For vibrational motion, what term denotes the maximum displacement from the equilibrium position?
amplitude
frequency
wavelength
period
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is amplitude.
In vibrational motion, the term amplitude refers to the maximum displacement of a particle or object from its equilibrium or rest position during its oscillation. This displacement occurs along the direction of the oscillation and determines the “height” or “extent” of the vibration. It is often measured in units such as meters (m) for mechanical systems or other units depending on the type of vibration.
The amplitude is a key characteristic in describing the intensity or energy of a vibration. A larger amplitude indicates a greater displacement and generally corresponds to a greater amount of energy in the system. For example, in a mass-spring system or a pendulum, the amplitude represents how far the mass moves from the point where the system is at rest. In sound waves, the amplitude correlates to the loudness of the sound; higher amplitude sounds are perceived as louder, while lower amplitude sounds are quieter.
Other terms related to vibrational motion include frequency, wavelength, and period, but they refer to different aspects of the motion:
- Frequency is the number of oscillations or cycles that occur in one second, measured in Hertz (Hz).
- Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive points that are in phase, such as two peaks of a wave.
- Period is the time taken to complete one full cycle of oscillation.
The amplitude, in contrast, does not concern how fast or how often the oscillations occur, but rather how far the system moves from its rest position.