1.

Mark LOD MCA

s

Topic

Question: A particle of mass 5 x 10-3 kg performing SHM of amplitude 150 mm takes 47 s to

make 50 oscillations. The kinetic energy in millijoules (x 10-3 J)of the oscillations at the rest
position is:
(a) 0 mJ (b) 2.5 mJ

(c) 3.9 mJ (d) 5 mJ

Correct Option:
Hints:
Solution/Answer:

2. Mark LOD MCA

s
1

Topic Simple Harmonic Motion

Question: Consider that a particle as shown figure is executing Simple Harmonic Motion. The centre of
+A and –A is equilibrium position of the particle. What is magnitude of force on particle executing Simple
Harmonic Motion at the equilibrium position where displacement is zero?

(a) (b)

(c) (d)
 Correct Option:
Hints:
Solution/Answer:

3. Mark LOD MCA

s

Topic

Question:

to know what is the nature of the graph of kinetic energy along y axis and displacement along x axis for a
particle performing simple harmonic motion ?

i think i  am sure it is an inverted parabola symmetric about y axis

please i would like a confirmation or correction

(a) (b)

(c) (d)

Correct Option:
Hints:
Solution/Answer:

1. A particle oscillates with undamped SHM. Which one of the following

statements is true about the acceleration of the oscillating particle?

A.   ?    It is least when the speed is greatest.

B.   ?    It is always in the opposite direction to the velocity.

C.   ?    It is proportional to the frequency.

D.   ?    It decreases as the potential energy decreases.

which statement out of following is true regard to two functions f (t) and f (t+T ) out of following
The time t is chosen to be zero when the particle is at +A and it returns to +A at t = T. For this motion the
time period is given by T. The time t is chosen to be zero when the particle is at +A and it returns to +A at t =
T.

a motion for which the displacement x(t ) of the particle from a certain chosen origin is found to vary with time
may be termed as Simple Harmonic Motion A = amplitude
m = mass of swinging body
y = actual position at time t
ω = angular velocity

The kinetic energy =

EK = m/2*A^2*ω^2*sin^2(ωt)

The potential energy =

EP = m/2*A^2*ω^2*cos^2(ωt)

EP = EK

m/2*A^2*ω^2*sin^2(ωt) = m/2*A^2*ω^2*cos^2(ωt)

sin^2(ωt) = cos^2(ωt)

ωt = pi/4
y = A *cos(ωt)
y = A*(pi/4)
y = 0,707*A

1) Equation of simple harmonic motion: y = Asinωt if initial phase and

displacement are zero. Here ‘y’ is the displacement, ‘ω’ is the angular
frequency and A is the amplitude.
y = Acosωt also represents simple harmonic motion but it has a phase
lead of π/2 compared to the above one.
If there is an initial phase of Φ the equation is y = Asin(ωt + Φ).
y = Asinωt + Bcosωt represents the general simple harmonic motion
of amplitude √(A2 + B2) and initial phase tan-1(B/A).
(2) The differential equation of simple harmonic motion is d2y/dt2 =
-ω2y
Note that ω =√(k/m) where ‘k’ is the force constant (force per unit
 displacement) and ‘m’ is the mass of the particle executing the SHM.
(3) Velocity of the particle in SHM, v = ω√(A2 – y2)
Maximum velocity, vmax = ωA
(4) Acceleration of the particle in SHM, a = - ω2y
Maximum acceleration, amax = ω2A
(5) Kinetic Energy of the particle in SHM, K.E. = ½ m ω2( A2 –y2)
Maximum Kinetic energy = ½ m ω2A2
Potential Energy of the particle in SHM, P.E. = ½ m ω2y2
Maximum Potential Energy = ½ m ω2A2
Total Energy in any position = ½ m ω2A2
Note that the kinetic energy and potential energy are maximum
respectively in the mean position and the extreme position. The sum of
the kinetic and potential energies which is the total energy is a constant
in all positions. Remember this:
Maximum K.E. = Maximum P.E. = Total Energy = ½ m ω2A2
m = mass of swinging body
y = actual position at time t
ω = angular velocity

The kinetic energy =

EK = m/2*A^2*ω^2*sin^2(ωt)

The potential energy =

EP = m/2*A^2*ω^2*cos^2(ωt)

EP = EK

m/2*A^2*ω^2*sin^2(ωt) = m/2*A^2*ω^2*cos^2(ωt)

sin^2(ωt) = cos^2(ωt)

ωt = pi/4
y = A *cos(ωt)
y = A*(pi/4)
y = 0,707*A

2)
3)
(6) Period of SHM = 2π√(Inertia factor/ Spring factor)
In cases of linear motion as in the case of a spring-mass system or a
simple pendulum, period, T = 2π √(m/k) where ‘m’ is the mass and ‘k’
is the force per unit displacement.
In the case of angular motion, as in the case of a torsion pendulum,
T = 2π √(I/c) where I is the moment of inertia and ‘c’ is the torque
(couple) per unit angular displacement.
You may encounter questions requiring calculation of the period of
seemingly difficult simple harmonic oscillators. Understand that the
question will become simple once you are able to find out the force
constant in linear motion and torque constant in angular motion.
Angular cases will be rare in Medical and Engineering Entrance test
papers. Let us now discuss some typical questions.
The following simple question appeared in the AIIMS 1998 test paper:
If a simple pendulum oscillates with an amplitude 50 mm and
time period 2s, then its maximum velocity is
(a) 0.1 m/s (b) 0.15 m/s (c) 0.8 m/s (d) 0.16 m/s
Maximum velocity vmax = ωA where ‘ω’ is the angular frequency and ‘A’
is the amplitude. Therefore vmax = (2π/T)A = (2π/2)×50×10-3 = 0.157
m/s [Option (b)].
The following question appeared in Kerala Engineering Entrance 2005
test paper:
A particle executes linear simple harmonic motion with an
amplitude of 2 cm. When the particle is at 1 cm from the mean
position, the magnitude of its velocity is equal to that of its
acceleration. Then its time period in seconds is
(a) 1/ 2π√3 (b) 2π√3 (c) 2π/√3 (d) √3/2π (e) √3/π
The magnitudes of the velocity and acceleration of the particle when its
displacement is ‘y’ are ω√(A2 –y2) and ω2y respectively. Equating them,
ω√(A2 –y2) = ω2y, from which ω = [√(A2 –y2)]/y = √(4 –1) = √3. Period
T = 2π/ω = 2π/√3.
Suppose you place a sphere of mass ‘m’ and radius ‘r’ inside a
smooth, heavy hemispherical bowl of radius of 37r placed on
a horizontal table. If the sphere is given a small displacement,
what is its period of oscillation?
(a) 2π√(m/37rg) (b) 2π√(m/rg) (c) 12π√(r/g) (d) 2π√(r/g) (e)
2π√(37r/g)
The arrangement depicted in this question is similar to that of a simple
 pendulum. Instead of the usual string, you have a concave surface to
confine the bob (sphere) to its path along the arc of a circle. The usual
expression for the period, T = 2π√(L/g) holds here also, where the
length L = 36r since the length of the pendulum is measured from the
centre of gravity of the bob. The point of ‘suspension’ is evidently at the
centre of the hemispherical bowl. The correct option is 12π√(r/g) given
in (c).
What will be the period of oscillation of a simple pendulum of
length 100 cm in a spaceship in a geostationary orbit?
Well, in any satellite orbiting the earth (in any orbit), the condition of
weightlessness exists (effective g = 0), the pendulum does not oscillate and the
period therefore is infinite.
Consider the following question:
A simple pendulum is arranged using a small metallic bob of mass
‘m’and a light rubber cord of length ‘L’ (on suspending the bob),
area of cross section ‘A’ and Young’s modulus ‘Y’. [One should use
inextensible cord only for simple pendulum!]. When this
unconventional pendulum is at rest in its mean position, the bob is
pulled slightly down and is released. Then, the period of the
vertical oscillation of the bob is (assuming that the size of the bob is
negligible compared to the length of the cord)
(a) 2π√2L/g (b) 2π√(mL/YA) (c) 2π√ (m/YAL) (d) 2π√ (L/g) (e) 2π√
(mY/AL)
The period as usual is given by T = 2π√(m/k). Here ‘m’ is the same as the mass
of the bob. The force constant can be found by writing the expression for
Young’s modulus (since it arises from the elastic force in the cord): Y =
FL/A(δL) where δL is the increase in the length of the cord on pulling the bob
down with a force F. Therefore, the force constant, F/(δL) = YA/L. On
substituting this value, the period is 2π√(mL/YA).
The following MCQ on simple harmonic motion may generate a little
confusion in some of you:
A sphere of mass M is arranged on a smooth inclined plane of angle
θ, in between two springs of spring constants K 1 and K2 . The
springs are joined to rigid supports on the inclined plane and to the
sphere (Fig). When the sphere is displaced slightly, it executes
simple harmonic motion. What is the period of this motion?
(a) 2π[Mgsinθ/(K1-K2)]½ (b) 2π[M/{K1K2/(K1+K2)}]½ (c)
2π[Mgsinθ/(K1+K2)]½ (d) 2π[M/(K1+K2)]½ (e) 2π[(K1+K2)/M]½

You should note that gravity has no effect on the

period of oscillation of a spring-mass system since the restoring force is
supplied by the elastic force in the spring. (It can oscillate with the same
period in gravity free regions also). So, whether you place the system on an
inclined plane or a horizontal plane, the period is the same and is determined
by the effective spring constant and the attached mass only. The effective
spring constant is K1 + K2 since both the springs try to enhance the opposition
to the displacement of the mass. The period of oscillation, as usual is given by,
T = 2π√(Inertia factor/Spring factor) = 2π√[M/(K 1 + K2)], given in option (d).
The following two questions (MCQ) appeared in Kerala Engineering
Entrance 2006 test paper:
(1)The instantaneous displacement of a simple harmonic oscillator
is given by y = A cos(ωt + π/4). Its speed will be maximum at the
time
(a) 2π/ω (b) ω/2π (c) ω/π (d) π/4ω (e) π/ω
This question was omitted by a fairly bright student who got selected with a
good rank. The question setter used the term speed (and not velocity) to make
things very specific and to avoid the possible confusion regarding the sign. So
what he meant is the maximum magnitude of velocity. The velocity is the time
derivative of displacement: v = dy/dt = -Aω(sin ωt + π/4). Its maximum
magnitude equal to Aω is obtained when ωt = π/4, from which t = π/4ω.

(2) A particle of mass 5 g is executing simple harmonic motion with

an amplitude 0.3 m and time period π/5 s. The maximum value of
the force acting on the particle is
(a) 5 N (b) 4 N (c) 0.5 N (d) 0.3 N (e) 0.15 N
If you remember the basic expression for period in the form, T = 2π√(m/k)
where ‘k’ is the force constant, the solution becomes quite easy. From this, k =
4π2m/T2 = 4π2 ×5×10-3/(π/5)2 = 0.5. Since ‘k’ is the force for unit
displacement, the maximum force is k times the maximum displacement
(amplitude). Therefore maximum force = kA = 0.5×0.3 = 0.15N.
[If you remember that ω = √(k/m) you can arrive at the answer since T =
2π/ω].

The frequency of vertical oscillations of a mass suspended at the end of a light spring is n. If
the system is taken to a location where the acceleration due to gravity is reduced by 0.1%, the
frequency of oscillation will be

(a) 1.01 n

(b) 0.99 n

(c) 1.001 n

(d) 0.999 n

(e) n

A spring-mass system (unlike the simple pendulum) does not require a gravitational force
for oscillations since the restoring force required for oscillations is supplied by the elastic
forces in the spring.

[Note that the period (T) of oscillations is given by T = 2π√(m/k) where m is the mass
attached to the spring and k is the spring constant].

Therefore the change in ‘g’ does not affect the frequency and the correct option is (e).

(2) One end of a light spring is fixed to the ceiling and a mass M is suspended at the other
end. When an additional mass m is attached to the mass M, the additional extension in the
spring is e. The period of vertical oscillation of the spring-mass system now is

(a) 2π√[(M+m)e/mg]

(b) 2π√(me/mg)

(c) 2π√[(M+m) /mge]

(d) 2π√[me/(M+m)g]
(e) 2π√(M/mge)

The period (T) of oscillations is given by T = 2π√[(M+m)/k] where k is the spring constant.

Since an additional weight mg attached to the spring produces an additional extension e, the
spring constant k = mg/e.

Therefore, period of oscillations T = 2π√[(M+m)/(mg/e)] = 2π√[(M+m)e/mg], as given in

option (a).

(3) The period of vertical oscillations of a mass M suspended using a light spring of spring
constant k is T. The same spring is cut into three equal parts and they are used in parallel to
suspend the mass M as shown in the adjoining figure. What is the new period of oscillations?

(a) T

(b) 3T

(c) 9T

(d) T/9

(e) T/3

The original period of oscillation T is given by

T = 2π√(M/k)

When the spring is cut into three equal parts, each piece has spring constant 3k.

[Since the length of each piece is reduced by a factor three, the extension for a given applied
force will be reduced by a factor three so that the spring constant (which is the ratio of force
to extension) will become three times].
Since the three pieces are connected in parallel the effective spring constant of the
combination is 3k+3k+3k = 9k. The new period of oscillations T1 is given by

T1 = 2π√(M/9k) = T/3 since T = 2π√(M/k)

You will find some multiple choice questions with solution in this section here as well as
here.

POSTED BY MV AT 8:51 PM 0 COMMENTS LINKS TO THIS POST

LABELS: OSCILLATION, SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION , SPRING

Thursday, December 06, 2007

Two Questions on Oscillations

Today we will discuss two multiple choice questions on simple harmonic

motion:
(1) A simple pendulum of period 2 s has a small bob of mass 50 g.
The amplitude of oscillation of the bob is 10 cm and it is at a height
of 45 cm from the ground in its mean position. While oscillating,
the string breaks just when the bob is in its mean position. The
horizontal distance R `from the mean position where the bob will

strike the ground is nearly

(a) 35.2 cm (b) 23 cm (c) 15.3 cm

(d)12.4 cm (e) 9.4 cm <!--[if !vml]-->

The angular frequency (ω) of oscillation of the pendulum is given by

ω = 2π/T = 2π/2 = π rad/s.

The bob has maximum velocity (vmax) in the mean position and is given by

vmax = ωA where A is the amplitude.

Therefore, vmax = π × 0.1 = 0.1 π ms–1

On getting detached from the string, the bob moves like a projectile shot horizontally from a height
of 0.45 m with a velocity of 0.1 π ms –1. Its time of flight (t) is obtained from the vertical displacement
of 0.45 m:

0.45 = 0 + ½ gt2. (Note that the initial vertical velocity is zero and the vertical acceleration is g, which
we may take as 10 ms–2). This gives t2 = 0.09 so that t = 0.3 s.

The horizontal distance covered by the bob during this time is 0.1 π × 0.3 = 0.094 m = 9.4 cm.

[Note that the mass of the bob does not come into the picture and it just serves as a distraction].

Now, consider the following MCQ :

A large horizontal surface moves up and down simple harmonically with an amplitude of 1 cm. If a
mass of 3 kg (which is placed on the surface) is to remain continually in contact with it, the
maximum frequency of the SHM will be

(a) 5 Hz (b) 2 Hz (c) 8 Hz (d) 10Hz (e) 15 Hz

The mass will remain in contact with the surface if the maximum acceleration produced in the simple
harmonic motion does not exceed the acceleration due to gravity (g).

Therefore, we have

ω2A = g where ω is the angular frequency of the SHM.

From this ω = √(g/A) = √(10/ 0.01) = 10×√10.

The maximum frequency (linear) of oscillations is therefore given by

n = ω/2π = (10×√10)/2π = 5 Hz.

[Note that the mass of the body placed on the surface does not come into the picture and it just
serves as a distraction].

POSTED BY MV AT 6:50 PM 0 COMMENTS LINKS TO THIS POST

LABELS: OSCILLATION, SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

Sunday, June 10, 2007

Force, Momentum and Circular Motion

You might have noted that the angle between the force acting on a body and the momentum of the
body can be anything between zero and 2π. (But the change of momentum is always in the direction
of force). Here is a simple question which you should be able to answer in a minute. If you find it
difficult you should work harder to understand basic points in mechanics thoroughly.

A particle moves in a plane such that the rectangular components of its momentum vary simple
harmonically with the same period and amplitude, but with a constant phase difference of π/2.
The angle (in radian) between the momentum of the particle and the force acting on it is

(a) π (b) – π (c) zero (d) π/2 (e) varying between zero and 2π

The particle is forced to move simple harmonically along two mutually perpendicular directions. In
other words, this is a case of the superposition of two simple harmonic motions of the same perod
and amplitude at right angles to each other. Since the phase difference is π/2, the resultant motion
is uniform circular motion. The angle between the resultant momentum of the particle and the force
acting on the particle is therefore π/2.

Mow consider the following MCQ which appeared in IIT-JEE 2007 question paper:

A particle moves in the X-Y plane under the influence of a force such that its linear momentum is p(t)
= A[î cos(kt) – ĵ sin(kt)], where A and k are constants. The angle between the force and the
momentum is

(a) 0º (b) 30º (c) 45º (d) 90º

Simply by noting that the momentum vector p has simple harmonically varying components A
cos(kt) and A sin(kt) in the X and Y directions respectively, you can conclude that this is a case of the
superposition two simple harmonic motions of the same frequency and amplitude at right angles,
with a constant phase difference of π/2. [The phase difference is π/2 since one is a sine function
while the other

If a particle moves in simple harmonic motion with a frequency of 3.00 Hz and an amplitude of 5.00
cm through what total distance does the particle move during one cycle of its motion, what is its
maximum speed, where does this maximum speed occur and what and where does the maximum
acceleration of the particle happen?

Answer
Total distance = 10 cm
let w be the symbol for omega, so that w = 2(pi)f
y = Asin(wt) = 5sin[6(pi)t]
v = dy/dt = Awcos(wt)
so the max. velocity = Aw = 30(pi) cm/s which occurs as the particle passes through the midpoint
a = dv/dt = -Aw^2sin(wt) so the max. acceleration is
Aw^2 = 180(pi^2) cm/s^2 which occur at the extremes of the range of the particle.

a. The maximum displacement from the equilibrium position A = 10.0 cm.

b. The time for one complete oscillation T = /2 s.  Notice the maximum positive
displacement  x = +10.0 cm occurs at  t = 0  and the next time at  t = /2 s.  It
occurs again at  t = s.

2.

a. v(t) = - (2/T)(A sin 2t/T).  The maximum value of the sine is 1.  The
maximum absolute value of v = 2A/T.  The ± signs account only for the
direction of the velocity.

b. From Fig. 1b above,  |vmax| = 40.0 cm/s = 2A/T = 2(10cm)/s/2.

3.
 a.

i. a(t) =- (2/T)2(A cos 2t/T).  Maximum value of the cosine is

1. |amax|  = (2/T)2A.  The ± signs account only for the direction of
the acceleration.

ii. a(t) = - (2/T)2 (A cos 2t/T) = - (2/T)2 x(t)

since x(t) = A cos 2t/T.

-a(t)/x(t) = (2/T)2.

b. From Fig. 1c above,

|amax| = 160.0 cm/s2 = (2/T)2A = (2/s/2)2 10 cm.

4. a. For a mass attached to a spring, F = - kx or F/x = - k, where k is a

constant. The applied force F is directly proportional to the displacement x
and the minus sign says it is in the opposite direction to x.

b. When the spring is extended and released,  Fnet = ma  or

- kx = ma  or  - a/x = k/m.

c. From 3a(ii),  - a(t)/x(t) = (2/T)2

By comparison,  k/m = (2/T)2  or  T = 2(m/k)1/2.

5. a. Given x(t) = A cos (2t/T + ), where A is the maximum displacement from
the equilibrium position. The maximum value of cos (2t/T + ) is 1, so the
equation accurately describe the definition of A.

b. x(t + T) = A cos [2(t + T)/T + ]

            = A cos [2t/T + 2T/T]
            = A cos [2t/T + 2]
            = A cos (2t/T + )
            = x(t).

The definition of T is accurately described by the equation of motion for

simple harmonic motion,  A cos (2t/T + ),  because it allows the value of
x  at  t  to equal the value of  x  at  t  + T  or  t + nT where n = 1, 2, 3 . . .

c. For x(t) = A cos (2t/T -/2),  x(0) = xo = A cos (- /2) = 0.

v(t) = - (2/T)A sin (2t/T/2).
v(0) = vo = - (2/T)A sin (/2) = (2/T)A = +vmax.
 At  t = 0,  the object is at the equilibrium position and travelling with the
maximum velocity in the +X-direction.

6. Given that  d2x/dt2 + (k/m)x = 0                                     (Equation 1")

Show that x(t) = A cos (t/T + ) is a solution.               (Equation 1')
v = dx/dt = - (2/T)A sin (2t/T + ).
dv/dt = d2x/dt2 = - (2/T)2[A cos (2\t/T + )] = - (2/T)2 x      (Equation 2)

Substituting Eq. 2 into Eq. 1",  - (2/T)2 x + (k/m)x = 0.

This equation is true if (2/T)2 = (k/m)  or  T = 2(m/k)1/2.

7.

In general,  x(t) = A cos (2t/T + )  and  v(t) = dx/dt = -A(2/T) sin (2t/T + ).

(a) and (d)

  In Fig. for #7a above,  x(t) is plotted for  = 0.

  In Fig. for #7d above,  v(t) is plotted for  = 0.
  For   = 0  and  t = 0 ,  the initial conditions are:

the initial displacement = xo = A  and

the initial velocity = vo = 0.

Immediately after  t = 0,  the object moves to the left (with a negative velocity).
(b) For  = - /2, x(t) = A cos (2t/T - /2).

   By trigonometric identity,

cos (C - D) = cos C cos D + sin C sin D  (with C = 2t/T and D = /2)

x(t) = A[cos 2t/T cos /2 + sin 2t/T sin /2]
x(t) = A[cos 2t/T(0) + sin 2t/T(1)] = A sin 2t/T

   Notice the first maximum in Fig. b (immediately above) lags that in

   Fig. a (above) by /2 radians.

(e) v(t) = - 2A/T sin (2t/T - /2)

   By trigonometric identity,

sin (C - D) = sin C cos D - cos C sin D

v(t) = -2A/T[(sin 2t/T)(0) - (cos2t/T)(1)]
v(t) = (2A/T) cos 2t/T
    For  = - /2  and  t = 0,  xo = 0  and  vo = +2A/T

(c) For  = - ,  x(t) = A cos (2t/T - )

             = A[cos 2t/T cos  + sin 2t/T sin ]
             = A[(cos 2t/T)(-1) + (sin 2t/T)(0)]
     x(t) = - A cos 2t/T

    Notice that Fig. c (immediately above) lags Fig. a (above) by  radians.

(f) v(t) = - A(2/T) sin (2t/T - )

           = - (2A/T)[sin 2t/T cos -cos 2t/T sin ]
           =(- 2A/T)[(sin2t/T)(-1) - (cos2t/T)(0)].
     v(t) = (2A/T) sin 2t/T

    For  = -   and  t = 0,  xo = - A  and  vo = 0.

Immediately after  t = 0,  the object moves to the right with a positive velocity.

(g) The function of  is to state the initial conditions.

     Note:     or  -   gives the same result.

8. a. x(t) = A cos (t + )

x(0) = xo = A cos                                     (Equation 1)

b. v(t) = dx/dt = - A sin (t + )

v(0) = vo = -A sin                                (Equation 2)

Dividing both sides of Eq. 2 by - :

- vo/ = A sin                     (Equation 3)

c. Dividing Eq. 3 by Eq. 1,  tan  = - vo/xo.

d. Squaring Eq. 1 and Eq. 3 and adding:

xo2 + (- vo/)2 = A2(cos2  + A sin2 )  or  [xo2 + (- vo/)2]1/2 = A.

9.
 In Fig. for #9(a) above, the spring is not stretched. In Fig. for #9(b) above, the
mass is attached and the spring is stretched a distance  xo.

a. The mass comes to rest and Fnet = ma = m(0).

Taking down to be positive,  

- kxo + mg = 0        (Equation 1)

b. In Fig. for #9(c) above, the spring has been displaced an additional distance
x.  Now Fnet = ma, where a ≠ 0 once the spring is released. Taking the
direction of x, which is down, as positive,

 - kx - kxo + mg = ma      (Equation 2)

From Eq. 1, we see that - kxo + mg = 0.  Eq. 2 becomes:

- kx = ma  or  - a/x = k/m.

The ratio of  a  to  x  is the same whether the spring is mounted horizontally
or vertically.

c. As before, - a/x = (2/T)2 = (2f)2 = k/m  and  f = (1/2)(k/m)1/2.

10.

a. The forces acting on the pendulum bob are its weight mg and the tension T
in the string.

b. The only force tangent to the path is a restoring force - mg sin .  From the
triangle with lengths, we find that

sin  = x/L and - mg sin  = - (mg/L)x.

For small displacements, x ≈ s, we can think of the displacement and the

restoring force acting horizontally.

       Fnet = ma
- (mg/L)x = ma
 c. Since m, g, and L are constants, the restoring force, - (mg/L)x,  is directly
proportional to the displacement and in the opposite direction. The
pendulum is an example of simple harmonic motion.
-a/x = (g/L) = (2/T)2 = (2f)2.    f = (1/2)(g/L)1/2.

For another approach, write  = s/L.  For small angles  is approximately

equal to sin .  The restoring force - mg sin  ≈ - mg = m d2s/dt2
= m d2(L)/dt2, or - (g/L) = d2/dt2 and d2/dt2 + (g/L) = 0.
This is the same form as d2x/dt2 + (k/m)x = 0,  for which T = 2 (m/k)1/2
and x = A cos (2/T).  By comparison with the spring, for the pendulum T =
2 (L/g)1/2 and f = 1/T = (1/2)(g/L)1/2 and max cos (2/T).

11. Given x(t) = 0.01 m cos (0.02 s-1 t - /2) compare with x(t) = A cos (t/T + )
and find:

a. the amplitude A = 0.01 m

b. 2/T = 0.02 s-1; period T = 100 s,

c. the frequency f = 1/T = 0.01 s-1,  and

d. the initial phase  = - /2.

12.

From Fig. 3 above, we see that:

a. The cosine curve repeats itself every 4.0s so the period T = 4.0 s.

b. The amplitude of the motion A =10.0 cm.

c. If we write the equation of motion as a function of the cosine, we let  = 0.

x(t) = A cos 2t/T = 10.0 cm cos 2t/4.0 s = 10.0 cm cos t s-1/2.

d. v(t) = dx/dt = -10.0/2 cm/s sin t s-1/2

|vmax| = 5.0 cm/s

e. a(t) = dv/dt = -10.0 (/2)2cm/s2 cos t s-1/2

|amax| = 2.52 cm/s2

13.
14. For a mass-spring system,

- kx = ma = md2x/dt2  or

d2x/dt2 + (k/m)x = 0, where the period T = 2 (m/k)1/2.

By comparison with

b2d2x/dt2 + c2x = 0  or

d2x/dt2 + (c/b)2x = 0,

we see that in this case T = 2 (b/c).

15. For a total swing back and forth of 4.0 cm, the amplitude A is 2.0 cm.

For x(t) = A cos 2t/T,  v(t) = dx/dt = - A2/T sin 2t/T.

The maximum velocity of the pendulum occurs at the center of the swing equal to
10 cm/s.

|vmax| = 2A/T.   T = 2A/vmax= 2 (2.0 cm)/10 cm/s = 0.4 s.

16. x(t) = 4.0 cm cos (t s-1 - /6).

2.0 cm = 4.0 cm cos (t s-1 - /6).
cos (t s - /6) = 0.5  and  (t s-1 - /6) = /3 (60o).
-1

v(t) = dx/dt = - 4.0 cm/s sin (t s-1 - /6).

When (t s-1 - /6) = /3,  sin /3 = 0.866  and  v = - 4.0 (0.866) cm/s
= - 10.9 cm/s.

17.

= 2f = 2 (3/2 s-1) = 3 s-1.    xo = 0.25 m and vo = - 1.5 m/s.

We know that  0 <  </2  because xo is positive and vo is negative. The initial
position of the object is less than the amplitude, but positive, and moving toward
the equilibrium position with a negative velocity.

As shown in #8 above,
A = [(xo)2 + (- vo/)2]1/2 = [(0.25 m)2 + (1.5 m/s/3 s-1)2]1/2 = 0.296 m.
 tan  = - vo/xo = 1.5 m/s/(0.25 m)(3 s-1) = 0.637.
tan-1 0.637 = 0.18 = 32.5o.
x(t) = A cos (2t/T + ) = 0.296 m cos (3t s-1 + 0.18).

Plots of position x and the velocity v as a function of  t  are shown in 17a and 17b
above, respectively.  Note xo = 0.25 m and vo = - 1.5 m/s.

18.

Fnet = ma = m d2x/dt2

For Fig. 5a,

- k1x - k2x = - (k1 + k2)x = m d2x/dt2   or

d2x/dt2 + [(k1 + k2)/m]x = 0.

Compare with

d2x/dt2 + [k/m]x = 0 when f = (1/2)(k/m)1/2

and find for this case,

f = (1/2)[(k1 + k2)/m]1/2.

The "effective" spring constant for springs in parallel is k eff = k1 + k2 . . + kn.

For Fig. 5b, the spring with constant k2 is in contact with mass m that has a
displacement  x = x1 + x2,  where x1 is the extension of the spring with constant k1
and x2 is the extension of the spring with constant k 2.  The force on the object is:

- k2x2   and  - k2x2 = m d2x/dt2          (Equation 1)

Also,

x = x1 + x2        (Equation 2)

and the magnitude of the force on the second spring due to the first spring equals
the magnitude of force on the first spring due to the second spring, or

k1x1 = k2x2  or  x1 = k2x2/k1          (Equation 3)

Substituting Eq. 3 into Eq. 2,

x = (k2x2/k1) + x2 = (k1 + k2)x2/k1 ,    or

x2 = k1x/(k1 + k2)          (Equation 4)
 Substituting Eq. 4 into Eq. 1,

- [k2k1/(k1 + k2)]x = m d2x/dt2   or

d2x/dt2 + [{k1k2/(k1 + k2}/m)]x = 0.

Comparing with

d2x/dt2 + [k/m]x = 0

For this case,

f = (1/2)[{k1k2/(k1 + k2)}/m]1/2.

The "effective" spring constant for series is:

keff = {k1k2/(k1 + k2}  or

1/keff = 1/k1 + 1/k2 + . .+ 1/kn.

19. Imagine the spring cut into thirds with each part having a spring constant k’. When
the three springs are connected in series, the spring constant is

k = 10.0 N/m.

For series,

1/k = 1/10 N/m = 1/k’ + 1/k’ + 1/k’= 3/k’

k’ = 3k = 30.0 N/m.

When two of these springs with k’ are connected in series,

1/k” = 1/k’ + 1/k’ = 2/30 N/m,

or the spring constant with 2/3 of the spring left (1/3 cut off) is

k” = 15 N/m.

T= 2(m/k”)12 = 2(0.30/15)1/2 s = 2 (0.02)1/2 s.

20.

a. The differential mass dm = msdy/L

 (Fig. 6 above)

b. Assuming the velocity vy  at y increases linearly with y from 0 at y = 0

to v at y = L,  vy = vy/L.

c. dK = 1/2 dm vy2 = 1/2(msdy/L)(vy/L)2.

The effective mass that takes place in the oscillation is ms/3.

The fraction of the mass is 1/3.

21.

a. The slope of force F as a function of the extension x is

 k = (5.0 - 0)N/(0.50 - 0)m = 10 N/m.

b. For a total mass M and force constant k, the period of the motion is

T = 2(M/k)1/2.

For a spring of effective mass ms’,  M = m + ms’,  where m is the variable

mass added to the spring load. For this case

T = 2 (m + ms’)/k]1/2  or
T2 = (42/k)m +(42/k)ms’        (Equation 1)

If we compare Eq. 1 to the equation of a line, y = (slope)x + (y-intercept), 

we see that T2 versus m should yield a straight line and the intercept on the
T2 axis is (42/k)ms’.  From Fig. 7a above, we find k = 10 N/m. From Fig. 7b
above, we find the intercept on the T2 axis = 0.154 s2 = (42/k)ms’ =
(42/10 N/m)ms’.  ms’ = (1.54/42)kg = 0.390 kg and ms = 3 x (0.390 kg)
= 0.117 kg = 117 g.

c. When T2 = 0  in Eq. 1,  0 = (42/k)m + (42/k)ms’    or

ms’ = - m = - (-0.0390 kg).
ms’ = 0.0390 kg, agreeing with the value found in part (b).

d. P.S. It helps to have my graphing program that reads off coordinates.

22.

For simple harmonic motion,  a/x = - 2.

For maximum acceleration,  |amax| = A2.
For motion in the vertical direction,  (Fnet)y = may = m(0)  or
N - mg = 0  and  N = mg.

The frictional force that keeps the block from slipping on the plate  f = µN = µmg =
ma = mA2.    A = µg/2 = 0.60(10 m/s2)/(1.5 s-1)2 = 2.7 m.

23. a. For the equilibrium position, dU/dr = 0 = (-5a/r6) + (3b/r4).

Calling r = ro at the equilibrium position,  ro = (5a/3b)1/2.
 b.

The reduced mass µ = m/2 and the frequency f = (1/2 )(k/µ)1/2 =

(1/2)[(12b/m)(3b/5a)5/2]1/2.

24.

a. U = mgy

b. dU/dx = d(mgy)/dx = mg.

d[R - (R2 - x2)1/2]/dx = mgx/(R2 - x2)1/2.
For x < < R,  dU/dx = mgx/R.   Fx = - dU/dx = - (mg/R)x.
The force Fx is directly proportional to the displacement x and in the
opposite direction. The motion is simple harmonic.

c.            Fx = ma  or
- (mg/R)x = m d2x/dt2  and  d2x/dt2 + (g/R)x = 0.
Compare       d2x/dt2 + (k/m)x = 0   (for which T = 2(m/k)1/2)
and see for this case T= 2(R/g)1/2.

25. a. When x = A,  v = 0 and K = 0.  In general, E = U + K = 1/2 kx2 + 1/2 mv2.

When x = A,  E = 1/2 kA2 + 1/2 m(0) = 1/2 kA2.  Since E is a constant, E
always equals:

1/2 kA2 = 1/2 kx2 + 1/2 mv2               (Equation 1)

b. Multiplying Eq. 1 by 2/m gives:

(k/m)A2 = (k/m)x2 + 1/2 mv2  or

(k/m)(A2 - x2) = v2  and
v = dx/dt = (k/m)1/2(A2 - x2)1/2.

c. Separating variables dx/(A2 - x2)1/2 = (k/m)1/2 dt.

Let x = A sin ,  dx = A cos  d.

(A2 - x2)1/2 = A(1 - sin2 )1/2 = A cos .
 For limits on ,  xo = A sin o and sin o = xo/A.
The lower limit is sin -1 xo/A  and the upper is sin -1 x/A.

Integrating the above equation gives:

sin -1
x/A + sin -1 xo/A = (k/m)1/2t   or
sin -1
x/A = (k/m)1/2t + sin -1 xo/A.

Letting sin -1
xo/A = ,

sin -1
   or
x/A = (k/m)1/2t +
x(t) = A sin [(k/m) t + ]. 1/2

26.

a.  = r x F.   = rF sin r, F.  About the pivot point, the torque for the rod of
mass m1 is -(L/2)m1g sin  and for the point mass it is -Lm2g sin . The
negative signs occur because they are restoring torques. When the
pendulum is swinging counterclockwise, the torque tends to make it swing
clockwise. The moment of inertia of the rod about an end is 1/3 m 1L2.  The
moment of inertia of a point particle of mass m2 a distance L from the axis
is m2L2.

b.  = 
-Lg(m1/2 + m2)sin = (m1/3 + m2)L2 d2/dt2

For small sin  is approximately equal to   and

d2/dt2 + [g(m1/2 + m2)/(m1/3 + m2)L] = 0.

Comparing with

d2x/dt2 + [k/m]x = 0 (for which Period = 2 (m/k)1/2),

we find for this pendulum,

 Period = 2 [2(m1 + 3m2)L/(m1 + 2m2)3g]1/2

27.

For oscillations about pin axis (Fig. 24 above),

a.  = r x F.
 = rF sin r,F = -rmg sin  ≈ -rmg  for small .
The moment of inertia about the pin a distance r from the center of mass,

I = (1/2 mR2 + mr2).

b.   = I = (I)d2/dt2
-rmg = (1/2 mR2 + mr2)d2/dt2

c. or

d2/dt2 + [rg/(1/2 R2 + r2)] = 0.

Compare with

d2x/dt + [k/m]x = 0 (for which Period = 2[m/k]1/2)

and see for the disk,

Period = 2[(R2 + 2r2)/2rg]1/2.

d. For a minimum period,

d(Period)/dr = 0 =
2(1/2)[(2rg)(4r) - (R2 + 2r2)2g]/4r2g2][(R2 + 2r2)/2rg]1/2  or
(2rg)(4r) = (R2 + 2r2)2g  or
4r2 = R2 + 2r2  and  2r2 = R2  or
r = R/(2)1/2.