Oscillators

DEFINITION: Oscillation, in general, is a periodic fluctuation between two things; in the broadest sense, oscillation can occur in anything from a person's decision-making process to tides and the pendulum of a clock. Oscillation in a device called an oscillator is usually a back and forth motion over a central neutral point, created by changes in energy. In a pendulum-driven clock, for example, the oscillation  … 
Definition continues below.

OSCILLATORS DEFINITION (continued): …  is the back and forth movement of the pendulum. Oscillators may be mechanical or electronic, but all work on the same principles. Other devices based on the principles of oscillation include the oscillograph and the oscilloscope.Like other oscillators, a clock pendulum's oscillation is maintained by changes in energy. In this case, potential energy, present when the pendulum is at the top of its swing, is converted to kinetic energy as the pendulum falls and is driven upwards on the other side. When the kinetic energy has been spent, at the top of the swing, the pendulum's energy is potential … 
Oscillators definition sponsored by WhatIs.com, powered by WhatIs.com an online computer dictionary