| Term | Definition | SI Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) | Oscillatory motion where restoring force is proportional to and directed opposite to displacement: F = −kx | — |
| Amplitude (A) | Maximum displacement from mean position during SHM | m |
| Angular frequency (ω) | Rate of change of phase; ω = 2πf = 2π/T | rad/s |
| Time period (T) | Time for one complete oscillation; T = 2π/ω | s |
| Frequency (f) | Number of oscillations per second; f = 1/T | Hz |
| Phase (φ) | Initial angular displacement in the argument of sin: x = A sin(ωt + φ) | rad |
| Wave number (k) | Spatial frequency; k = 2π/λ | rad/m |
| Wavelength (λ) | Distance between two consecutive points in phase (e.g., crest to crest) | m |
| Progressive wave | Wave that transfers energy from one region to another without net matter transport | — |
| Standing wave | Superposition of two identical waves travelling in opposite directions; energy is localised | — |
| Node | Point of zero displacement in a standing wave; occurs at x = nλ/2 | — |
| Antinode | Point of maximum displacement in a standing wave; occurs at x = (2n+1)λ/4 | — |
| Beat | Periodic variation in loudness due to superposition of two waves of slightly different frequency | — |
| Beat frequency | = | − |
| Doppler effect | Apparent change in frequency due to relative motion between source and observer | — |
| Linear mass density (μ) | Mass per unit length of a string; μ = | kg/m |
| Fundamental frequency | Lowest natural frequency of vibration; n = 1 harmonic | Hz |
| Harmonic | Integer multiple of the fundamental frequency | Hz |
| Overtone | Frequencies above the fundamental; 1st overtone = 2nd harmonic (open); 3rd harmonic (closed) | Hz |
| Resonance | Condition when driving frequency equals natural frequency → amplitude is maximum | — |
Part of WAVE-01 — Oscillations & Waves
Definitions Glossary — Waves & SHM
Like these notes? Save your own copy and start studying with NoteTube's AI tools.
Sign up free to clone these notes