PhysicsChapter 3: Simple Harmonic Motion
Amplitude, Period, Frequency and Phase
Amplitude, period, frequency and phase are quantities used to describe the size and timing of an oscillation.
Definition
Amplitude, period, frequency and phase are quantities used to describe the size and timing of an oscillation.
Amplitude `A`
Maximum magnitude of displacement from equilibrium.
Period `T`
Time required for one complete oscillation. Unit: **second (s)**
Frequency `f`
Number of complete oscillations per second. **f=1T Unit: hertz (Hz)**
Angular Frequency
**ω=2πf=2π/T**
Phase
For: **x=A cos(ωt+φ) the quantity: ωt+φ** is the phase. `φ` is the initial phase or phase constant. Phase tells where the oscillator is in its cycle.
Formula / Key Relation
**f=1T ω=2πf x=Acos(ωt+φ)**
Exam preparation
Exam Focus
Quick revision
Revision Zone
Review the key facts, formulas and checks before you move on.Amplitude, Period, Frequency and Phase
Sticky Notes · Quick Revision
A → maximum displacement
- T → seconds/cycle
- f → cycles/second
- ω → rad/s
- φ → initial phase
60-second revision
- These quantities completely describe basic sinusoidal timing and size.
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