Reading Assignment [ R-2 ]

Read Chapter 2 of the textbook.

Upload a Word (.doc or .docx) or PDF file to Canvas with answers to the following questions. Put a blank line between each answer in order to make it easier to read. Use your own words. After the definition each term, create an example of using the word in a sentence. Example:

Acoustics: (1) the branch of physics concerned with the properties of sound; (2) the qualities of sound in a room.
Example: (1) You'll develop your understanding of how sound works by studying acoustics. (2) The acoustics of this room make it a good place for the band to rehearse.

Vocabulary

1. Simple harmonic motion
2. Oscillation
3. Cycle
4. Equilibrium
5. Amplitude
6. Period
7. Wavelength
8. Frequency
9. Hertz (Hz)
10. Transient
11. Envelope
12. Graph
13. Axes (on a graph)
14. Steady state
15. Decay

In addition to defining the above vocabulary, answer the following questions in your own words.

1. At what position is the weight on a spring when it is at equilibrium in Figure 1?
2. What does the restoring force do in simple harmonic motion?
3. What is the frequency of the vibration shown in graph in Figure 2a?
4. What is the horizontal axis represent in Figure 2a?
5. What is the frequency of the vibration shown in Figure 2b?
6. How does the frequency change if you increase the mass of weight at the end of a spring, or reduce the stiffness of the spring?
7. Where does the energy go that is dissipated by friction?
8. Do you think the graph of displacement vs. time in Fig. 4 could be showing the amplitude of a plucked string over time? Why (not)?
9. What do you think you could do to reduce the frequency of a tuning fork? Could you increase the frequency?