Question

What is a vibration (or an oscillation)? Define 'amplitude' of vibration of an object.

Answer 1

To and fro movements of an object about its mean position is vibration.

The maximum displacement of the wave from its mean position is termed as amplitude.

Answer 2

Vibration:

• The to and fro motion of an object is called as oscillation or vibration.
• This repeated motion is seen in pendulum.
• When the bob of the pendulum is moved from rest position. The bob moves from to one of extreme position then moves to central position then again moves to another extreme position.
• When a pendulum goes to all these three positions, then it is said to complete one vibration or oscillation.

Amplitude:

• A vibration has three attributes namely frequency, time period and amplitude.
• The maximum distance moved from pendulum/object from its central position is called amplitude.
• The amplitude is increased by applying some force to the pendulum/object.