GENERAL PHYSICS 1: Grade 12

SECOND QUARTER
Module 4

Damped Oscillations and

Mechanical Waves
(Sinusoidal Wave & Wave Intensity)

Prepared by: Jackielyn Ocbina, CNSTHS

Most Essential Learning Competencies:

1. Differentiate underdamped, overdamped, and critically damped motion

2. Define mechanical wave, longitudinal wave, transverse wave, periodic wave, and
sinusoidal wave
3. From a given sinusoidal wave function infer the speed, wavelength, frequency,
period, direction, and wave number
4. Apply the inverse-square relation between the intensity of waves and the distance
from the source

TO THE LEARNER:

HOW TO USE THIS MODULE?

Read the simple instructions below to successfully meet the objectives of this kit.
1. Follow and read carefully all the contents and instructions indicated in every
page of this module.
2. Write on your notebook the concepts about the lesson. Writing enhances
learning.
3. Perform all the activities provided in the module. You will use a scientific
calculator.
4. Let your facilitator/ guardian assess your answers using the answer key card.
5. Analyze conceptually the post-test and apply what you have learned.
6. Enjoy studying!
 Expectations
In this module, you will demonstrate an understanding of damped oscillation
and mechanical waves. Specifically, this module helps you to:

1. differentiate underdamped, overdamped, and critically damped motion

2. define mechanical wave, longitudinal wave, transverse wave, periodic wave, and
sinusoidal wave
3. from a given sinusoidal wave function infer the speed, wavelength, frequency,
period, direction, and wave number
4. apply the inverse-square relation between the intensity of waves and the
distance from the source

Pre-Test
Direction: Read the questions carefully. Write the letter of the correct answer on the
blank provided before the number.

1. What type of damping is observed in which the damping of an oscillator

causes it to return as quickly as possible to its equilibrium position without
oscillating back and forth?
A. undamped system C. overdamping system
B. underdamped system D. critically damped system

2. What type of wave is characterized by which particles of the medium move

back and forth along the same direction that the wave travels?
A. sinusoidal wave C. mechanical wave
B. transverse wave D. longitudinal wave

3. Which of the following is FALSE about waves?

A. A mechanical wave propagates with or without medium.
B. A wave is a disturbance that travels from one place to another carrying
energy.
C. The particles of the medium do not experience any net displacement in
the direction of the wave as the wave passes.
D. In a sinusoidal wave, the particles of the medium oscillate about their
equilibrium positions in simple harmonic motion.

4. From the given graph of a sinusoidal transverse wave, determine the

amplitude, wavelength, and frequency of the wave.

A. A = 15.0 cm; λ = 4.3 cm; f = 26.0 Hz

B. A = 4.3 cm; λ = 15.0 cm; f = 26.0 Hz
C. A = 26.0 Hz; λ = 15.0 cm; f = 4.3 cm
D. A = 4.3 cm; λ = 26.0 Hz; f = 15.0 cm

5. What is the power of the sound emitted by the source with a sound intensity
of 1.0×10−3 W/m2 at a distance of 7.00 m?
A. 0.62 W C. 6.2 x 105 W
B. 0.088 W D. 1.6 x 10-6 W

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 Looking Back
In the previous module, you have learned about periodic motion, the motion
that repeats itself in a definite cycle. To recall this topic, fill in the blanks below to
complete each statement by choosing the right term inside the box.

Simple harmonic motion simple pendulum physical pendulum

mass amplitude conserved reversed oscillation

1. A ___________________ is any real pendulum that uses an extended body, or

is any body suspended from an axis of rotation.
2. When the restoring force is directly proportional to the displacement from
equilibrium, the oscillation is called ______________________.
3. Energy is __________________ in simple harmonic motion. The total energy
can be expressed in terms of the force constant and amplitude.
4. __________________ is a single fluctuation of a quantity, or repeated and
regular fluctuations of a quantity, between two extreme values around an
equilibrium or average value.
5. The angular frequency, frequency, and period in simple harmonic motion do
not depend on the ___________________.

Brief Introduction
The oscillating systems discussed to you so far are frictionless. There are no
nonconservative forces, the total mechanical energy is constant and a system set
into motion continues oscillating forever with no decrease in amplitude.

In the real world, oscillations seldom follow this simple harmonic motion.
Friction of some sort usually acts to dampen the motion so it dies away, or needs
more force to continue. Just like when a child is playing on a swing, someone must
keep on pushing it to remain it moving or else after one push it will come to move
slow and finally stop.

The decrease in amplitude caused by dissipative forces is called damping,

and the corresponding motion is called damped oscillation. In this module, three
cases of damping will be discussed: underdamped, overdamped, and critically
damped.

Also in this material, the nature of waves will be introduced, focusing on

mechanical waves. Here, you will understand on how waves can be classified. You
will also recall the wave parameters such as amplitude, wavelength, frequency,
period, and velocity.

In addition, expect that you will work on basic equations in describing

waves, specifically the special case of sinusoidal wave in which the wave pattern is
a repeating sine or cosine functions. Wave intensity will also be discussed and you
will learn solving problems using the inverse-square law.

Your prior knowledge about waves will be needed to understand the topics in
this learning module. The basic concepts are always important in exploring
interesting topics in Physics.
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 Activity 1
Title: THREE CASES OF DAMPING

Direction: Study the graph (figure 1.1) of undamped oscillation and describe the
three cases of damped systems by interpreting the given graph for it (figure 1.2).

In an undamped
system, the object will not stop
oscillating. There is no non-
conservative force that
dissipates the energy. The
amplitude remains constant
with time.

Figure 1.1. Undamped Oscillation

Since in a real world, objects

attached on springs do not continue
to oscillate forever, eventually the
oscillations die out and the object
stops. This happens because of
dissipative forces called damping
which are usually friction and air
resistance.

Figure 1.2 shows the three

cases of damped system.
Figure 1.2. Three Cases of Damped System

Differentiate the types of damping by interpreting the graph. Choose from

the given description on column A and their corresponding real life application on
column B. The description may be chosen more than once if applicable to two or all
the three types of damping. Write your answer on a table form.

Column A Column B

- amplitude decreases over time

- returns to equilibrium without oscillating - automatic door
- oscillates as it returns to equilibrium close system
- fastest way to return to its equilibrium position - guitar string when
- amplitude decays exponentially with time, struck
gradually decreasing to zero - shock absorber in
- no oscillation but takes long time to relax, moves automobiles
slowly towards equilibrium

TYPE DESCRIPTION REAL LIFE APPLICATION

Underdamping

Overdamping

Critical damping
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 Activity 2
Title: UNDERSTANDING WAVES

Direction: Complete the paragraphs below by supplying correct terms as defined/

described in the sentences. Choose from the terminologies inside the box.
Illustrations are provided for better understanding.

mechanical wave energy propagate periodic wave

sinusoidal wave longitudinal wave transverse wave

Wave phenomena are everywhere. Waves can occur whenever a system is

disturbed from equilibrium and when the disturbance can (1) __________ from one
region to another. As the wave propagates, it carries (2) __________.

Waves can be classified according to the ability to transmit energy through

media. (3) ____________ needs material medium to transport its energy from one
location to another, while the electromagnetic wave can transmit energy with or
without medium such in vacuum. Another way to classify waves is according to
the direction of vibrations of the particles of the medium relative to the direction of
wave propagation. (4) ___________ is a type of wave in which particles of the medium
move perpendicular with the direction that the wave moves, while (5) ___________ is
a wave in which particles of the medium move back and forth with the direction
that the wave moves.

Figure 2.1. Transverse and Longitudinal wave

A (6) __________ is a wave that repeats at regular intervals. It is a periodic

disturbance that moves through a medium, transporting energy, but not matter,
from one region to another. Also, it takes time for a wave to travel, therefore they
have velocity.

A (7) ___________ is a wave that

describes a smooth periodic oscillation,
where there is a repetitive change or
motion which, when plotted as a graph,
has the same shape as the sine function.
It is an S-shaped waveform defined by the
mathematical function y = sin x. The
motion of an object in simple harmonic
motion is sinusoidal.
Figure 2.2. Sinusoidal wave
Figure 2.2 is a sinusoidal wave that
shows how the amplitude of a variable
changes with time.
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 Activity 3
Title: SINUSOIDAL WAVE FUNCTION

A. Direction: Identify the parts of a sinusoidal wave function below by recalling the
fundamental wave parameters. Also, complete the table for the basic wave
formulas.
A. _________________
B. _________________
C. _________________
D. _________________
E. _________________

PARAMETER DESCRIPTION FORMULA/S You can refer from

these triangle
frequency number of oscillations (cycles) that occur formulas:
(f) each second of time

period time taken for one complete cycle of the

(T) wave to pass a reference point

the distance between any two successive

wavelength
points in a wave that are in phase with
(λ) each other

velocity the distance travelled by a wave per unit

(v) time

B. Direction: Study the discussion of sinusoidal wave function and systematically

solve the given problem.

A sinusoidal wave is a wave form in which the amplitude is always

proportional to sine of its displacement angle at every point of time. It has repetitive
pattern. In this wave function, the displacement y of a particle in the medium is
given as a function of both time t and distance x, written as y (x, t).

If there is initial phase constant (φ) in the sinusoidal waves, the general
equation of the wave at time t is:
(a) y (x,t) = A sin (kx – ωt + ɸ) Where:
A = amplitude
Note: In this equation, the wave is travelling in +x direction. If the wave k = wave number
travels in –x direction, the equation will be: y (x,t) = A sin (kx + ωt + ɸ). ω = angular frequency
φ = phase constant
The table below summarizes the additional parameters
for a sinusoidal wave.

PARAMETER UNIT DESCRIPTION

amplitude the maximum amount of displacement of a particle on

mm, cm, m
(A) the medium from its rest position

angular frequency measures angular displacement of the wave per unit

rad/s
(ω) time; ω = 2π/T ; ω = 2πf

wave number the number of waves or cycles per unit distance;

rad/cm, rad/m
(k) reciprocal of wavelength; k = 2π/λ ; k = 1/ λ

phase constant how far a wave is shifted along the x-axis relative to
rad
(ɸ) another wave taken as reference
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 If the wave moves in the +x direction and that at t=0, the wave at x=0 is at
its equilibrium position y=0, the equation will be:

(b) y (x,t) = A sin (kx – ωt)

From the given sinusoidal wave equation (b) and doing substitution of
formulas, we can rewrite it as:
Since:
(c) y (x,t) = A sin [ (2π/λ) x – (2π/T) t ) ] k = 2π/λ
ω = 2π/T
(d) y (x,t) = A sin [ 2π/λ ( x – vt ) ] v = λ/T

Now let us try to solve this problem by using the concept and formulas discussed.
Round off your answers into 3 significant figures. Box your final answers.

PROBLEM:

A sinusoidal wave traveling in the positive x direction has an amplitude of

12.0 cm, a wavelength of 32.0 cm, and a frequency of 6.00 Hz.

A. Find the wave number k, period T, angular frequency ω, and speed v of the
wave.
B. Write a sinusoidal wave equation given the values of amplitude, wave
number, angular frequency.

Write all the given:

SOLUTION:

(A) wave number (k) period (T)

k = 2π/λ T = 1/f

angular frequency (ω) velocity (v)

ω = 2πf v = λf

(B) Based on the graph, the wave at t=0 and x=0 is at equilibrium y=0. In writing
the sinusoidal wave equation, refer to the given amplitude and use the
values you computed for wave number and angular frequency.

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 Activity 4
Title: WAVE INTENSITY and INVERSE-SQUARE LAW

Direction: Study the discussion about wave intensity and systematically answer the
given problem.

Another example of mechanical wave is sound waves in air which carry

energy across three dimensions, producing sound in all directions. For small sources
of sound, it can be assumed that the medium through which the sound travels is
uniform and that the sound does not reflect from, nor is absorbed by, any surfaces
or the air. Under these conditions, sound will travel as a spherical wave.

The power of the source is therefore spread out over the surface of a sphere.
When finding the intensity of a sound at a distance from the source, the sphere
will have a surface area of 4πr2. Since the intensity is the power per unit area, the
formula for intensity will be:

𝐏
𝐈=
𝟒𝛑𝐫 𝟐
Based from this, it can be seen
that for a particular sound source,
the sound intensity it produces is
inversely proportional to the square of
the distance from the source. This is
the inverse square law. When
Figure 3. Inverse square law for sound wave.
comparing the sound intensities at Retrieved from: http://hyperphysics.phy-
two distances r1 and r2 from a source, astr.gsu.edu/hbase/Acoustic/invsqs.html

it should be remembered that the power of the source is a constant. Therefore,

4πr12I1 = 4πr22I2. This relationship then gives this formula:

Where:
𝐈𝟏 𝐫𝟐𝟐 I1 = intensity at point 1
= 𝟐 I2 = intensity at point 2
𝐈𝟐 𝐫𝟏 r22 = distance from source to point 2
r12 = distance from source to point 1

Use the formulas discussed above and systematically answer the problem below:

PROBLEM: A siren produces a sound intensity of 3.0 × 10−2 W/m2 at a

distance of 9.00 m. Assume that the siren acts as a point source of sound.

A. What is the power of the sound emitted by the siren?

B. What is the sound intensity level at a distance of 20.0 m from the siren?

Write all the given:

Solution:

A. P = 4πr2I B.

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 Remember
In this module, the following are the concepts that you have to remember.

▪ Damping is an influence within or upon an oscillatory system that has the

effect of reducing, restricting or preventing its oscillations. In physical
systems, damping is produced by processes that dissipate the energy stored
in the oscillation.
▪ Critical damping returns the system to equilibrium as fast as possible
without overshooting. An underdamped system will oscillate through the
equilibrium position. An overdamped system moves more slowly toward
equilibrium than one that is critically damped.
▪ A wave is a disturbance that travels through a medium or a vacuum and
carries energy from one point to another without requiring a net flow of
mass.
▪ In transverse waves, the particles of the medium vibrate at right angles to
the direction of wave propagation; while in longitudinal waves, the particles
of the medium vibrate back and forth to the direction of wave propagation.
▪ A periodic wave is a wave with a repeating continuous pattern which
determines its wavelength and frequency. It is characterized by the
amplitude, a period and a frequency.
▪ In a sinusoidal wave, the particles of the medium oscillate about their
equilibrium positions in simple harmonic motion. The wave function takes
the form y(x,t) = A sin (kx −ωt +φ).
▪ Wave intensity (I) is the time average rate at which energy is transported by
the wave, per unit area, across a surface perpendicular to the direction of
propagation.
▪ The inverse square law states that the intensity of sound is inversely
proportional to the square of the distance from the source.

Check Your Understanding

A. Answer the following questions constructively. Write your answer on the space
provided.

1. Why are completely undamped harmonic oscillators so rare? _______________

___________________________________________________________________________

2. Give one example/ real life application of each damped system:

overdamped: ______________________________________________________________
underdamped: ____________________________________________________________
critically damped: _________________________________________________________

B. Solve the following problems systematically. Write your complete solution and
final answer on a separate paper.

3. A sinusoidal wave traveling in the right direction has an amplitude of 9.0

cm, a wavelength of 22.0 cm, and a period of 0.20 s. Find the frequency f,
wave number k, angular frequency ω, and speed v of the wave.

4. A material produces a sound intensity of 1.00 × 10−4 W/m2 at a distance of

11.00 m. What is the sound intensity level at a distance of 15.0 m from
the source?
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 Post-Test
Direction: Read the questions carefully. Write the letter of the correct answer on the
blank provided before the number.

1. What type of damping is demonstrated by weighing scales where the needle

always go back to “0” mark after removing the weight from the scale?
A. undamped system C. overdamping system
B. underdamped system D. critically damped system

2. Which of the following DOES NOT describe a transverse wave?

A. It is a mechanical wave.
B. It carries energy from one place to another.
C. It is characterized with compression and rarefaction regions.
D. The particles of a medium are vibrating at right angles to the direction of
energy transport.

3. The followng descriptions are true about sinusoidal wave EXCEPT _______.
A. Follows the sine graph
B. Amplitude decreases over time
C. Oscillates in simple harmonic motion
D. Has a general expression of y (x,t) = A sin (kx – ωt + ɸ)

4. Which of the following is the CORRECT expression of a sinusoidal wave

function with an amplitude of 1.5 cm, a wave number of 1.8 rad/cm, and an
angular frequency of 37.7 rad/s?
A. y (x,t) = (1.5 cm) sin (kx – ωt + ɸ)
B. y (x,t) = (1.5 cm) sin [ (2π/λ) x – (2π/T) t ) + ɸ ]
C. y (x,t) = (1.5 cm) sin [(1.8 rad/cm)x – (37.7 rad/s)t + ɸ)
D. y (x,t) = (1.5 cm) sin [(37.7 rad/s)x – (1.8 rad/cm)t + ɸ)

5. A material produces a sound intensity of 4.00 × 10−6 W/m2 at a distance of

4.20 m. What is the sound intensity level at a distance of 15.0 m from the
source?
A. 1.12 x 10-6 W/m2 C. 5.10 x 10-5 W/m2
B. 3.14 x 10 W/m
-7 2 D. 3.19 x 10+6 W/m2

Reflection
Damped Oscillations and Mechanical Waves
REFLECTIVE LEARNING SHEET No. 4

Direction: Write a reflective learning about the lessons on this module by

completing each learning box below. ☺

What particular topic in this module How will you apply what you have
you want to explore more? Share learned in this module to your
how you will do it. everyday life?

________________________________ ________________________________

________________________________ ________________________________

________________________________ ________________________________

________________________________ ________________________________

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*Note: All the references used in this learning module are listed on the lesson plan.