Driven Harmonic Oscillators

OCW Scholar

{'English - US': '/courses/physics/8-03sc-physics-iii-vibrations-and-waves-fall-2012/problem-solving-resources/driven-harmonic-oscillators/j1ADxLi1wYg.srt'}

Flash and JavaScript are required for this feature.

Download the video from iTunes U or the Internet Archive.

Description: In this session we first give advice on how, in general, one approaches the solving of "physics problems." We then consider three very different oscillating systems, show how in each the equation of motion can be derived and then solve these equations to obtain the motion of the oscillator.

Instructor: Prof. Wit Busza

See the Video Index tab for a list of problems reviewed in this video.

Video Index

  • Discussion of how, in general, one solves physics problems.
  • "Set-up" (derivation of the equation of motion) of "driven RLC circuit" problem.
  • "Set-up" of "driven, weakly damped, simple pendulum" (point mass, mass less string).
  • "Set-up" of" ideal seismograph" problem (driven mass on a spring with damping).
  • Mathematical solution of the equation of motion which describes all the above three systems.
  • Discussion of how the general solution describes the particular behavior of the RLC circuit described in the first example. In the case of this problem, the focus is on the initial or boundary conditions.
  • Discussion of how the general solution describes the particular behavior of the pendulum described in the second example. In the case of this problem, the focus is on the motion after a long time, when the transients have died out.
  • Discussion of how the general solution describes the particular behavior of the seismograph described in the third example. In the case of this problem the focus is on the amplitude of the response, i.e., on the Q-value of the oscillator.

Free Downloads

Video


Subtitle

  • English - US (SRT)