HSPTA MALAPPURAM

PHYSOL-3(Plus One)-The Solution for Learning Physics

Question Bank
CHAPTER 14-OSCILLATIONS

Each question scores One

1 What is the time period of a second’s pendulum?

Ans: 2 second.
2 The time period of a simple pendulum of length l as measured in a lift descending with the
acceleration g/3 m/s 2 is .......

Ans: T =2 π
√ 3l
2g
3 A particle executing SHM is an example of ..................
i) acceleration of constant magnitude and direction.
ii) acceleration of changing magnitude and direction.
iii) acceleration of changing magnitude but constant direction.
iv) acceleration of constant magnitude but changing direction.

Ans: iii) acceleration of changing magnitude but constant direction.

4 What is a seconds pendulum?

Ans: Pendulum with time period = 2 second.

5 Under what conditions for the amplitude, are the oscillations of the pendulum simple harmonic?

Ans : For small amplitude.

6 What is the frequency of a simple pendulum mounted in a cabin that is freely falling under gravity?

Ans: Frequency become zero.

7 A vibrating simple pendulum of period T is placed in a lift which is accelerating downwards. What
is the effect of this on the time period of the pendulum?

Ans; Time period increases.

8 L-T2 graph of motion of a simple pendulum will be......

Ans: Straight line with a slope

9 Two simple pendulum, one with a copper bob and the other with an iron bob with same length are
oscillating. Which one will have more time period?

Ans: Both have same time period.

10 L-T graph of motion of a simple pendulum will be.....

Ans: Parabolic.

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11 Give an example for periodic motion which is not oscillatory?

Ans: Rotation of earth.

12 Equation for wave number k=.......

Ans:
2π
λ
13 The relation connecting ω and v is.....

Ans:
v =ω
k
14 A simple pendulum is taken from the equator to the pole,its period

a) Decreases b) Increases

c) Remains same c) Becomes infinity

Ans: a) Decrease
15 Which of the following is correct?

a) A periodic motion is an SHM b) A periodic motion is not SHM

c) A SHM is not a periodic motion d) A periodic motion may be an SHM

Ans: d) A periodic motion may be an SHM

16 Which one of the following relationships between the acceleration ‘a’ and the displacement ‘x’ of a particle
involve simple harmonic motion?

a) a = 5x b) a = -200 x 2 c) a = -5x d) a = 100 x3

Ans: c) a = -5x

17 What is the frequency of a simple pendulum mounted in a cabin that is freely falling under gravity?
Ans: Frequency become zero.
18 A vibrating simple pendulum of period T is placed in a lift which is accelerating downwards. What
is the effect of this on the time period of the pendulum?
Ans; Time period increases.

Each question scores Two

1 In a simple pendulum made of a metallic wire, what will happen to the period when the temperature
increases? Give a reason.

Ans: Time period increases. When the temperature increases , due to thermal expansion, the length
of pendulum will increase and hence time period increases.
2 Define Simple Harmonic motion (SHM).

Ans: Simple harmonic motion (SHM) is defined as such an oscillatory motion about a fixed point

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 (mean position) in which the restoring force is always proportional to the displacement from that
point and is always directed towards that point.
3 The acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the moon is 1.7 m/s 2 .What is the time period of
asimple pendulum on the moon, if its time period on the earth is 3.5 second?

2 1
Ans: We have , T α for a fixed length.
g
1 1
Therefore, T 2moon α 2
and T earth α
g moon g earth
2
T moon g earth
Dividing, 2
=
T earth gmoon
2 2 gearth 2 9.8
T moon=T earth =3.5 x =70.62
g moon 1.7
therefore , Time period on the moon, Tmoon = 8.4 second.
4 List any two conditions for a motion of a body to be simple harmonic.

Ans; i. The restoring force is always proportional to the displacement from the mean position.
ii. The restoring force is always directed towards the mean position.
5 A man with wristwatch on his hand falls from the top of a tower. Does the watch give the correct
time during the free fall? Why?

Ans:Yes, the motion in the wristwatch depends on spring action and has nothing to do with
acceleration due to gravity.
6 Name two examples for simple harmonic motion.

Ans: i. Oscillation of a loaded spring.

ii. Oscillation of a simple pendulum.
7 A girl is swinging on a swing in the sitting position. How will the period of swing be affected if she
stands up?

Ans; Time period decreases, as the length of the pendulum decreases when she stands up.
8 Represent Simple Harmonic Motion graphically.

Ans;

9 What is periodic motion? Give examples.

Ans:- Any motion which repeats itself at regular intervals of time is called periodic motion.
Example :

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 1) Motion of a swing
2) Motion of a simple pendulum
3) Rotation of the earth about its own axis
10 Define oscillatory motion. Give examples.

Ans:- Oscillatory motion is a periodic motion in which the particle moves to and fro on either side of the
mean position between two limits. One to and fro motion is an oscillation or vibration.
Eg :
1) Oscillations of the simple pendulum
2) Vibrations of the prongs of the tuning fork
11 A girl is swinging in a swing in a sitting position with a period T. What will happen to the period, if
she starts swinging in a standing position?

Ans:- T = 2π
√ l
g
l is the distance upto the centre of gravity. Centre of gravity of the human body is in the pelvic
cavity. When she stands up the centre of gravity will get raised. Therefore l decreases and T
decreases.

12 In a simple pendulum made of a metallic wire, what will happen to the period when the temperature
increases? Give a reason.
Ans: Time period increases. When the temperature increases, due to thermal expansion, the length
of pendulum will increase and hence time period increases.
13 What is the velocity of a particle at the extreme point and mean point, which is executing SHM?
Ans; At the extreme point velocity = 0
At the mean point velocity , v=ωA
14 What is the acceleration of a particle at the extreme point and mean point, which is executing SHM?
Ans; At the extreme point acceleration, a= -ω2A
At the mean point acceleration =0
15 What is the Kinetic energy of a particle at the extreme point and mean point, which is executing SHM?
Ans; At the extreme point Kinetic energy= 0
1 2 2
At the mean point Kinetic energy, KE= m ω A
2
16 What is the Potential energy of a particle at the extreme point and mean point, which is executing SHM?
1 2 2
Ans; At the extreme point Potential energy PE= m ω A
2
At the mean point Potential energy=0
17 Name two examples for simple harmonic motion.
Ans: i. Oscillation of a loaded spring.
ii. Oscillation of a simple pendulum.
18 A girl is swinging on a swing in the sitting position. How will the period of swing be affected if she
stands up?
Ans; Time period decreases, as the length of the pendulum decreases when she stands up.
19 Draw the graph showing the variation of KE, PE and Total energy of a particle executing SHM with
displacement from the mean point.

Ans:

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Each question scores Three
1 A simple pendulum has a bob of mass m is suspended from the ceiling of a lift which is lying at the
ground floor of a multi storied building.
a) Find the period of oscillation of pendulum when the lift is stationary.
b)What is the tension of the string of the pendulum when it is ascending with an acceleration ‘a’?
c) What is the period of oscillation of the pendulum while the lift is ascending?

Ans: a) T =2 π
√ l
g
b) Tension T = m(g+a)

c) T =2 π
√ l
g+ a

2 The bob of a simple pendulum is a hollow sphere filled with mercury. It oscillates with a period T.
As it is oscillating mercury flows out through a hole at the bottom. What happens to the period?

Ans:- The centre of gravity is originally at the centre. When mercury flows out the centre of gravity
gets lowered, reaches the lowermost point and then rises to the original place when all the mercury
flows out. Therefore l will first increase, reach a maximum and then decrease to the original value.
Therefore period will first increase, reach a maximum and then decrease to the original value.
3 Show that length of seconds pendulum is 1m.

Ans:
T = 2π
√ l
g
Here T=2 sec
2 = 2π
√ l
g
1=π
√ l
g
on squaring
l
1= π2
g
Since π=3.14 π2 ≈ 9.8 g = 9.8m/s2
so l = 1m.

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4 Find the value of velocity of SHM at points
1) at the origin.
2)at the amplitude.
3) at half of the amplitude.
Ans:
v = ω √A 2− y 2

1) at y=0
v= Aω
2) at y = A
v=0
3) at y = A/2
v = ω √A 2− A 2 /4
v = √3 Aω/2.
5 a) Among the following, which are examples of simple harmonic motion?
i. The rotation of the earth about its axis.
ii. Vertical oscillations of a loaded spring.
iii. Oscillations of a simple pendulum.
iv. Uniform circular motion.
b) The displacement in simple harmonic motion can be represented as x(t) = A Cos(ωt+ Φ), where ‘Φ’is the
phase constant. Identify and define ‘A’ and ‘ω’ in the equation.
Ans:
(a) ii. Vertical oscillations of a loaded spring.
iii. Oscillations of a simple pendulum.

(b) ‘A’ is the amplitude.

It is the maximum displacement of particle from the mean position.

‘ω’ is the angular velocity or angular frequency .

It is the rate of change of angular displacement.

6 A simple pendulum has a bob of mass m is suspended from the ceiling of a lift which is lying at the
ground floor of a multi storied building.
a) Find the period of oscillation of pendulum when the lift is stationary.
b)What is the tension of the string of the pendulum when it is ascending with an
acceleration ‘a’?
c) What is the period of oscillation of the pendulum while the lift is ascending?

Ans: a) T =2 π
√ l
g
b) Tension T = m(g+a)

c) T =2 π
√ l
g+ a

7 A particle executes SHM of amplitude A. At what distance from the mean position is its kinetic

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 energy equal to its potential energy?
We have given KE =PE

1 1
m ω 2 ( A 2−x 2 )= m ω 2 x 2
2 2
A 2 =2 x 2
A
x=
√2
This is the distance from mean position at which KE= PE.

8 Show that the function (sin ωt – cos ωt) represents simple harmonic motion.
Ans: Given f(t) = (sin ωt – cos ωt)

df (t )
=ω cos ω t+ ω sin ω t
dt
d 2 f (t ) 2 2
2
=− ω sin ω t + ω cos ω t
dt
d 2 f (t ) 2
2
=− ω (sin ω t−cos ω t)
dt
d 2 f (t ) 2
2
=− ω f (t )
dt
d 2 f (t ) 2
2
+ ω f (t )=0
dt
This is the differential equation for SHM

9 Simple harmonic motion of a block of mass m attached to a spring is shown in figure. The distance between
extreme points A and B is 10 cm.
Take the direction from A to B as the positive. Redraw the given table and give the signs of velocity,
acceleration and force .

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 Point Velocity Acceleration Force

(a) at the end B 0

(b) at the mid- 0 0

point of AB
going
towards A
(c) at 2 cm away
from B going
towards A
Ans:

Point Velocity Acceleration Force

(a) at the end B 0 Negative Negative

(b) at the mid- Negative 0 0

point of AB
going towards
A
(c) at 2 cm away Negative Negative Negative
from B going
towards A

Each question scores Four

1 a) Among the following, which are examples of simple harmonic motion?
i. The rotation of the earth about its axis. ii. Vertical oscillations of a loaded spring.
iii. Oscillations of a simple pendulum. iv. Uniform circular motion.
b) The displacement in simple harmonic motion can be represented as x(t) = A Cos(ωt+ Φ), where
‘Φ’is the phase constant. Identify and define ‘A’ and ‘ω’ in the equation.

Ans;
a) ii. Vertical oscillations of a loaded spring.
iii. Oscillations of a simple pendulum.
b) ‘A’ is the amplitude.
It is the magnitude of maximum displacement of particle from the mean position
‘ω’ is the angular frequency.
It is the rate of change of angular displacement.
2π
ω= OR ω =2 π f
T
2 A student is advised to study the variation of period of oscillation with the length of a simple
pendulum in the laboratory. Accordingly he recorded the period of oscillation for different lengths
of the pendulum.
a) If he plots an L – T2 graph,draw the shape of the graph?
b) How would you determine the value of acceleration due to gravity using L– T2 graph?

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 Ans: a)

b) We have T =2 π
√ l
g
2 l
Therefore g=4 π ( 2
)
T
2
T
From the graph slope =
l
2 1
Therefore g=4 π x
slope

3 2π
A particle executes simple harmonic motion according to the equation x = 5 sin( t)
3
a)Find the period of the oscillation
b)What is the minimum time required for the particle to move between two points 2.5cm on either
side of the mean position?

Ans: a)We have x= a sin ωt

2π
Given x=5 sin ( t)
3
2π 2π
Comparing ω = But ω =
3 T
Therefore , Time period T=3 s
2π
b)We have x= 5 sin ( t)
3
When the particle moves 2.5 cm from the mean position,
2π
2.5=5 sin ( t)
3
2π 1
sin ( t)= =sin ( π )
3 2 6
Therefore , t=0.25 s
Time taken to travel 2.5 from the mean position is 0.25 sec. Hence time taken to travel 2.5 cm
on either side of the mean position is 0.5 sec.
4 a). Which one of the following relationships between the acceleration (a) and the displacement (x) of a
particle involves simple harmonic motion?
i. a = 0.7 x

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 2
ii. a = -200 x

iii. a = -10x

3
iv. a=100x

b). A simple harmonic motion is represented as x = A sin ωt. Obtain the expression for velocity and
acceleration of the object and hence prove that acceleration is directly proportional to the displacement.

Ans:

(a) iii. a = -10x

(b)Velocity in SHM:

Equation for SHM is given by,

x=A sin ωt
dx
But velocity v=
dt
d ( A sin ωt )
=
dt
=Aω cos ωt
=Aω √1−sin 2 ωt

=Aω 1−
√ x2
A2

=Aω
√
Aω 2 2
A 2 −x 2
A2
=
A
√A −x
∴ v= ω √A 2 −x2
Acceleration in SHM:
We have velocity in SHM,

v=A ωcosωt
dv
∴acceleration , a=
dt
d ( Aωcos ωt )
=
dt
d (cos ωt )
=Aω
dt
=−Aω . ωsin ωt
=−Aω 2 sin ωt
∴ a=−ω2 x or
2
d x
2
=−ω2 x
dt

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 This is the expression for acceleration.
From the above equation it is clear that the acceleration is directly proportional to displacement and is
directed towards the mean position.

5 a) Define Simple Harmonic motion (SHM)

b) For a SHM, time period T=2s. If displacement from the mean position is 10 cm, calculate the
instantaneous acceleration.

c) Graphically show the variation of Kinetic energy of a simple pendulum in SHM with its position.

Ans:

(a) Simple harmonic motion (SHM) is defined as such an oscillatory motion about a fixed point (mean
position) in which the restoring force is always proportional to the displacement from that point and is
always directed towards that point.

b) Given T= 2s x=10cm=0.1 m

2
instantaneous acceleration a = -ω x

2 π 2 x 3.14
But ω= = =3.14 s−1
T 2
2
= -(3.14) x 0.1

2
=0.986 m/s

(c)

6 All types of simple harmonic motion are periodic in nature. Derive the mathematical expressions for kinetic
and potential energies of a particle executing simple harmonic motion.

Ans:

Kinetic energy of SHM:

We know, velocity of a particle executing SHM ,

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 v=ω √A2 −x 2
1
∴K . E= mv 2
2
1
= mω2 ( A2 −x 2 )
2
Case 1: At mean position, x=0 .
1
∴ K . Emax = mω2 A 2
2
Case 2: At extreme position, x=+A or -A,
∴K . E min =0
Potential Energy of SHM:
Consider a particle executing SHM. Let ‘x’ be the displacement at any instant ‘t’.
The work done for a displacement ‘dx’ is given by dW=- F.dx
But F=ma
= -mω2x ( because a= - ω2x )
Thus, dW= mω2x dx
Therefore, total work done for a displacement of the particle from x=0, to x=x is given by,
x
W=∫ dW
0
x
W =∫ mω xdx
2

0
1
W = mω2 x 2
2
This work done is stored as the potential energy,
1 1 2
∴PE= mω2 x 2 or kx
2 2

Case1: At the mean position , x=0.

∴PE min=0
Case2: At the extreme position, x=+ A or−A
1
∴PE max = mω2 A 2
2
7 2π
A particle executes simple harmonic motion according to the equation x = 5sin( t)
3
a)find the period of the oscillation
b)What is the minimum time required for the particle to move between two points 2.5cm on either
side of the mean position?
Ans: a)We have x= a sin ωt
2π
Given x=5 sin ( t)
3
2π 2π
Comparing ω = But ω =
3 T
Therefore , Time period T=3 s

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 2π
b)We have x= 5 sin ( t)
3
When the particle moves 2.5 cm from the mean position,
2π
2.5=5 sin ( t)
3
2π 1
sin ( t)= =sin ( π )
3 2 6
Therefore , t=0.25 s
Time taken to travel 2.5 from the mean position is 0.25 sec. Hence time taken to travel 2.5 cm on either side
of the mean position is 0.5 sec.

Each question scores Five

1 a) Prove that the oscillations of a simple pendulum are simple harmonic and hence derive an
expression for the time period of a simple pendulum.
b) What is the length of a simple pendulum, which ticks seconds?

Ans: a)Simple pendulum consists of a bob of mass ‘m’, suspended from one end of an inextensible
string of length ‘L’. The other end is fixed to a rigid support.
The length of the pendulum is the distance between the rigid support and the centre of the bob.
When the bob is pulled to one side and released the pendulum executes oscillations.
At any instant ‘θ’ be the angular displacement.
The weight of the bob ‘mg’ can be resolved into two components,
mgsin θà directed towards mean position,
mgcos θà in the direction of string.
Here, ‘mgsin θ’ gives the restoring force.

ie F=−mg sinθ=−mg θ ( as θ << )

x
But θ=
L
∴ F=−
mg
L ( )
x

Thus for small amplitude oscillations, the force is proportional to the displacement and
directed towards mean position. Hence oscillations of simple pendulum is SHM.

Period of oscillation of a simple pendulum:

For a simple pendulum,

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 F=− (mg
L )
x and

F=ma
∴ ma=− (mg
L )
x
gx
a=−
L
But a=−ω2 x
gx
∴ −ω 2 x=−
L
g
ω 2=
L
ω=
√ g
L
2π
T
=
√ g
L
T =2 π
√L
g
This is the period of oscillation of a simple pendulum.

b)The length of a seconds pendulum (which ticks seconds) L=1m.

2 The oscillation of a loaded spring is Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)
a) Prove the above statement.
b) Find the period of oscillation of a loaded spring.
c) What happens to the period of oscillation when the spring is taken to moon?

Ans:

(a)

Consider a spring of spring constant ‘k’ made into oscillations by applying a weight of mass ‘m’
attached to the free end. The other end is attached to a rigid support.

Let ‘x’ be the displacement. The restoring force in the spring is proportional to ‘x’.
ie, Restoring force, F= -kx.
Where, kà spring constant or force constant.

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 d2 x
But , F=m
dt 2
d2 x
∴ m =−kx
dt 2
d2 x
m + kx=0
dt 2
d2 x k
+ x =0
dt 2 m
k
Put =ω2
m
2
d x 2
∴ +ω x=0
2
dt

This equation represents that the oscillations of a spring is SHM.

(b)
The equation for oscillation of a spring is given by,
d2 x 2
+ω x =0
dt 2
where ω=
√ k
m
∴
2π k
T
=
m√
or T =2 π
√ m
k

This is the period of oscillation of spring.

(c) No change.

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