Question

The collective behavior of many interacting examples of these systems is described in the Kuramoto model. The expression “mu times the quantity 1 minus x-squared” multiplies x-dot in an ODE describing one of these systems. Long build-ups followed by sudden discharges are characteristic (-5[1])of the “relaxation” type of these systems. Cartwright and Littlewood studied a nonlinear one of these systems named for Dutch engineer Balthasar van der Pol. The time (10[2])evolution (10[1])of one type of these systems traces an ellipse in phase space. The dissipation of one type of these systems is described by their Q-factor. (10[2])An LC circuit behaves as one of these systems, as it satisfies the generic differential equation, “mx-double-dot equals minus kx.” For 10 points, (10[1])Hooke’s law describes the “simple harmonic” type of what systems? (10[1])■END■ (10[1])

ANSWER: oscillators [accept van der Pol oscillator; accept simple harmonic oscillators or damped oscillators; reject “QHO” or “quantum harmonic oscillators”; accept relaxation oscillators; prompt on dynamical systems; prompt on springs or pendulums by asking “what type of system does that exemplify?”]
<Physics>
= Average correct buzz position

Back to tossups

Buzzes

PlayerTeamOpponentBuzz PositionValue
Michael MaysImperial ASheffield42-5
Jacob RobertsonOxford ACambridge C6910
Carlos DoebeliImperial BCambridge B6910
Maxwell YeCambridge ADurham B7010
Kai MadgwickDurham ABristol9510
Alexander BakerOxford BKCL9510
Dillon PatelWarwickOxford C11810
Ian DewanKielEdinburgh12810
Andrew FisherSheffieldImperial A12910