OSCILLATIONS

OSCILLATORY MOTION
To and fro motion of a body about a fixed point is called the vibratory
or oscillatory motion. Some examples of oscillating objects are as follows:

A mass, suspended from a spring, when pulled down and then released,
start oscillating.
A bob of simple pendulum when displaced from rest position and
released, vibrates
A steel ruler clamped at one end to a bench oscillates when the free end
is displaced sideways
A steel ball rolling in a curved dish, oscillates about its rest position

The body oscillates due to a restoring force. Under the action of restoring
force, the body accelerates and it overshoots the rest position due to inertia. The
restoring force then pulls it back. The restoring force is always directed towards
the mean position so the acceleration is also directed towards mean position.

7.1

SIMPLE HARNOMIC MOTION

Q # 1. State the Hooks law.

Ans. For an object attached to an elastic spring, the displacement of the object from mean position is
directly proportional to the applied force.
If an object is attached to an elastic spring of spring constant k, then the applied force F to
produce the displacement ? is described as:
F = kx
Q # 2. What do you know about Restoring Force.
Ans. The force that brings back the oscillatory object towards its mean position is called the restoring
force.
For an object attached to horizontal mass spring system, the restoring force is equal and
opposite to the applied force within the elastic limit of the spring. Therefore, the restoring force Fr
acting on the object, having displacement x from mean position, is described mathematically as:
Fr = kx
where ? is the spring constant.
Q # 3. Define the term Simple Harmonic Motion.
Ans. It is a type of vibratory motion in which the acceleration of the body is proportional to
displacement and is directed towards its mean position. Mathematically it is described as:
? ?
where ? is the acceleration and ? is the displacement of the oscillatory object from mean position. The
negative sign indicates that acceleration of the object is directed towards the mean position.
Q # 4. Show that an object attached to a horizontal mass spring system executes simple
harmonic motion.
Ans. Consider a body of mass ? is attached to a spring of spring constant ? is executing the
oscillatory motion. The restoring force acting on the object can
be find out by using expression:
? = ?? --------------- (1)
The acceleration ? produced in the body of mass ? due
to restoring force can be calculated using second law of motion.
? = ??
--------------- (2)
Comparing equation (1) and (2), we get:
?? = ??
?
?= ?
?
or ? ?
This expression shows that the acceleration of the oscillating object is directly proportional to
displacement and is directed towards the mean position. Thus the object attached to horizontal mass
spring system executes simple harmonic motion.

Q # 5. How can we obtain the waveform of SHM?

Ans. When a body is vibrating, its displacement from the mean
position changes with time. The arrangement shown in the
figure can be used to record the variation in displacement with
time for a mass spring system. The strip of paper is moving at
the constant speed from right to left, thus provide a time scale
on strip. The pen attached the vibrating mass record its
displacement against time. The displacement-time curve
obtained is known as waveform of SHM. The waveform of
SHM is a sine curve.
Q # 6. Define the terms for an object executing
simple harmonic motion.
Instantaneous Displacement
Amplitude
Vibration
Time Period
Frequency
Angular Frequency
Ans. Instantaneous Displacement: The value of its distance from mean position at any instant of
time is known as instantaneous displacement.
Amplitude: The maximum value of displacement of vibratory body from its mean position is known
as amplitude.
Vibration: A vibration means one completer round trip of the body in oscillatory motion.
Time Period: It is the time required to complete one vibration. It is measured in seconds (s).
Frequency: The number of vibrations executed by a body in one second is called frequency. It is
measured in Hertz. The frequency ? and the time period ? of a vibrating body are related by the
1

expression: f = T
Angular Frequency: If T is the period of a body executing SHM, its angular frequency will be:
2
= 2f
T
Angular frequency ? is basically a characteristic of circular motion. Here it has been
=

introduced in SHM because it provides an easy method by which the value of instantaneous
displacement and instantaneous velocity of the body executing SHM can be compared.
Q # 7. Name the two characteristics of simple harmonic motion?
Ans. The characteristics of SHM are
i.

Acceleration of the body is directly proportional to the displacement and is always directed
towards mean position:
??

ii.

Total energy of the particle executing SHM remains conserve.

7.2

SHM AND UNIFORM CIRCULAR MOTION

Q # 8. Derive the expression of displacement, velocity and acceleration for an object executing
SHM by considering uniform circular motion.
Ans. Consider a point P moves in a circle of radius x0 , with uniform angular frequency =

2
.
T

It can

be visualized that when the point P moves along the circle of radius x0 , its projection (point N)
execute simple harmonic motion on the diameter DE of the circle.

Thus the expression of displacement, velocity and acceleration for the object executing SHM
can be derived using the analogy between the uniform circular motion of point P and SHM of point N
on the diameter of the circle.
Displacement
It is the distance of projection of point N from the mean position O at any instant.
As from figure, it can be seen that
O1 OP = NPO =
If x0 is the amplitude and x is the displacement of point N at any instant, then
from triangle OPN, we have
sin =

ON
x
=
OP x0

x = x0 sin

------------- (1)

This is the expression of instantaneous displacement for the object executing SHM.
Velocity
If the point P is moving in a circle of radius ?0 with uniform angular
velocity ?, then the tangential velocity of point P will be:
vP = x 0
We want to find out the expression of velocity for point N, which is
executing SHM.
The velocity of N is actually the component of velocity ?? in the

direction parallel to the diameter DE. Thus we can write the

velocity ? of point N as:
v = vP sin 90 = vP cos
v = x0 cos

------------ (2)

As from equation (1), we have:

x

sin = x

cos = 1 sin2 =

x2

1 x2 =
0

x 20 x 2
x 20

x 20 x 2
x0

Putting this value in equation (2), we get:

v = x0

x 20 x 2
x0

= x02 x 2

This is the expression of velocity of the object executing simple harmonic motion.
Acceleration
When the point P moves in a circle of radius x0 , then it will have an acceleration aP = x0 2
that will be directed towards the center of the circle.
We want to find out the expression of acceleration of point N that is executing SHM at the
diameter of the circle.
It can be seen from the figure that the acceleration a of point N is the vertical component of
acceleration aP along the diameter DE.
a = aP sin = x0 2 sin

--------- (3)

As from equation (1):

sin =

x
x0

Therefore the equation (3) will become:

a = x 0 2

x
x0

a = 2 x
Comparing the case of displacement and acceleration, it can be seen that the direction of
displacement and acceleration are opposite to each
other. Considering the direction of x as reference, the
acceleration will be represented by:
? = 2 ? ------- (4)
This expression shows that acceleration of SHO is
proportional to displacement is directed towards the
mean position.

7.3

PHASE

Q # 9. What do know about the term phase?

Ans. The angle ? which specifies the displacement as well as the direction of motion of the point
executing SHM is known as phase.
Explanation
The displacement x and velocity v of the body executing SHM
can be determined by using equations: x = x0 sin and v = x0 cos ,
respectively. These equations indicates the displacement and velocity of
simple harmonic oscillator are determine by the angle ?. This angle ? is
obtained when the SHM is related with circular motion. It is the angle
which the rotating radius OP makes with ? axis at any instant, called
phase.
Initial Phase Concept
In general at t = 0, the rotating radius can make any angle with x axis as shown in the
figure. In time t, the radius would rotate by = t. The displacement ON = x at instant t would be
given by:
x = x0 sin t +
Now the phase angle is = t + . At t = 0, = . So is
the initial phase. If the body starts its motion from mean position, its
initial phase would be 0.
Special Case
If initial phase ? = 90, the expression of displacement will become:
? = ?0 sin ?? + 90 = ?0 cos ??
This equation describes the SHM for the object which starts its motion from extreme position.
Q # 10. What is meant by phase angle? Does it define angle between maximum displacement
and the driving force?
Ans. The angle ? which specifies the displacement as well as the direction of motion of the point
executing SHM is known as phase.
Phase is not the angle between maximum displacement and driving force. Actually the
instantaneous displacement of SHO is determined by visualizing the resemblance between uniform
circular motion and SHM. Phase is the angle that the rotating radius makes with the reference
direction.
Q # 11. In relation to SHM, explain the equation: ? y = A sin t +

(ii) a = 2 x

Ans (i) In this expression ? = A sin t + , ? is instantaneous displacement, A is amplitude, is

initial phase and t is the angle subtended in time t
(ii) In this expression a = 2 x, a is acceleration, is angular frequency and ? is instantaneous

displacement

7.4

HORIZONTAL MASS SPRING SYSTEM

Q # 12. Derive the expressions for angular frequency, time period, displacement and velocity for
the case of horizontal mass spring system.
Ans. Consider a body of mass m is attached to a spring as shown in the
figure. The acceleration of the object is described by the formula:
k

? = m ?

----------- (1)

The acceleration of the object executing SHM is described as:

? = 2 ? ----------- (2)
Comparing equation (1) and (2), we have:
k
m

=
Time Period

The time period of simple harmonic oscillator (SHO) is

described as:
T=

T=

2
k
m

m
k

= 2

Instantaneous Displacement
The instantaneous displacement x of SHO is described by the formula:
x = x0 sin
x = x0 sin t = x0 sin

k
t
m

Instantaneous Velocity
The instantaneous velocity v of SHO is described by the formula:
v = x02 x 2
v=

k
m

v = x0

x02 x 2
k
m

x2

1 x 2 ----------- (3)
0

The velocity of SHO become maximum at mean position

x = 0. If v0 is the velocity of SHO at mean position, then:
v0 = x 0

k
m

Thus, equation (3) will become:

v = v0 1

x2
x02

Q # 13. Show that in SHM, the accleration is zero when the velocity is greatest and the velocity
is zero when the acceleration is greatest?
Ans. The expressions of velocity and acceleration of the body executing SHM are as follow:
a = ?2 x
v = x02 x 2
At Mean Position (? = ?)

Acceleration of SHO:

a = ?2 0 = 0

Velocity of SHO: v = x02 0 2 = x0

So at mean position, the acceleration of SHO is zero but velocity is greatest
At Extreme Position (? = ?? ) Acceleration of SHO:

a = ?2 ?0

Velocity of SHO: v = x02 x02 = 0

So at extreme position, the velocity of SHO is zero but acceleration is greatest
Q # 14. Does frequency depend on the amplitude for harmonic oscillator?
Ans. No, frequency of harmonic oscillator does not depend upon its amplitude. The frequency of the
oscillator is describe by the relation:

1
2

k
m

The above expression shows that the frequency of harmonic oscillator does not depend upon
its amplitude. It only depend on its mass and spring constant.
Q # 15. What is total distance travelled by an object moving with SHM in a time equal to its
period, if its amplitude is A?
Ans. The total distance travelled by ab object moving with SHM in its time period is 4A, where A is
amplitude of viberation.
Q # 16. Does the acceleration of simple harmonic oscillator remains constant during its motion?
Is the acceleration ever zero? Explain.
Ans. No, the acceleration does not remain constant. The acceration a of simple harmonic oscillator is
given by
??
This means that acceleration is proportional to the displacement and is always directed
towards mean position. The acccleration becomes zero at mean position (x = 0) and acceleration
becomes maximum at extreme position.
Q # 17. A block weighing 4.0 kg extends a spring by 0.16 m from its unstretched position. The
block is removed and a 0.50 kg body is hung from the same spring. If the spring is now
stretched and then released, what is the period of vibration?
Given Data: Mass of First Object m1 = 4 kg, Elongation ? = 0.16 ?
Mass of Second Object m2 = 0.50 kg
To Determine: Time Period

T =? For time period, we have to find the Spring Constant k

Calculations: By Hooks Law

As T = 2

m2
k

F = kx m1 g = kx k =
0.50
245

= 2 3.14

m1g
x

49.8
0.16

= 245 Nm1

= 0.28 s

Q # 18. A 100.0 g body hung on the spring elongates the spring by 4.0 cm. When a certain object
is hung on the spring and set vibrating, its period is 0.568 s. What is the mass of the object
pulling the spring?
Given Data: Mass of First Object m1 = 100 g = 0.1 kg, Elongation ? = 4 ?? = 0.04 ?
Time Period

T = 0.568 s

To Determine: Mass of Second Object m2 =? , For m2 , we have to find the Spring Constant k
Calculations: By Hooks Law
As T = 2

m2
k

T 2 = 42

F = kx m1 g = kx k =
m2
k

m2 =

T 2 k
4 2

m1g
x

0.568 2 24.5
4 3.14 2

0.19.8
0.04

= 24.5 Nm1

= 0.20 kg

Q # 19. A load of 15.0 g elongates a spring by 2.0 cm. If body of mass 294 g is attached to the
spring and is set into vibration with an amplitude of 10.0 cm, what will be the (i) period (ii)
Spring Constant (iii) maximum speed of its vibration.
Given Data: Mass of First Object m1 = 15 g = 0.015 kg, Elongation ? = 2 ?? = 0.02 ?
Mass of Second Object m2 = 294 g = 0.294 kg, Amplitude ?0 = 10 cm = 0.01 m
To Determine: ? Period T =?
Calculations: By Hooks Law
? As T = 2

m2
k

ii Spring Constant k =?

iii Maximum Speed v0 =?

?? F = kx m1 g = kx k =

= 2 3.14

0.294
7.35

??? As Maximum Speed v0 = ?0

k
m2

m1g
x

49.8
0.02

= 7.35 Nm1

= 1.26 s
= 0.01

7.35
0.294

= 0.05 ms 1

Q # 20. A spring, whose spring constant is ?? ??? vertically supports a mass of 1.0 kg in the
rest position. Find the distance by which the mass must be pulled down, so that on being
released, it may pass the mean position with a velocity of ?. ? ?? ?.
Given Data: Spring Constant k = 80 Nm1 , Mass m = 1.0 kg, Maximum Speed v0 = 1.0 ms 1
To Determine: Amplitude x0 =?,
Calculation: As

v0 = x0

k
m

x0 =

v0
k
m

= v0

m
k

=1

1
80

= 0.11 m

Q # 21. A block of mass 1.6 kg is attached to a spring with spring constant ???? ??? . The
spring is compressed through a distance of 2.0 cm and the block is released from rest. Calculate
the velocity of the block as it passes through equilibrium position, ? = ?, if the surface is
frictionless.
Given Data: Spring Constant k = 1000 Nm1 , Mass m = 1.6 kg, Amplitude x0 = 2 cm = 0.02 m
To Determine: Maximum Velocity v0 =?,
Calculation: v0 = ?0

k
m

= 0.02

1000
1.6

= 0.5 ms 1

7.5

SIMPLE PENDULUM

Q # 22. Find out the expression of time period of simple pendulum.

Ans. Consider a simple pendulum which consists of bob of mass m is
suspended from a rigid support by a string of length L as shown in the
figure.
We want to find out the expression of time period for this simple
pendulum.
When the bob is displaced from its mean position through a
small angle ? and released, it starts to and fro motion about mean
position. The weight mg of the object can be resolved in two rectangular components; ?? cos ? and
?? sin ?. It is clear from the figure that the component of the weight ?? cos ? will balance the
tension in the string. The restoring force acting on the object will be:
? = ?? sin ?
when the ? is very small, then sin ? ?. Thus,
? = ???
----------- (1)
According to Newtons 2nd law of motion,
? = ??
----------- (2)
Comparing (1) and (2), we get:
?? = ???
? = ?? ----------- (3)
The relationship between the arc length ? and angular displacement ? is described by the formula:
? = ??
where ? is the length of string.
?
?=
?
Putting value of ? in eqation (3), we get:
?

?=? ?

----------- (4)

The acceleration of the object executing SHM is described as:

? = ?2 ?

----------- (5)

Comparing equation (4) and (5), we have:

?
?

?=
Time Period

The time period of simple harmonic oscillator (SHO) is described as:

?=

2?
2
l
T=
= 2
?
g
g
l

This expression shows that the time period of simple pendulum depends only on the length of
the pendulum and the acceleration due to gravity. It is independent of mass.

Q # 23. Can we realize an ideal simple pendulum?

Ans. No, we cant realize an ideal simple pendulum. An ideal simple pendulum should consist of a
heavy but small metallic bob suspended from a frictionless rigid support by means of long, weighless
and inextensible string. These conditions are impossible to attain in nature. So ideal simple pendulum
cant be realized.
Q # 24. What happens to period of simple pendulum if its length is doubled? What happens if
the suspended mass is doubled?
Ans. The time period of the simple pendulum is
T = 2

?
g

Where ? is length of simple pendulum and g is gravitational

constant.
Case 1: If Length is Doubled If the length of simple pendulum
is doubled, then the time period T ' will be:
T = 2

2?
?
= 2 2
= 1.41 T
g
g

So if the length of the simple pendulum is doubled, then its time period increase by 1.41 times
of initial time period.
Case 2: If Mass is Doubled If the mass of bob of simple pendulum is doubled, then there is no effect
on time period, because the period is independent of the mass of simple pendulum.
Q # 25. What should be the length of a simple pendulum whose period is 1 s at a place where
? = ?. ? ??? ? What is the frequency of such pendulum?
Given Data: Time Period T = 1 s, Gravitational Acceleration g = 9.8 ms 2
To Determine: Length of Pendulum ? =? , Frequency f =?
Calculations: For Simple Pendulum T = 2
1

?
g

?
g

T 2 = 42 ? =

gT 2
4 2

9.8 1 2
4 3.14 2

= 0.25 m

As Frequency f = T = 1 = 1 Hz
Q # 26. A simple pendulum is 50.0 cm long. What will be its frequency of vibration at the place
where ? = ?. ? ??? ?
Given Data: Length of Pendulum ? = 50 cm = 0.5 m, Gravitational Acceleration g = 9.8 ms 2
To Determine: Frequency f =?
Calculations: For Simple Pendulum f =

1
T

1
2

?
g

1
2

g
?

1
23.14

9.8
0.5

= 0.51 Hz

7.6

ENERGY CONSERVATION IN SHM

Q # 27. Prove that the law of conservation of energy is satisfied for an object executing SHM.
Statement: The total energy of the object executing SHM remains constant.
Proof: Consider a vibrating mass spring system. When the mass m is pulled slowly, the spring is
stretched by an amount ?0 against the elastic restoring force.
Derivation of Expression for P.E.
According to Hooks law:

When displacement = 0

Applied Force

F1 = 0

When displacement = x0

Applied Force

F2 = kx0

Average force F =

F 1 +F 2
2

0+kx 0
2

= 2 kx0

The work done in displacing the mass m through x0 is:

1
kx
2 0

W = Fd =

1
x0 = kx0 2
2

This work appears as elastic potential energy of spring. Hence

1
P. E = kx0 2
2
This equation gives the maximum P.E at the extreme position. Thus
1
2

P. Emax = kx0 2
At any instant t, if the displacement is x, then
P.E. at that instant is given by:
1
P. E = kx 2
2
Derivation of Expression for P.E.
The velocity at any instant t is described as:
v=

k
m

x02 x 2

Hence the K.E. at that instant is

1
1
k 2
K. E. = mv 2 = m
x x2
2
2
m 0
1
K. E. = k x02 x 2
2
Total Energy (?. ?? ) of Horizontal Mass Spring System at Mean Position
At mean position, x = 0. Therefore
1
1
P. E1 = kx 2 = k 0 = 0
2
2
1
1
1
K. E1 = k x02 x 2 = k x02 0 = kx02
2
2
2
1

T. E1 = P. E1 + K. E1 = 0 + 2 kx02 = 2 kx02

----------- (1)

Total Energy (?. ?? ) of Horizontal Mass Spring System at Extreme Position

At mean position, x = x0 . Therefore
1
P. E2 = kx02
2
1
1
K. E2 = k x02 x 2 = k x02 x02 = 0
2
2
1

T. E2 = P. E2 + K. E2 = 2 kx02 + 0 = 2 kx02

----------- (2)

Total Energy (?. ?? ) of Horizontal Mass Spring System at any instant

The total energy of the mass spring system at any instant of time is described as the sum of potential
energy and kinetic energy at that instant. The P.E and K.E of SHO at any instant of time is:
1
P. E3 = kx 2
2
1
K. E3 = k x02 x 2
2
Thus
1
1
1
1
1
T. E3 = P. E3 + K. E3 = kx 2 + k x02 x 2 = kx 2 + kx02 kx 2
2
2
2
2
2
1
2
T. E3 = 2 kx0 ----------- (3)
Hence from equations (1), (2) and (3), the total energy of the
vibrating mass-spring system is constant. When the kinetic energy of the
mass is maximum, the potential energy of mass-spring system will be
zero, and vice versa. The variation of P.E and K.E with displacement is
essential for maintaining oscillations. This periodic exchange of energy is
a basic property of all oscillatory systems.
Q # 28. Explain the relation between the total energy, Potential energy and kinetic energy for a
body oscillating with SHM.
Ans. The total energy ?. ? of the mass spring system at any instant of time is described as the sum of
potential energy and kinetic energy at that instant. The instantaneous P.E and K.E of SHO is:
1
2

1
2

P. E = kx 2 & K. E = k x02 x 2
1

T. E = P. E + K. E = 2 kx 2 + 2 k x02 x 2 = 2 kx 2 + 2 kx02 2 kx 2
1
T. E = kx02
2
Thus total energy of the object executing SHM remains constant.
Thus

Q # 29. A block of mass 4.0 kg is dropped from a height of 0.80 m on to a spring of spring
constant ? = ???? ???. Find the maximum distance through which the spring will be
compressed.
Given Data: Spring Constant k = 1960 Nm1 , Mass m = 4.0 kg, Height h = 0.80 ms 1
To Determine: Maximum Distance x0 =?,
1

Calculation: For Present Case: Elastic P. E. = Gravitational P. E. 2 kx02 = mgh

1
2mgh 2 4 9.8 0.80
kx02 = mgh x0 =
=
= 0.42 m
2
k
1960

Q # 30. An 8.0 kg body executes SHM with amplitude 30 cm. The restoring force is 60 N when
the displacement is 30 cm. Find (i) Period (ii) Acceleration, speed, kinetic energy and potential
energy when the displacement is 12 cm.
Given Data: Restoring Force Fr = 60 N,
Mass m = 8 kg,

when Displacement x1 = 30 cm = 0.3 m

Amplitude x0 = 30 cm = 0.3 m

To Determine: ? Time Period T =?

?? Acceleration a =? , Speed v =? , K. E. =? , P. E. =? when displacement x = 12 cm = 0.12 m
Calculations: ? As Restoring Force Fr = kx1 k =

Time Period T = 2
??

m
k

Acceleration a =
k
m

k
m

x=
200
8

200
8

Speed v =

K. E. = k x02 x 2 = 200 0.3

P. E. = 2 kx 2 = 2 200 0.12

x02 x 2 =

0.3

1
2

60

= 0.3 = 200 Nm1

= 1.3 s

0.12 = 3 ms 2

1
2

8
200

= 2 3.14

Fr
x1

0.12

0.12

2
2

= 1.33 ms 1
= 7.6 J

= 1.44 J

Q # 31. A car of mass 1300 kg is constructed using a frame supported by four springs. Each
spring has a spring constant ????? ???. If two people are riding in the car have a combined
mass of 160 kg, find the frequency of vibration of the car, when it is driven over a pot hole in the
road. Assume the weight is evenly distributed.
Given Data: Mass of Car m1 = 1300 kg, Mass of Two Persons m2 = 160 kg,
Total Mass m = m1 + m2 = 1300 + 1600 = 1460 kg
Spring Constant of One Spring k = 20000 Nm1 , Total Spring Constant k = 4k = 8000 Nm1
To Determine: Frequency f =?,
1

Calculation: As f = T =

1
2

m
k

= 2

k
m

= 23.14

8000
1460

= 1.18 Hz

Q # 32. Find the amplitude, frequency and period of an object vibrating at the end of a spring, if
the equation from its position, as a function of time is ? = ?. ?? ???

?
?

?. What is the

displacement of the object after 2.0 s?

Given Data: Equation of Motion of body executing SHM x = 0.25 cos

t (1)

To Determine: Amplitude x0 =? , Frequency f =?, Time Period T =?

Displacement x =? at t = 2s
Calculation: General Equation of Motion of body executing SHM x = x0 cos t (2)
(i) Comparing (1) and (2):
x0 = 0.25

1
= 8 2f = 8 f = 16 Hz
1

T=f =

16

= 16 s

(ii) Putting t=2s in equation (1): x = 0.25 cos

2 = 0.18 m

7.7

FREE AND FORCED OSCILLATIONS

Q # 33. Differentiate among free and forced oscillations.

Free Oscillations
A body is said to be executing free vibrations when it oscillates without the interference of an
external force. For example, a simple pendulum when slightly displaced from its mean position
vibrates freely with its natural frequency that depends only upon the length of pendulum.
Forced Oscillations
If an oscillating system is subjected to an external periodic force, then forced vibrations will
take place. For example, the mass of a vibrating pendulum is struck repeatedly, the forced vibrations
are produced.
Q # 34. What do you know about driven harmonic oscillator.
Ans. A physical system undergoing forced vibrations is known as driven harmonic oscillator.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

1.

The S.I units of spring constant are:

a) m1
b) Nm1
c) Nm2
d) Nm2

2. The force which opposes the applied force

producing the displacement in the spring is
called
a) Restoring force
b) Periodic force
c) Centripetal force
d) Resistive force
3. If f is the frequency of a body executing
SHM, its angular frequency is:
a) 4f
b) 3f
c) 2f
d) None of these
4. The product of time period and frequency is:
a) Zero
b) 1
c)
d) None of these
5. The phase angle = t of the body
performing SHM indicates:
a) Only direction of motion
b) Only magnitude of displacement
c) Both magnitude of displacement and
direction of motion
d) None of these
6. In SHM, the velocity of the particle is
maximum at:
a) Mean position
b) Extreme position
c) In between mean and extreme position
d) None

7. Angular velocity of vibrating body attached with

horizontal mass spring system is given by:
k
a) =
b) =
c)

m
k
m

d) =

m
k
m

8. Frequency of the second pendulum is:

a) 2.5 Hz
b) 0.5 Hz
c) 1.5 Hz
d) 2 Hz
9. Which expression is correct for the time period of a
simple pendulum:
a) T L
b) T m
c) T m
d) T L
10. In simple harmonic motion:
a) P.E remains constant
b) K.E remain constant
c) Total energy remain constant
d) Total momentum remain constant
11. The displacement of SHM is written as
x = x0 sin t, If displacement is written by
x = x0 cos t then phase constant will be equal to:
a) 0
b) 45
c) 90
d) 180
12. If the displacement of a body executing S.H.M is
plotted against time, then the curve is known
a) Frequency of S.H.M
b) Period of S.H.M
c) Wave form
d) None of them

7.8

RESONANCE

Q # 35. Define the term resonance. Also describe few examples of resonance phenomenon
occurring in daily life.
Ans. When the frequency of the applied force is equal to the natural
frequency of simple harmonic oscillator, the amplitude of the
motion may become extraordinary large. This phenomenon is
called resonance.
Explanation: Consider a horizontal rod AB is supported by two
strings S1 and S2 . Three pairs of pendulums aa , bb and cc are
suspended to this rod. If one of these pendulums, say c, is displaced
from its mean position, then its resultant oscillatory motion causes
slight disturbance motion in rod AB. This causes the pendulum c to oscillate back with steadily
increasing amplitude. However, the amplitude of the other pendulums remains small. The increase of
the amplitude of pendulum c is due to effect of resonance, because the periods as well as the natural
frequencies of pendulum c and c are equal.
Mechanical Resonance for the case of swing: A swing is the good example of mechanical
resonance. It is like a pendulum with a single natural frequency depending on its length. If a series of
regular pushes are given to the swing, its motion can be built up enormously. If pushes are given
irregularly, the swing will hardly vibrate.
March of soldiers on bridge: The column of soldiers, while marching on a bridge
of long span is advised to break their steps. Their rhythmic march might set up
oscillation of dangerously large amplitude in the bridge structure.
Electrical Resonance in Tuning of a Radio: Tuning of a radio is the best example
of electrical resonance. When we turn the knob of a radio, to tune a station, we are
changing the natural frequency of electrical circuit of receiver, to make it equal to
the transmission frequency of the radio station. When the two frequencies match,
energy absorption is maximum and this is the only station we hear.
Cooking of a Food in Microwave Oven: Another good example of resonance is
the heating and cooking of food very efficiently and evenly by microwave oven.
The waves produced in this type of oven have a frequency of 2450 MHz. At this
frequency the waves are absorbed due to resonance by water and fat molecules in
the food.
Q # 36. Describe some common phenomenon in which resonance plays an important role.
Ans. There are some common phenomenon in which the resonance plays an important role such that:

In radio sets

In microwave oven

Musical Instruments

7.9

DAMPED OSCILLATIONS

Q # 37. Define the term damping.

Ans. Damping is the process whereby energy is dissipated from the
oscillating system.
Q # 38. Write a note on damped oscillations?
Ans. The oscillation in which the amplitude decreases steadily with time are
called damped oscillations.
Explanation
In everyday life, the motion of any microscopic system is
accompanied by frictional effects. For the case of SHM, the amplitude of
simple harmonic oscillator gradually becomes smaller and smaller. The
energy of oscillator is used up in doing work against the resistive forces.
An application of damped oscillations is the shock absorber of a car
which provides a damping force to prevent extensive oscillations.
Q # 39. In a mass spring system is hung vertically and set into oscillations,
why does the motion eventually stop?
Ans. If the mass spring system is hung vertically and set into oscillation, the
motion eventually stops due to friction and air resistance and some other
damping forces.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

13. In damped harmonic oscillation, which one
deceases?
a) Amplitude of vibration
b) Energy of vibration
c) Both amplitude and energy
d) Neither amplitude nor energy
14. A physical system undergoing forced
vibrations is known as
a) Driven harmonic oscillator
b) Resonance
c) Simple harmonic oscillator
d) None of above
15. Tuning of radio set is an example of
a) Mechanical resonance
b) Musical resonance
c) Electrical resonance
d) Free vibration
16. The frequency of waves produced in
microwaves oven is:
a) 1435 MHz
b) 2450 MHz
c) 1860 MHz
d) 2850 MHz

17. Sharpness of resonance is.

a) Directly proportional to damping force
b) Inversely proportional to damping force
c) Equal to square of damping force
d) None of these
18. Which one does not work according to resonance?
a) T.V
b) Radio
c) Microwave oven
d) Bulb
19. The oscillations in which amplitude decreased steadily
with time are called:
a) Natural oscillations
b) Free oscillation
c) Forced oscillations
d) Damped oscillations
20. Distance covered during one vibration of an oscillating
body in term of amplitude A is:
a) ? 2
b) ?
c) 2?
d) 4?

7.10

SHARPNESS OF RESONANCE

Q # 40. What do you understand by sharpness in resonance?

Ans. At resonance, the amplitude of the oscillator becomes very large.
If the amplitude decreases rapidly at a frequency slightly different
from the resonant frequency, the resonance will be sharp.
Q # 41. Describe the effect of damping on resonance and its
sharpness.
Ans. Smaller the damping, greater will be the amplitude and more
sharp will be the resonance. A heavily damped system has a fairly
flat reason curve as is shown in an amplitude frequency graph.

Q # 42. Under what condition does the addition of two simple harmonic motions produce a
resultant, which is also simple harmonic?
Ans. Addition of two simple harmonic motion produce a
resultant, which is also simple harmonic, if the following
conditions are fulfilled:

Simple harmonic motion should be parallel

Simple harmonic motion should have same frequency

Simple harmonic motion should have constant phase

difference

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

21. Acceleration of a projection on the diameter
for a particle moving along a circle is:
a) w2x
b) wx2
c) w2x
d) wx2
22. In equation of SHM, ? = ?2 ?, the
negative sign indicates the direction of
motion of particle
a) Away from mean position
b) Perpendicular to mean position
c) Towards mean position
d) None of above

23. The length of second pendulum is.

a) 100 cm
b) 99 cm
c) 99.2 cm
d) 98 cm
24. An object undergoes S.H.M has maximum acceleration
when its displacement form the mean position is
a) Maximum
b) Zero
c) Half of the maximum value
d) One third of the maximum value