Question

Why are “normal modes” use to describe coupled oscillations?

A. The normal modes can be used to describe the transfer of energy between different oscillators.

B. Each normal mode describes an oscillation at a single frequency.

C. Only one normal mode can be excited at a time.

D. It allows for greater mathematical simplicity in doing the analys is. The general solution is just a (fill in the blank if you use this answer) ______ .

If the answer is more than one please indicate which ones and why. Thank you.

Answer 1

• A normal mode of an oscillating system is a pattern of motion in which all parts of the system move sinusoidally with the same frequency and with a fixed phase relation. The free motion described by the normal modes takes place at the fixed frequencies. These fixed frequencies of the normal modes of a system are known as its natural frequencies or resonant frequencies.
• The modes are normal in the sense that they can move independently, that is to say that an excitation of one mode will never cause motion of a different mode
• Normal modes are used to describe the different vibrational motions in molecules. Each mode can be characterized by a different type of motion and each mode has a certain symmetry associated with it.
• Answer is B. and D.
• Hope some given information may help you.