Physics Coupled Oscillators

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Questions and Answers

What type of equations describe the motion of multiple masses connected by springs?

  • Quadratic equations
  • Non-linear differential equations
  • Polynomial equations
  • Linear equations (correct)

When multiple masses and springs are connected, what mathematical method can be employed to solve the equations of motion?

  • Linear algebra (correct)
  • Differential calculus
  • Integral calculus
  • Statistical methods

In the context of the linear equations for the oscillators, what does 'kij' represent?

  • The mass of oscillator i
  • The strength of the spring between masses i and j (correct)
  • The acceleration due to gravity
  • The damping coefficient of the spring

What is the purpose of using complex solutions like $x1 = c1 e^{i ho t}$ in the analysis of oscillator systems?

<p>To simplify the mathematical computations (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If two oscillators have different masses, what implication does it have for solving their equations of motion?

<p>The equations remain linear but need general solutions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the force on the first mass when it is displaced from equilibrium while the second mass is held fixed?

<p>The force opposes the motion of the first mass. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What forces contribute to the total force on the first mass x1 when it is moved?

<p>The combined effect of both spring constants acting against the displacement. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is essential for the analysis of the forces on the two masses?

<p>One mass must remain stationary during the analysis. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of coupled oscillators, what does the term 'normal modes' refer to?

<p>Patterns of oscillation where all masses move in a concerted manner. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does an increase in the displacement of the second mass x2 affect mass x1?

<p>It pulls mass x1 to the right. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the variable ε represent in the relationship between frequencies ω1 and ω2?

<p>The difference in frequencies divided by two (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When two strings tuned slightly apart are plucked, what frequency is actually perceived as the beat frequency?

<p>The absolute difference between the two frequencies (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If one string vibrates at 442 Hz and another at 339 Hz, what is the beat frequency that will be heard?

<p>3 Hz (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes the effect of beats when two strings are out of tune?

<p>They produce regular fluctuations in amplitude, allowing for tuning. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the mathematical expression for the observed frequency when hearing beats?

<p>$ν_{beat} = |ν_1 - ν_2|$ (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'normal mode frequencies' refer to in the context of the oscillations?

<p>The frequencies at which a system naturally vibrates. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the perceived frequency as the difference between two strings' frequencies decreases?

<p>The beat frequency approaches zero. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can one determine if two strings are in tune using beat frequencies?

<p>By adjusting one string until the beats disappear. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the masses are excited in such a way that $A_s = 0$?

<p>The two masses oscillate at frequency $\omega_f$. (A), Both masses have the same displacement in opposite directions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What indicates the emergence of beats in the system?

<p>The normal mode frequencies are close together. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which mode do the masses oscillate when $x_1 = -x_2$?

<p>Antisymmetric mode (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the equation det(A − λ1) = 0 in relation to eigenvalues?

<p>It indicates values of λ for which the eigenvalues exist. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does varying $\kappa$ and $k$ have on the frequencies of the coupled system?

<p>It alters the values of the normal mode frequencies. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the trigonometric relation for beats, what is the product of two cosines represented as?

<p>$2 \cos \left( \frac{\omega_1 + \omega_2}{2} t \right) \cos \left( \frac{\omega_1 - \omega_2}{2} t \right)$ (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can eigenvalues and eigenvectors be characterized mathematically?

<p>They allow transformation of matrices into scalar values. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If $\kappa$ is decreased and $k$ remains constant, what is expected regarding the normal mode frequencies?

<p>Normal mode frequencies may become closer together. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the eigenvalue equation if λ is not an eigenvalue of matrix A?

<p>The system will yield only the trivial solution. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the motion of the two masses when both are excited with frequencies $\omega_1$ and $\omega_2$?

<p>They exhibit a combined motion that results in beats. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the identity matrix represent in the context of eigenvalue equations?

<p>It acts as a reference point to compare with any square matrix. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes the nature of eigenvalues for an n × n matrix?

<p>The eigenvalues may or may not be distinct. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What visible effect occurs in the positions of the masses when observing distinct frequencies?

<p>Some frequencies may appear slower than others. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key property of the eigenvalue problem represented in the equation A · vi = λivi?

<p>The eigenvalue λi scales their associated eigenvector ~vi. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When does a matrix A have nontrivial solutions to the eigenvalue equation?

<p>When its determinant is zero. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is the inverse of a matrix related to eigenvalues?

<p>Eigenvalues can indicate when a matrix does not have an inverse. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the general solution for the motion of two coupled masses as described in the equations?

<p>$x_1 = rac{1}{2}[(x_1 + x_2) + (x_1 - x_2)]$ (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the frequencies $ ext{ω}_s$ and $ ext{ω}_f$?

<p>$ ext{ω}_f &gt; ext{ω}_s$ (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What dictates the condition for achieving symmetric oscillation mode?

<p>$Af = 0$ (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which equation represents the relationship between the second derivatives of the combined movements of the two masses?

<p>$m(ẍ_1 + ẍ_2) = -k(x_1 + x_2)$ (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the form of the solution for the difference of the movements of the two masses?

<p>$x_1 - x_2 = A_f ext{cos}( ext{ω}_ft + ext{φ}_f)$ (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are the oscillation modes identified in the system described?

<p>By considering the normal modes derived from the differential equations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which principle is applied when adding the second equations of motion for the masses?

<p>Linear superposition of forces. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the symmetric oscillation mode, what is significant about the positions of the masses over time?

<p>The masses maintain equal positions at all times. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Displacement (x)

The displacement of a mass from its resting position.

Spring Constant (k)

A measure of how stiff a spring is, determining the force required to stretch or compress it.

Spring Force

A force exerted by a spring that is proportional to the displacement from its equilibrium position and acts in the opposite direction.

Coupled Oscillators

The interaction between two oscillators, where the motion of one affects the motion of the other.

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Force due to Coupling

The force generated by a spring connecting two masses, where the force depends on the relative displacement of the masses.

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Equations of Motion for Coupled Masses

Equations that describe the motion of two masses connected by springs, considering both the interaction between them and their individual connection to fixed supports.

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Adding Equations

A method to solve the equations of motion by adding the equations together, resulting in a simpler equation for the sum of the displacements.

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Symmetric Oscillation Mode

A special solution where the two masses oscillate in sync, moving together with the same amplitude and phase.

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ωs (Angular Frequency of Symmetric Mode)

The frequency at which the masses oscillate when in the symmetric oscillation mode.

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Subtracting Equations

A method to solve the equations of motion by subtracting them, resulting in a simpler equation for the difference of the displacements.

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Anti-symmetric Oscillation Mode

A special solution where the two masses oscillate out of sync, moving in opposite directions with the same amplitude and phase.

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ωf (Angular Frequency of Anti-symmetric Mode)

The frequency at which the masses oscillate when in the anti-symmetric oscillation mode.

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General Solution

A solution combining both the symmetric and anti-symmetric modes.

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Coupled Oscillator System

A system of multiple masses connected by springs, where the motion of one mass influences the motion of others due to the interconnecting springs.

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Coupling Constant (kij)

The strength of the spring connecting two masses in a coupled oscillator system, determining the force exerted between them.

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Equations of Motion for Coupled Oscillators

A set of linear equations that describe the motion of each mass in a coupled oscillator system, taking into account the forces from all connected springs.

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Linear Algebra for Coupled Oscillators

A mathematical approach using matrices to solve the equations of motion for a coupled oscillator system, taking advantage of the linear nature of the equations.

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Normal Modes of Oscillation

A solution to the equations of motion for a coupled oscillator system where each mass oscillates with a specific frequency and amplitude.

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Frequency

The frequency of a sound wave, often measured in Hertz (Hz). Higher frequencies correspond to higher pitched sounds.

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Sum Frequency

A wave with a frequency that is the average of two other frequencies.

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Difference Frequency

A wave with a frequency that is half the difference of two other frequencies.

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Beat

A periodic change in the amplitude of a wave, perceived as a pulsating sound.

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Beat Frequency

The rate at which beats occur, measured in Hertz (Hz).

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Frequency Difference

The difference between two frequencies.

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Beats in Music

The phenomenon where two slightly out-of-tune sounds create a pulsating sound due to interference.

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Tuning with Beats

A method of tuning instruments by adjusting the frequency of one string until the beat frequency between it and another string disappears.

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Antisymmetric mode frequency (ωf)

The frequency of oscillation when two masses are moving in opposite directions, resulting in an antisymmetric mode.

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Symmetric mode frequency (ωs)

The frequency of oscillation when two masses are moving in the same direction, resulting in a symmetric mode.

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Coupled oscillator frequency

The frequency of oscillation of a system with two coupled masses.

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Normal mode

The state of a coupled oscillator system where the masses are moving in a predictable and repeating pattern.

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Coupled oscillator equation

The mathematical representation of the motion of coupled oscillators, often involving trigonometric functions.

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Coupling constant (κ)

The strength of the coupling between two masses in a coupled oscillator system.

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Exciting the masses

The process of exciting a coupled oscillator system to observe its different modes of oscillation.

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Displacement Vector (~c)

A vector that describes the displacement of each mass from its equilibrium position in a system of coupled oscillators.

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Mass Matrix (M)

A matrix that represents the mass and spring constants of a system of coupled oscillators. It describes the forces acting on the masses due to their displacements.

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Eigenvalue (λ)

The natural frequency of a system, determined by the mass and stiffness of the system.

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Eigenvector (~v)

A specific displacement pattern of the masses in a system of coupled oscillators corresponding to a particular eigenvalue.

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Eigenvalue Equation (A·v = λv)

An equation that describes the relationship between the eigenvalues, eigenvectors, and the matrix representing the system. It helps find the natural frequencies and corresponding displacement patterns of a system.

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Characteristic Equation (det(A - λ1) = 0)

A method used to solve for the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of a matrix, by transforming the eigenvalue equation into a form that can be solved using linear algebra.

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Identity Matrix (1)

A matrix that has all diagonal elements equal to 1 and all other elements equal to 0.

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Non-trivial Eigenvalue

The value of λ for which the matrix (A-λ1) does not have an inverse, leading to non-trivial solutions for the eigenvalue equation.

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Study Notes

Coupled Oscillators

  • Coupled oscillators are created by connecting oscillators together
  • In the limit of many oscillators, solutions resemble waves
  • Features like resonance and normal modes can be understood with a finite number of oscillators
  • Two masses attached with springs are a simple example

Two Masses

  • Let x₁ be the displacement of the first mass from equilibrium, and x₂ the second mass's displacement
  • A force on x₁ from moving x₁ is F = -kx₁
  • A force on x₁ from moving x₂ is F = -kx₂
  • Signs oppose the motion of the mass
  • The force equations are:
    • mx₁'' = -(k + K)x₁ + Kx₂
    • mx₂'' = -(k + K)x₂ + Kx₁

Solving the Equations

  • Summing the equations gives a solution: m(x₁ + x₂)'' = -k(x₁ + x₂)
  • The solution is sinusoidal, x₁ + x₂ = Acos(ωst + φs) with ωs² = k/m.
  • Subtracting the equations gives another solution: m(x₁ - x₂)'' = -k(x₁) - (2k)(x₁-x₂)
  • The other solution is sinusoidal,x₁ - x₂ = A fcos(ωft + φf) and ωf² = (k+2k)/m.

Normal Modes

  • The general solution is a combination of the two sinusoidal solutions
  • x₁ = ½[(x₁ + x₂) + (x₁ - x₂)] and x₂ = ½[(x₁ + x₂) - (x₁ - x₂)]
  • These solutions represent the normal modes of oscillation
    • When Af = 0, both masses move together with frequency ωs
    • When As = 0, the masses move in opposite directions with frequency ωf

Beats

  • When two frequencies are close (ω₁ ≈ ω₂), the result is a beat.
  • The beating phenomena is the result of oscillations superimposing.
  • The average frequency of the oscillations is approximately equal the average of two normal mode frequencies
  • Amplitude oscillates at a rate given by half the difference of the two frequencies.

Matrices and Multiple Masses

  • For more complex systems with multiple masses and varying spring constants, the solutions are found by writing down a system of equations
  • Using linear algebra (eigenvalues/eigenvectors) allows for finding the solution to a system of linear equations
  • Matrices are used to represent the relationships between forces and displacements.
  • The determinant of the matrix equated to zero is an equation to solve for the normal mode frequencies
  • For a system with n masses, there are n normal mode frequencies.

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