Definition:Oscillation (Physics)
This page is about oscillation in the context of physics. For other uses, see oscillation.
Definition
Oscillation is a regular fluctuation in the magnitude of the displacement of a body about a particular position, value or state.
This usually occurs in the context of mechanical or electronic systems.
Thus, in the context of mechanics, an oscillation is an example of a periodic motion.
Period of Oscillation
Let $B$ be a body undergoing oscillation.
The period of oscillation of $B$ is the time taken for $B$ to make one complete journey from one end of its path to the other and back again.
Examples
Pendulum
The swinging of a pendulum is an example of oscillation.
Tuning Fork
The motion of the tines of a tuning fork is an example of oscillation.
Also known as
Oscillation is also known as vibration.
This term is usually restricted to the context of mechanics.
Also see
Sources
- 1998: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (2nd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): oscillation
- 2008: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (4th ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): oscillation