harmonic oscillator

American  

[hahr-mahn-ik ahs-uh-lay-ter] / hɑrˈmɑn ɪk ˈɑs əˌleɪ tər /

noun

1. Physics. a system in which oscillations occur when something that is in equilibrium, such as a pendulum at rest, is displaced from its stability, as when the pendulum starts to swing, but a restoring force pulls it back, only to create a repeating back-and-forth pattern, as with the pendulum whose rest position remains in the center of its pattern of motion.

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harmonic oscillator Scientific  

1. A physical system in which some value oscillates above and below a mean value at one or more characteristic frequencies. Such systems often arise when a contrary force results from displacement from a force-neutral position, and gets stronger in proportion to the amount of displacement. For example, pulling or pushing the end of a spring from its rest position results in a force pushing back toward the rest position. Letting the spring go from a position of tension results in harmonic motion of the spring; the spring is now a harmonic oscillator. Other examples include a swinging pendulum, a vibrating violin string, or an electronic circuit that produces radio waves.

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Example Sentences

A periodic force driving a harmonic oscillator at its natural frequency produces resonance.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

Because the period is constant, a simple harmonic oscillator can be used as a clock.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

Two important factors do affect the period of a simple harmonic oscillator.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

Figure 16.9 An object attached to a spring sliding on a frictionless surface is an uncomplicated simple harmonic oscillator.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

Give an example of a simple harmonic oscillator, specifically noting how its frequency is independent of amplitude.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015