
1
0 =
2
2 + ω
dt 0
LC
Ref: google
 Simple Harmonic Motion: LC Circuit
Solution of the differential equation is
Q(t ) = Q0 cos(0t +  )
Current in the circuit
i(t ) = −i0 sin(0t +  )

Time Period T = 2 LC
1
Frequency f =
2 LC
Ref: google
Simple Harmonic Motion: LC Circuit

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Simple Harmonic Motion: LC Circuit

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Simple Harmonic Motion: LC Circuit

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Simple Harmonic Motion: Sample Problems

A 0.42-kg block is attached to the end of a horizontal ideal

spring and rests on a frictionless surface. The block is pulled
so that the spring stretches by 2.1 cm relative to its
unstrained length. When the block is released, it moves with
an acceleration of 9.0 m/s2. What is the spring constant of
the spring?

180 N/m

Ref: google image

Simple Harmonic Motion: Sample Problems
Energy calculations.
For the simple harmonic oscillation where k = 19.6
N/m, A = 0.100 m, x = -(0.100 m) cos 8.08t, and v =
(0.808 m/s) sin 8.08t, determine (a) the total energy, (b)
the kinetic and potential energies as a function of time,
(c) the velocity when the mass is 0.050 m from
equilibrium, (d) the kinetic and potential energies at
half amplitude (x = ± A/2).

Ref: google image

Simple Harmonic Motion: Sample Problems
1 1
a. E = kA 2 = ×19.6N/m × (0.100m)2 = 9.80 ´10 -2 J.
2 2
1 2 1
b. U = kx = kA 2 cos2 w t = (9.80 ´10 -2 J)cos2 8.08t,
2 2
K = E -U = (9.80 ´10 -2 J)sin 2 8.08t.
1 1 1
c. K = E -U, mv 2 = kA 2 - kx 2 ,
2 2 2
k
v= (A 2 - x 2 ) = w A 2 - x 2
m
= 8.08Hz × (0.100m)2 - (0.050m)2 = 0.70m/s.
1 2 1 æ Aö
2
1
d. U = kx = k ç ÷ = E = 2.5 ´10 -2 J,
2 2 è2ø 4
E = K -U = 7.3 ´10 -2 J.
Ref: google image
Simple Harmonic Motion: Sample Problems
A 500 g block on a spring is pulled a distance of 20 cm and
released. The subsequent oscillations are measured to have a
period of 0.80 s. At what position (or positions) is the speed of
the block 1.0 m/s?

2 2
T = 0.80 s so  = = = 7.85 rad/s
T (0.80 s)

v= (
k 2
m
A − x 2 ) =  A2 − x 2

2
 (1.0 m/s) 
2
v
x =  A −   =  (0.20 m) − 
2 2
 = 0.154 m = 15.4 cm
   (7.85 rad/s) 

Ref: google image

Simple Harmonic Motion: Sample Problems
The diaphragm of a loudspeaker moves back and forth in
simple harmonic motion to create sound. The frequency of the
motion is f = 1.0 kHz and the amplitude is A = 0.20 mm.

(a)What is the maximum

speed of the diaphragm?
(b)Where in the motion
does this maximum speed
occur?

Ref: google image

Simple Harmonic Motion: Sample Problems
(a)

Vmax = Aω = A(2πf) = 1.3 ms-1

(b) The speed of the diaphragm is zero when the

diaphragm momentarily comes to rest at either end of its
motion: x = +A and x = –A. Its maximum speed occurs
midway between these two positions, or at x = 0 m.

Ref: google image

Simple Harmonic Motion: Sample Problems

What is the oscillation period of an FM radio station that

broadcasts at 100 MHz?

f = 100 MHz = 1.0 108 Hz

1 −8
T = 1/ f = = 1.0  10 s = 10 ns
1.0 10 Hz
8

Note that 1/Hz = s

Ref: google image

Simple Harmonic Motion: Sample Problems

The drawing shows plots

of the displacement x
versus the time t for three
objects undergoing simple
harmonic motion. Which
object, I, II, or III, has the
greatest maximum velocity?

II

Ref: google image

 Simple Harmonic Motion: Sample Problems
A 2.00 kg block is attached to a spring as shown.
The force constant of the spring is k = 196 N/m.
The block is held a distance of 5.00 cm from
equilibrium and released at t = 0.
(a) Find the angular frequency , the frequency f, and
the period T.
(b) Write an equation for x vs. time.

Ref: google image

 Simple Harmonic Motion: Sample Problems

k (196 N/m)
= = = 9.90 rad/s
m (2.00 kg)

 (9.90 rad/s)
f= = = 1.58 Hz
2 2
T = 1/ f = 0.635 s A = 5.00 cm and  = 0

x = (5.00 cm) cos  (9.90 rad/s)t 

Ref: google image

 Simple Harmonic Motion: Sample Problems
An air-track glider is attached to a spring,
pulled 20 cm to the right, and released
at t-=0. It makes 15 complete
oscillations in 10 s.
a. What is the period of oscillation?
b. What is the object’s maximum speed?
c. What is its position and velocity at t=0.80 s?

Ref: google image

Simple Harmonic Motion: Sample Problems
15 oscillations
f =
10 s
= 1.5 oscillations/s = 1.5 Hz
2 A 2 (0.20 m)
T = 1/ f = 0.667 s vmax = = = 1.88 m/s
T (0.667 s)

2 t 2 (0.80 s)
x = A cos = (0.20 m)cos = 0.062 m = 6.2 cm
T (0.667 s)
2 t 2 (0.80 s)
v = −vmax sin = −(1.88 m/s)sin = −1.79 m/s
T (0.667 s)
Ref: google image
Simple Harmonic Motion: Sample Problems
A mass, oscillating in simple harmonic
motion, starts at x = A and has period T.
At what time, as a fraction of T, does the
mass first pass through x = ½A?

2 t
x = A = A cos
1
2
T

T −1  1  T  1
t= cos  2  = = 6T
2 2 3

Ref: google image

Simple Harmonic Motion: Sample Problems
A particle execute s simple harmonic motion given
by the equation
2t 
y = 12 sin( + )
10 4

Calculate (i) amplitude, (ii) frequency, (iii) displacement

at t= 1.25s, (iv) velocity at t= 2.5s (v) acceleration at
t= 5s.

Ref: google image

Simple Harmonic Motion: Sample Problems
A particle execute s simple harmonic motion given by
the equation

y = 10 sin(10t − )
6

Calculate (i) frequency, (ii) time period (iii) the

maximum displacement (iv)the maximum velocity
(v) the maximum acceleration acceleration.

Ref: google image

Damped Oscillations

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Damped Oscillations: Definition

Damped Harmonic motion: When oscillating

bodies do not move back and forth between
Precisely fixed limits because frictional force
dissipate the energy and amplitude of oscillation
Decreases with time and finally die out. Such
harmonic motion is called Damped Harmonic
Motion.

Ref: google
Damped Oscillations: Example

Ref: google
 Damped Oscillations: Equation
In theses systems the damping F  = −bv
force

Ref: google
Damped Oscillations: Equation

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Damped Oscillations: Equation

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Damped Oscillations: Equation

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Damped Oscillations: Graph

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Damped Oscillations: Equation

Ref: google
Damped Oscillations: Equation

Ref: google
Damped Oscillations: Graph

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Practice Problem 1.
For a damped oscillator m = 400 gm, k = 100 N/m and b = 45 gm/s. If the initial amplitude of the mass-spring oscillator is
0.5 Kg and the oscillator is released at t = 0 s
(i) What type of damping will be observed here?
(ii) Determine the frequency of oscillation if DHM is observed
(iii) Construct the equation of displacement
(iv) What will be the displacement at t = 0.02 sec
(v) What will be the amplitude at t = 0.03 sec
(vi) What will be the total energy of the oscillator after t = 0.04 sec

Practice Problem 2.

For a damped oscillator m = 400 gm, k = 100 N/m and b = 45 gm/s.

(i) What is the period of the motion?
(ii) How long does it take for the amplitude of the damped oscillations to drop to half its initial value?
(iii) What is its life time?
(iv) How many oscillations does it complete in life time?
(v)The maximum displacement of undamped oscillator is 35 cm. If the damping is stopped after 20 cycles, What is the
damping energy?
(vi) What is the ratio of the oscillation amplitude to the initial oscillation amplitude at this cycle?
Damped Oscillations: LRC Circuit

Ref: google image

 Damped Oscillations: LRC Circuit
• Voltage across resistor R VR = iR
• Voltage across capacitor C Q
VC =
C
• Voltage across inductor L di
VL = L
• According to dt
Kirchhoff's voltage law
Q di
iR + + L = 0
C dt
Ref: google
 Damped Oscillations: LRC Circuit
Rewrite the equation
d 2i R di 1
2
+ + i=0
dt L dt LC
Comparing with the equation
d 2 x dx
+  + 0 x = 0
2
2
dt dt
Where
R 1
= 0 =
L LC

Ref: google
 Damped Oscillations: LRC Circuit
Three distinguish cases are

1 R2
i)  2 Oscillatory behavior
LC 4 L

1 R2
ii) = 2 Critical damping
LC 4 L

1 R2
iii)  2 Over damping
LC 4 L

Ref: google
 Damped Oscillations: LRC Circuit
1 R2
Case i)  2
LC 4 L

Solution of the differential equation

R
− t
Q(t ) = Ae 2L
cos(1t +  )
1 R2
Where 1 = ( − 2)
LC 4 L
1 1 R2
Frequency of oscillation f = ( − 2)
2 LC 4 L

Ref: google
Damped Harmonic Motion: Sample Problems
1. A capacitor 1.0 µF, an inductor 0.2 H and a resistance
800 Ω are joined in series. Is the circuit oscillatory?
Find the frequency of oscillation.

2. Find whether the discharge of capacitor through the

following inductive circuit is oscillatory.
C = 0.1µF, L = 10mh, R = 200 Ω
If Oscillatory, find the frequency of oscillation.

Ref: google image