Concept in Definition ABC
Miscellanea / / July 04, 2021
By Javier Navarro, in Apr. 2015
Oscillation is the phenomenon in which a change occurs in the movement of something and is done in the form of a swing.
Oscillation is the expression of something in motion
In the language everyday there are a series of equivalent terms: sway, fluctuation or rocking. In any case, an oscillation is something that is in motion. In this sense, it must be taken into account that the movement has different manifestations (rectilinear movement uniform or accelerated type, which is presented in a uniform circular shape, acceleration or motion pendular). In the latter case, the change in position of a body occurs periodically and repetitively over a period of time. The best known example of oscillatory or pendulum movement is that which occurs in pendulums in some clocks.
Physics factors involved
In the oscillatory movement cycle we have the following physical variables: the amplitude or distance maximum in which a body moves, the period of time in which a body acts and the frequency or number of cycles in a unit of time. This movement has two different options. On the one hand, simple harmonic movement or that damped by some
force.The theoretical knowledge that is implicit in the oscillatory movement has allowed multiple applications. The main one is probably a measurement more accurate time (let's not forget that a clock measures temporal oscillations). If we place ourselves in the field of building, architects design buildings or bridges that must be protected from seismic movements of the earth, that is, from oscillations.
The theoretical principles of the oscillation were described by Galileo at the beginning of the 17th century, who already understood its dimension practice.
Oscillation situations
In addition to the parameters of this type of physical movement, the idea of oscillation is very present in the communication and in everyday life. Let's look at three significant examples:
- In a football competition, a series of teams face each other over the course of a season. Throughout it, its position in the table is changing, so there is an oscillation or variation in the classification.
- In the world of the stock market the different values are changing day by day and these variations are analyzed by the understood, those who observe the oscillations that occur from a numerical point of view and during a period of weather.
- Waves are the way some of the oscillations are presented. Thus, sound, earthquake waves or radio waves have the characteristics of this movement.
Oscillation Topics