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Amplitude

Definition

The amplitude represents the maximum displacement from equilibrium in a periodic motion.

Analogy

Think of a swing at a playground. The amplitude is like how high you swing above or below your resting position when swinging back and forth.

Related terms

Period (T): The period refers to the time it takes for one complete cycle of a periodic motion.

Frequency (f): The frequency is the number of cycles or oscillations that occur in one second.

Crest and Trough: In wave motion, crest represents the highest point while trough represents the lowest point on a wave.

"Amplitude" appears in:

Practice Questions (5)

  • If the kinetic energy of a spring at its equilibrium position preparing to move to its negative amplitude is 20J, what is its displacement as it moves to its negative amplitude position given a spring constant of 100N/m. Assume surface is frictionless.
  • A mass-spring oscillator travels a total horizontal distance of 1.8m in 5 seconds. If its amplitude is 0.3m, what is the approximate period of the oscillator?
  • If the amplitude of a simple harmonic oscillator is quadrupled, its total mechanical energy will
  • A block with a mass of 10 kg connected to a spring oscillates back and forth with an amplitude of 2 m. What is the approximate period of the block if it has a speed of 4 m/s when it passes through its equilibrium point?
  • If the amplitude of a simple harmonic oscillator is quadrupled, its total mechanical energy will _____


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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.