9478 / 2027

Chapter 9

Oscillations

Measure displacement from equilibrium, state the phase and distinguish the ideal free oscillator from a damped or driven response.

Use one oscillator model to interpret measurements, predict motion and explain energy transfer.

Oscillation quantities and measurement, the SHM condition, displacement and velocity models, energy exchange, damping and forced resonance. For 9478 (2027).

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  1. Describe and measure an oscillation

    Identify equilibrium and a full cycle, measure amplitude and period, and compare phase.

  2. Recognise the SHM condition

    Test the direction and proportionality of restoring acceleration and choose a displacement model with the correct time origin.

  3. Connect velocity and acceleration

    Read aligned motion graphs, select the velocity sign and estimate rates from a calibrated position record.

  4. Follow the energy exchange

    Account for kinetic and potential energy and explain the effect of changing amplitude.

  5. Compare damped responses

    Distinguish underdamped, critically damped and overdamped motion from the same release conditions.

  6. Driving and resonance

    Read a frequency-response graph and explain how damping changes useful and unwanted resonance.