Mechanic and Acoustic Oscillations

Abstract

When physical or other quantities vary in a specific way as a function of time, we say that they oscillate. A common, very broad definition of oscillation is as follows.

Oscillation ....An oscillation is a process with attributes that are repeated regularly in time

Oscillating processes are widespread in our world, and they are responsible for all wave propagation such as sound, light or radio waves. The time functions of oscillating quantities can vary extensively because of the wide variation between sources. Oscillations can, for example, be initiated by intermittent sources like fog horns, sirens, the saw-tooth generator of an oscilloscope, or the blinking signal of a turning light.