Applications of Oscillations Across Fields
About This Infographic
This interactive visualization showcases the wide range of real-world applications for oscillation principles across six major fields. Click on any section to explore specific applications.
Fields and Applications
💓 Medicine
- Ultrasound imaging: Uses MHz-range oscillations to create images
- Heart monitoring: Tracks periodic heartbeat oscillations
- Ventilators: Controlled pressure oscillations for breathing
🏗️ Architecture
- Earthquake dampers: Absorb seismic oscillations
- Tuned mass dampers: Counter building sway (Taipei 101: 300 tons!)
- Bridge design: Avoid resonance with wind/traffic
🎸 Music
- String vibrations: Fundamental and harmonic frequencies
- Resonant bodies: Amplify sound through resonance
- Tuning forks: Standard A4 = 440 Hz
🚗 Transportation
- Shock absorbers: Critically damped for comfort
- Engine balancing: Reduce destructive vibrations
- Aircraft design: Prevent wing flutter at high speeds
📡 Electronics
- Crystal oscillators: 32,768 Hz in every digital watch
- Radio transmission: Carrier wave oscillations
- Signal filters: Select frequencies using resonance
🏊 Sports
- Diving boards: Natural frequency ~2-4 Hz
- Pole vault: Energy storage in pole oscillation
- Trampolines: Periodic vertical oscillation
Key Statistics
| Application | Typical Frequency |
|---|---|
| Quartz watch | 32,768 Hz |
| Building sway | 0.5-1 Hz |
| Human hearing | 20-20,000 Hz |
| Ultrasound | 2-18 MHz |
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
- What do all these applications have in common?
- Why is understanding natural frequency important for engineers?
- Can you think of other examples of oscillations in daily life?