SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

PERIODIC MOTION
If a body repeats its motion after regular interval of time then its motion is called periodic motion
& that time interval is called time period of motion.
The number of periods comprised in one second is called the frequency ; thus, if T is the period, and
n is the frequency of a periodic motion, we have n = 1/T.
The motion of the hands of a clock is periodic, the period of the motion of the minute hand being one
hour, or 3600 seconds. The bob of a pendulum moves periodically, the period being equal to the time
of one complete (to and fro) oscillation. Periodic motion can be along any path.
OSCILLATORY MOTION
If in a case of periodic motion particle moves to and fro on the same path, the motion is said to be
oscillatory motion. A body that undergoing oscillatory motion always does so about a stable equilib-
rium position. When it is moved away from this position and released, it experiences a net force or
torque to pull it back toward equilibrium position. But by the time it gets there, the restoring force/
torque would have done some positive work on it. Thus it must have gained some kinetic energy, so
it overshoots, the equilibirium position. Now it stops somewhere on the other side, and is again
pulled back toward equilibrium. Imagine a ball rolling back and forth in a round bowl or a pendulum
that swings back and forth past its lowest position.
If particle moves to & fro on the same path then the motion is called oscillatry motion.

NLP

u > 5gL u < 2gL m2

Periodic but not Periodic &

Periodic oscillatory
oscillatory oscillatory

Imp. characteristics of oscillatory motion :

1. When a particle in stable equilibrium is disturbed, then it has tendency to return to the position of
equilibrium and this tendency is exhibited as oscillatory motion.
2. The force on the body acts towards the mean position i.e. Force is always opposite to the displace-
ment vector of the particle w.r.t. mean position. (This force is known as restoring force)

F̂ = – r̂ , ˆ = – ˆ

Where r̂ and ˆ are displacements and angular displacement from mean position.

3. Energy is also conserved. If enrgy is not conserved than the particle will not be able to repeat the
parameters of the motion.

2
Optional Explanation of why we study SHM :
Sinusoidal Vibrations :
Our study will be mostly related to sinusoidal vibrations which we will show later on arise when net
force experienced by an oscillating body has magnitude proptional to the distance from the mean
position or torque is directly propotional to the angular displacement from mean position. There are
two reasons for this – one physical, one mathematical, and both basic to the whole subject. The
physical reason is that purely sinusoidal vibrations are common in many type of mechanical systems.
Such motion is almost always possible if the displacements are small enough. If, for example, we
have a body attached to a spring, the force exerted on it at a displacement x from equilibrium is
actually
F(x) = – (k1x + k2x2 + k3x3 + .........0
where k1, k2, k3, etc., are a set of constants, and we can always find a range of values of x within
which the sum of the terms in x2, x3, etc., is negligible, compared to the term – k1x. If the body is of
mass m and the mass of the spring is negligible, the equation of motion of the body then becomes

d2x
m 2 = – k1 x
dt
It is easy to verify, that above equation is satisfied by an equation of the form
x = A sin ( t + 0)
where = (k1/m)1/2. Thus sinusoidal vibration or simple harmonic motion is likely possibility in
small vibrations. But we should remember that in general it is only an approximation (although per-
haps a very close one) to the true motion.
The second reason is the mathematical one. The actual importance of purely sinusoidal vibrations is
proved a famous theorem given by the French mathematician J.B. Fourier in 1807. According to
Fourier’s theorem, any periodic function with a period T can be considered as sum of of pure sinusoi-
dal vibrations of periods T, T/2, T/3, etc., with appropriately chosen amplitudes. A thorough famil-
iarity with sinusoidal vibrations will be stepping stone for our understanding of every conceivable
problem involving periodic phenomena.
TYPES OF SHM
(a) Linear SHM :
When a particle moves to and fro about an equilibrium point, along a straight line. A and B are
extreme positions. M is mean position AM = MB = Amplitude.
M
A• • •B
(b) Angular SHM :
When body / particle is free to rotate about a given axis executing angular oscillations.
SHM
It is a special kind of periodic oscillation in which a force (restoring) acts on the body towards equilibrium
position. Magnitude of this force is directly propotional to the distance of body from equilibrium
position.

3
 Condition for SHM : (1) Periodic
(2) Oscillatory
(3) |F| |x|
–ve sign indicates F is
opposite to displacement
F –x
Net force displacement from
on body equilibrium position

F kx ; k is called force constant.

displacement from equilibrium

NLP x F Acceleration Velocity
+ 1
3 1 + – – +

2 2 + – – –
4 origin 3 – + + –
equilibrium position
(mean position)
4 – + + +

EQUATION OF SHM
The necessary and sufficient condition for SHM is
F = –kx
where k = positive constant for a SHM = Force constant
x = displacement from mean position
d2x d2x k
or m 2 = –kx + x=0 [differential equation of SHM]
dt dt 2 m

d2x k
2 + x=0 where =
2
dt m
Its solution is x = A sin ( t + )
Means if displacement of particle is a sinusoidal function, it will perform SHM.
DERIVATION
F = – kx
k k
a=– x put = 2
m m
a=– 2
x
y
v x T= 2
2 2 A
2 v
vdv = – xdx =– [x2 – A2]
0 A 2 2
dx t
v=± A 2
x 2 =± A 2
x 2
–A
dt
dx
2 =± dt
A2
sin–1 x/A = ± t + k at t = 0 x = x0
x = A sin { t + }

4
 Amplitude : It is the maximum distance of particle from its mean position. In other words displacement
between mean & extreme position is amplitude. In equation x = A sin ( t + ), amplitude is A.
Time period : It is the minimum time after which particle repeats its motion.
t=0 x1 = A sin ( (0) + )
t=T x2 = A sin ( T + )
t=T ( T + ) – ( (0) + ) = 2
T=2

2
T

CHARACTERISTICS OF SHM
Note : In the figure shows, path of the particle is on a straight line.
(a) Displacement :
It is defined as the distance of the particle from the mean position at that instant. Displacement in
SHM at time is given by x = A sin ( t + )
(b) Amplitude :
It is the maximum value of displacement of the particle from its equilibrium position

Amplitude = 1/2 (distance between extreme points/position)

It depends on energy of the system.
2
(c) Angular Frequency ( ) : = = 2 f and its units is rad/sec.
T
(d) Frequency (f) :
Number of oscillations completed in unit time interval is called frequency of oscillations,

1
f= = , its units is sec–1 or Hz.
T 2
(e) Time period (T) :
Smallest time interval after which the oscillatory motion gets repeated is called time period,

2 m
T= =2
k

5
Objective : Determination of from basic SHM equation.

d2x
Example. For a particle performing SHM, equation of motion is given as 2 + 4x = 0. Find the time
dt
period.
d2x
Solution : = –4x 2
=4 =2
dt 2
2
Time period : T = =

Phase & phase constant : Phase of particle performing SHM having equation of motion x = A sin

( t + ) is t , phase at t = 0 is called phase constant.

(f) Phase : The physical quantity which represents the state of motion of particle (eg. its position and
direction of motion at ay instant.) argument of sine function is called phase.
(g) Phase constant ( ) : Constant in equation of SHM is called phase constant or initial phase. It
depends on initial position and direction of velocity.

SHM AS A PROJECTION OF UNIFORM CIRCULAR MOTION

Consider a particle Q, moving on a circle of radius A with constant angular velocity . The projection
of Q on a diameter BC is P. It is clear from the figure that as Q moves around the circle the projection
P executes a simple harmonic motion on the x-axis between B and C. The angle that the radius OQ
makes with the +ve vertical in clockwise direction in at t = 0 is equal to phase constant ( ).

A Q0(at t=0)

t Qt(at t=t)
B
O P0P C

x(t)

A (0,0)
M.P.
x(t)

Let the radius OQ0 makes an angle t with the OQt at time t. Then x(t)=Asin( t+ )
In the above discussion the foot of projection is x-axis so it is called horizontal phasor. Similarly the
foot of perpendicular on y-axis will also executes SHM of amplitude A and angular frequency
[y(t)=Acos t]. This is called vertical phasor. The phasor of the two SHM differ by /2.

6
 Problem solving strategy in horiozontal motion: phasor
1. First assume circle of radius equal to amplitude of SHM.
2. Assume a particle rotating in a circular path moving with cosntant same as that of SHM in
clockwise direction.
3. Angle made by the particle at t=0 with the upper vertical is equal to phase constant.
4. Vertical component of velocity of particle gives you the velocity of particle performing SHM
for example
)
t=0
(0 at =t)
A Q at t
Q t(
t v(t)
( t+ )
B v=A
from figure v(t) =A cos( t+ )

-A

5. Component of acceleration of particle in horizontal direction is equals to the acceleration of

particle performing SHM. The acceleration of a particle in uniform circular motion is only
centripetal and has a magnitude a = 2A

Q0

t+
a(t) Qt
t 2 2
t+ from figure a(t) =– 2Asin ( t+ )
A

3
Example. A particle starts from point x A and move towards negative extreme as shown,
2

t=0 O
A A
3 A
2

(a) Find the equation of the SHM

(b) Find the time taken by the particle to go directly from its initial position to negative extreme.
(c) Find the time taken by the particle to reach at mean position.

7
 R

Solution : S O

-A ( 3/2)A (0,0) A

(a) Figure shows the solution of the problem with the help of phasor. Horizontal component
of velocity at Q gives the required direction
of velocity at t = 0 so we will choose it.
3 / 2A 3
In OSQ : cos
A 2 6
3 8 4
Now
2 6 6 3
4
So equation of SHM is x A sin t
3
(b) Now to reach the particle at left extreme point it will travel angle along the circle. So
time taken,
T
t t sec
6 12
2
(c) To reach the particle at mean position it will travel angle
2 6 3
T
So, time taken = sec
3
Example. Which of the following functions represent SHM :–
(i) sin 2 t (ii) sin t + 2cos t (iii) sin t + cos 2 t
dy d2 y
Solution : (i) As y = sin 2 t v= =2 cos2 t Acceleration = 2 = – 4 2
sin 2 t = – 4 2
y
dt dt
so y = sin 2 t represents S.H.M.
dy
(ii) y = sin t + 2 cos t v= = cos t – 2 sin t,
dt
dv
Acceleration = = – 2sin t – 2 2cos t = – 2(sin t + 2cos t) = – 2y
dt
The given function represents SHM
(iii) y = sin t + cos 2 t
dy d2 y
= cos t – 2 sin2 t, =– ²sin t – 4 ²cos2 t = – ²(sin t + 4cos2 t)
dt dt 2

d2 y
( y) (Oscillatory but S.H.M. not possible)
dt 2
8
Example. If two S.H.M.'s are represented by equations y1 10 sin 3 t and y 2 =5 sin(3 t) 3 cos(3 t)
4
then find the ratio of their amplitudes and phase difference in between them.

Solution : As y2 5 sin(3 t) 3 cos(3 t) ...(i)

So if 5 = A cos and 5 3 A sin

Then A 52 (5 3)2 10

5 3
and tan 3 so
5 3

the above equation (i) becomes

y2 = Acos sin(3 t) + Asin cos(3 t) y2 = Asin(3 t + )
A1 10
but y2 = 10 sin[3 t + ( )] so, A2 10
A1 : A2 = 1 : 1,
3

Phase difference = rad.

3 4 12
Example. Find position in following cases.
Amp. = A

x A sin(phase)

3A
2 1
3
(1) Phase = ;x Asin 2
3 3
4 mean

5
5 6
(2) Phase = ;x Asin A
6 6 2

– A
2
5
(3) Phase = ;x Asin
4 4

5
(4) Phase = ;x Asin 2
3 3
– 3A
2

9
Example. Find phase and position ?

5 A
(i) Phase = ; x
6 6 2

4
5 5 A
(ii) Phase = ; x A sin
4 4 2

3 5 5 3A
(iii) Phase = ; x Asin
2 6 3 3 2
6

Example. Find phase, (mean position at origin)

position negative given
A
(1) x & particle moving toward origin phase
2 , x = something
magnitude known angle
sin–1
6 (1) Phase = 0 +
(2) Phase = –
6 Quadrant (3) Phase = +
Phase = (4) Phase = 2 –
6

3A
(2) x & moving towards origin
2

Phase = 2
3

2A
(3) x & away from origin
3

1 2
Phase = sin
3

10
Example. A = 10 m, T = 8 sec. At t = 0 particle at x = 5 3m and moving towards mean position.
(a) Find location of particle at t = 2 sec, 3 sec, 6 sec ?
5
(b) Find location of particle when initial phase at t = 3 sec.
6

10 3 3A 2 2
Solution : x 5 3 T 3A
2 2 8 4 2
2
Phase =
3
2
x A sin 2
4 3
2
x 10 cos position at t = 2sec –5m
3
1
x 10 5m
2
2 3 2 17
x Asin 3 x 10sin x 10sin
4 3 4 3 12
5 5
x 10sin x 10sin
12 12
2 3 2
x A sin 6 x Asin x Asin 2
4 3 2 3 6

x 10sin 5m
6
(ii) x A sin t
5 3
x 10sin 3 x 10sin x 10 cos
4 6 2 12 12
3 1 5( 3 1)
x 10 x
2 2 2 2

Example. If , find fnal phase & phase covered by particle ?

3
5
(a) , t = 2 sec. (b) , t = 3 sec.
6 6
2
Solution : (a) Phase covered = t
3
2 5
Phase f Phase i Phase covered =
6 3 6
(b) Phase covered = t =
5 11
Phase f Phase i Phase covered =
6 6

11
Example. Amplitude = A, time period = T. Find time to go from A to B ?
A
(A) A : x moving towards origin
2
3A
B: x moving away from origin
2
3A
(B) A: x moving away origin
2
A
B: x moving towards origin
2
A
(C) A: x moving away origin
2
3A
B: x moving towards origin
2

Solution : (A) between A & B = – 3A

6 3 2 2
2 2
T 2
T
2 T
= t t t
2 T 4
5
Phase A
6 6
4
Phase B
3 3
T T
Phase covered 2 T;
2 4 2
3A
(B) Phase A 2
3
7
Phase B 2
4 3 – A
2
7
Phase covered
4 3
17 17 T 17T
12 12 2 24
7 3A
(C) Phase A
–A 2
6 6
2
7
Phase B 2
3 3
7 7
Phase covered
3 6
7 7 T 17T
t
6 6 2 12
12
 A
Example. A particle is performing SHM at t = 0 particle was found at moving away from origin
2
(mean position). Maximum distance from mean position is 8 m. T = 4 sec. ? Find equation of
motion ?
Solution : x = Asin( t + )
2
, A = 8, = phase at mean position =
T 2 4

x 8sin t
2 4
1 3A
Example. At t sec. particle was found at moving away from origin (mean position). Find if
4 2
T = 1 sec.
(A) Equation of motion
(B) Position of particle at t = 0
Solution : (A) x = Asin( t + )
2
2 ,
T
1 4
Phase at t
4 3
1 4 2 4 5
4 3 4 3 6
5
x Asin 2 t
6
5
(B) x Asin 2 t when t = 0
6
5 5
x A sin 0 x A sin
6 6
1 A
x A
2 2
Example. Write equation of S.H.M of angular frequency and A amplitude if the particle is situated at
A
at t = 0 and is going towards mean position.
2
A
Solution : At t=0 particle was at and was going towards mean position as shown in the figure(a)
2
below.
A/ 2
–A M A
The same situation is described by making reference point on acircle
of radius A as shown in figure(b) below. A/ 2
The reference point can be located at any of the two positions G and

13
 A
H as shown in figure for having displacement , but to move towards
2
mean position it should be H. Position H Corrospondes to angle .
3 3
Thus = and x = A sin ( t + )
4 4
Alternative Mathematical solution
Putting t= 0 in equation x = A sin ( t + )

A
We get = A sin
2

3
Thus, = ,
4 4

but at t = 0 ; V < 0 so is rejected

4
3
x = A sin ( t + )
4
Objective : the ease of using phasor diagram is quite evident in this solution.
Example. If initial position of particle performing SHM is +A/2 & moving towards centre having angular
frequency ‘ ’ find minimum time when it will be at
(1) – A/2 (2) Mean postion (3) – A (4) + A

Example. x = – A cos ( – t)
4
Convert this equation into standard form
Objective : sign of A and should be positive
Example. Find distance traveled by a particle of time period T & amplitude A in time T/12 starting from
rest.
xt t=0
Solution : –A M A
l
Eqn of SHM x = A cos t
2 T
x t = A cos
T 12
A 3
xt =
2
A 3
l=A–
2
A(2 3)
l=
2
Observe that particle is starting from extreme position.
Objective : Explain SHM is not linear motion

14
Example. Two particles P and Q are executing SHM across same straight line whose equations are given
as yP = A sin ( t + 1) and yQ = A cos( t + 2). An observer, at t = 0, observers the particle P
3
at a distance A 2 moving to the right from mean position O while Q at A moving to the
2
left from mean position O as shown. Find, ( 2– 1)

Solution : yP = A sin ( t + 1)
at t = 0
A 1
= Asin 1 sin 1= 1 = /4, 3 /4
2 2
& vP = A cos 1 since vP = (+)ive so, 1 = /4
yQ = A cos( t + 2).
at t = 0

3A 3
= Acos 2 cos 2= 2 = – /6 = 5 /6
2 2
+ /6 = 7 /6
& vQ = –A sin 2, since vQ = (–)ive so, 2 = 5 /6
10 3
= 5 /6 – /4 = = 7 /12 Ans.
12
Objective : Application of phasor diagram
Example. Assuming x = A sin ( t + ) find the phase of the particle.

3A
(i) x while moving towards the mean position
2

A
(ii) x while moving towards mean position
2

A
(iii) x while moving towards mean position
2

1 x
Solution : (i) sin
A

1 3A
sin 3a
2A x= 2

1 3
sin
2

2
3 3
15
 1 x
(ii) 2 sin
A
1 A
= 2 sin
2A

= 2
4
7
=
4
x 1
(iii) sin =
A 6
Example. Time period of a particle performing S.H.M. is 'T'. Find the minimum time taken by the particle
to reach point B from point A.
A
(a) Point A is at x & moving towards origin.
2
A
Point B at x moving towards origin.
2
3A
(b) A x & moving away from mean position.
2
A
B x & moving away from mean position.
2
A
Solution : (a) A x
2

A
B x
2

3
A
4 4
A
11
B B 2
6 6

11 3 13
B A
6 4 12

2
= t t
T

13 2
t
12 T

13T
t
24

16
 1 x
(b) A sin
A
A
B
A
3

1 x 7
B sin =
A 6 6
7 5
=
B A
6 3 6
t
5 2
t
6 T
5T
t
12
VELOCITY IN SHM
(i) It is define as the time rate of change of the displacement of the particle at the given instant.
dx d
(ii) V elocity in S.H.M . is given by v (A sin t) v = A cos t (in terms of time)
dt dt

x2
v A 1 sin2 t v A 1 (A 2 x2 ) x A sin t (in terms of displacement)
A2
Squaring both the sides v2 = 2
(A2 – x2) v

v2 v2 x2 A
2
A2 x2 2 2
1
A A2 x

x2 v2
1 A
A2 A2 2

This is equation of ellipse. So curve between displacement and velocity of particle executing S.H.M.
is ellipse.
(iii) The graph between velocity and displacement is shown in figure. If particle oscillates
with unit angular frequency ( = 1) then curve between v and x will be circular.
Note :
(i) The direction of velocity of a particle in S.H.M. is either towards or away from the mean
position.
(ii) At mean position (x = 0), velocity is maximum (=A ) and at extreme position
(x = ±A), the velocity of particle executing S.H.M. is zero (minimum).
(iii) v1 v4 x v1
v3 x x
v2 v3 & v 2 v1 v2
x
v4

17
 T
Example. At t = 0 ; x = +A. Find v at t . Given .
12

2 T
Solution : (Phase)covered = t
T 12 6 2
6
2 3A 2 3A
v A x= 2
4

1 A
v A
2 2

Example. t=0

Find t when 1st time & 2nd time speed is half of maximum value ? Time period = T
A
Solution : v A2 x2 3
2
3A
x 6
2

2
1st time at 2nd time at
3 3
2
t1 t2
3 3
T T
t1 t2
6 3

Example. x 8sin t . Find 1st time when v = 0 & v = maximum ?

3
2 3t =0
Solution : A = 8, = , T 2
when v = 0 when v = maximum
2
(Phase covered) = (Phase covered) =
6 2 6 3
2
t t
6 3
2
t t
6 3
1 2
t sec. t sec.
6 3

18
Example. x = 3cos( t) 3sin t
2
Find average speed & velocity of particle from t = 0 to t = 3.5 sec.

Solution : A = 3, = , T = 2, t=0
2
2
7
Phase cover = t 7
2 2

Total round = 7
2
So total distance = 7 sec.
Total distance 21
(a) < speed > = 6m / s
Time taken 3.5
(b) Average velocity is
xf xi
3cos(3.5 ) 3cos 0 6
m/s
t 3.5 7
ACCELERATION IN SHM
(i) It is define as the time rate of change of the velocity of the particle at given instant.
(ii) Acceleration in S.H.M. is given by
a
2
A
dv d
a (A cos t)
dt dt +A
x
–A
a=– 2
A sin t a=– 2
x
2
– A
(iii) The graph between acceleration and displacement as shown in figure
Note
(i) The acceleration of a particle executing S.H.M. is always directed towards the mean position.
(ii) The acceleration of the particle executing S.H.M. is maximum at extreme position (= 2
A) and
minimum at mean position (= zero)

Example. x 8sin 3 t . Take 2

10
3
Find :(a) v at t = 1 sec.
(b) a at t = 1 sec
(c) amaximum

1
(d) < v > from t = 0 to sec.
18

1
(e) < a > from t = 0 to sec.
18

19
Solution : at t = 1
3 t =0
t =1 3
x 8sin 3
3
Phase covered = 3
x = – 3A
2
2
3A 1 1
(a) v A2 x2 3 A2 3 A 3 8
4 4 2
v = 12

2 3
(b) a = – 2x 9 8 9 10 3 4 360 3
2
2
(c) amax. = 2
A 9 8 720
xf xi 8 4 3
(d) <v>= m/s
t 1/18
3A
xi 4 3
2
3 1
(Phase)f = t +
6 8 3 2

xf = 8sin =8
2
vf vi 0 12
(e) <a> m/s2
t 1/18
vf 3 A2 A2 0
Example. v2 = 144 – 9x2 ? Find |acc.| at x = 1m ?

Solution : v2 = 9(16 – x2) & v2 A2 x2

v2 3 42 x2
|a| = w2x = (3)2 × 1
|a| = 9 m/s2
Example. Amp. = 1 m ; = 3 rad/sec. Find maximum & minimum normal on 2 kg by plank ?

2kg

Solution : Maximum acceleration = 2

A = (3)2 × 1 = 9
a
Minimum acceleration = 0
N – 2g = 2a 2kg
Nmax. = 2 × 9 + 20 = 38 N
Nmin. = 20 – 18 = 2N a

20
GEOMETRICAL MEANING OF S.H.M.
If a particle is moving with uniform speed along the circumference of a circle then the straight line
motion of the foot of perpendicular drawn from the particle on the diameter of the circle is called 'S.H.M.'
Example. An object performs S.H.M. of amplitude 5 cm and time period 4 s. If timing is started when
the object is at the centre of the oscillation i.e., x = 0 then calculate.
(i) Frequency of oscillation
(ii) The displacement at 0.5 sec.
(iii) The maximum acceleration of the object.
(iv) The velocity at a displacement of 3 cm.
1 1
Solution : (i) Frequency f 0.25 Hz
T 4
(ii) The displacement equation of object x = Asin t
5
so at t = 0.5 s x = 5sin(2 × 0.25 × 0.5) = 5 sin 4 cm
2
(iii) Maximum acceleration amax = 2
A = (0.5 )2 × 5 = 12.3 cm/s2
(iv) Velocity at x = 3 cm is v A2 x2 0.5 52 32 6.28 cm/s
Example. A particle executes S.H.M. from extreme position and covers a distance equal to half of its
amplitude in 1 s. Determine the time period of motion.
Solution : For particle starting S.H.M. from extreme position
A
y = Acos t A cos( 1)
2

cos cos 2 2 3
T 6s
3 3
Example. Amplitude of a harmonic oscillator is A, when velocity of particle is half of maximum velocity,
then determine position of particle.
v max A
Solution : v A2 x2 but v
2 2
A 4A 2 A 2 3A
A2 x2 A2 4[A 2 x2 ] x2 x
2 4 2
Example. The velocity of a particle in S.H.M. at position x1 and x2 are v1 and v2 respectively. Determine
value of time period and amplitude.
Solution : v A 2 x2 v2 = 2
(A2 – x2)
At position x1 velocity v12 = 2
(A2 – x12 ) ... (i)
At position x2 velocity v 22 = 2
(A2 – x22 ) ... (ii)
v12 v 22
Subtracting (ii) from (i) v12 v 22 2
(x22 x12 ) x 22 x12

2 x 22 x12
Time period T T 2
v 12 v 22

v12 A2 x12
Dividing (i) by (ii) v 22 A2 x 22 v 12 A2 v12 x22 v 22 A2 v 22 x12

v12 x22 v 22 x12

So A 2 (v 12 v 22 ) v12 x22 v 22 x12 A
v12 v 22

21
Example. On the superposition of two harmonic oscillations represented by x1 = a sin ( t + 1) and x2 =
a sin ( t + 2) a resulting oscillation with the same time period and amplitude is obtained. Find
the value of 1 – 2.

Solution : Resultant amplitude = a12 a 22 2a1a 2 cos

1
a2 = 2a2 + 2a2cos( 1 – 2) cos( 1 – 2) =
2

2
1 – 2 = 120° or rad
3

GRAPHICAL REPRESENTATION
Graphical study of displacement, velocity, acceleration and force in S.H.M.
S. No. Graph In form of t In form of x Maximum value
1. Displacement x = Asin t x=x x = ±A
displacement (x)

A T
2 T
t

2. Velocity v = A cos t v A2 x2 v A

v
a
velocity (v)

T A
2 f
2
T a
t

3. Acceleration a = – 2Asin t a = – 2x a=± A

a

2
a=– x
acceleration (a)

T 2
A x
2
2
T t Slope=–

Acceleration v/s displacement

4. Force (F = ma) F = – m 2Asin t F = – m 2x F= m 2A

F
F=ma
F=–kx
m 2A

T
force (F)

2 x
T t
Slope=–k

Force v/s displacement

22
ENERGY OF PARTICLE IN S.H.M.
Potential Energy (U or P.E.) :
(i) In terms of displacement
The potential energy is related to conservative force by the relation
U 1 k A2
U max=
dU 2
F dU Fdx
dx
For S.H.M. F = – kx
1 –A
So dU ( kx)dx kx dx U= kx2 + C +A
2
1
At x = 0, U = U0 C = U0 So U= kx2 + U0
2
1
where the potenital energy at equilibrium position = U0 when U0 = 0 then U = kx2
2
(ii) In terms of time :
U max 1 k A2
U max=
2
potential energy

0 T T 3T 3T time (t)
4 2 4 2

1
Since x = Asin( t + ) U = kA2sin2( t + )
2
1 1
If initial phase ( ) is zero then U = kA2sin2 t= m 2
A2sin2 t
2 2
Note :
(i) In S.H.M. the potential energy is a parabolic function of displacement, the potential energy is minimum
at the mean position (x = 0) and maximum at extreme position (x = ± A)
(ii) The potential energy is the periodic function of time.
It is minimum at t = 0, T , T, 3T ...
2 2
T 3T 5T
and maximum at t = , , ... for a SHM with phase constant = 0
4 4 4
Kinetic Energy (K) :
(i) In terms of displacement :
KE 1 m 2A2
If mass of the particle executing S.H.M. is m and its velocity is v KEmax=
2
then kinetic energy at any instant will be
1 1 1
K= mv2 = m 2
(A2 – x2) = k(A2 – x2)
2 2 2
(ii) In terms of time : –A +A

v = A cos( t + ) KEmax KEmax=

1m
2
2
A
2

1
Kinetic Energy

K= m 2
A2 cos2 ( t + )
2
If initial phase is zero
0 T T 3T T time (t)
1 4 2 4
K= m 2
A cos t
2 2
2

23
Note :
(i) In S.H.M. the kinetic energy is a inverted parabolic function of displacement. The kinetic energy is
1
maximum ( kA2) at mean position (x = 0) and minimum (zero) at extreme position (x = A)
2
T 3T
(ii) The kinetic energy is the periodic function of time. It is maximum at t = 0, , T, ..............and
2 2
minimum at t = T , 3T , 5T ...
4 4 4
Total energy (E) :
Total energy in S.H.M. is given by ; E = potential energy + kinetic energy = U + K
1 1 1
(i) w.r.t. position E = kx2 + k (A2 – x2) E= kA2 = constant
2 2 2
(ii) w.r.t. time
1 1 1 2 1 1 2
E m 2
A2 sin2 t + m 2A2 cos2 t = m A 2 sin2 t cos2 t = m 2
A2 = kA = constant
2 2 2 2 2

K,U
Kmaxor Umax or ET
1 k A2 1 k A2
TE TE 2 K.E.
2

P.E.
displacement time
t
Note :
(i) Total energy of a particle in S.H.M. is same at all instant and at all displacement.
(ii) Total energy depends upon mass, amplitude and frequency of vibration of the particle executing S.H.M.
Average energy in S.H.M. :
(i) The time average of P.E. and K.E. over one cycle is
1 1 1 1 1 2 1 2
(a) <KE>t = < 2
A 2 cos2 t > = 2 m
2
A2 cos 2 t >= m 2
A2 m A2 = kA
2 m 2 2 4 4
1 1 1 2 2 1 11
(b) < PE>t = < m 2
A 2 cos2 t > = m 2
A2 sin 2 t > = 2 m A 2 = m 2 A 2 = kA 2
2 2 4 4
1 2 1 1 2
(c) < TE>t = < m A2 > = m 2
A2 = kA
2 2 2
(ii) The position average of P.E. and K.E. between x = -A to x=A
A A
1 2 1 x3
m A2 x2 dx m 2
A2 x
2 2 3 1 2
(a) <KE>x = A = A = kA
A
2A 3
dx
A
A A A
1 2 1 x3
(PE)dx kx k
2 2 3 1
(b) < PE>x = A
= A
= A
= kA2
A A
2A 6
dx dx
A A

A A
TE dx 1 2
kA
2 1 2
(c) <TE>x = A
A = A
= kA
A
2
dx dx
A A

24
Example. t=0A
2

After what minimum time KE = PE. Time period = T ?

Solution : KE = PE
1 1 2
k(A 2 x 2 ) kx
2 2
2x2 = A2
A2 A A
x2 x or
2 2 2
2
T
T 4
2 T
t t sec.
T 4 8

Phase covered = t=0A

4 2
2
t t
4 T 4
T
t sec.
8
Example.
t=0

1
After what minimum time KE PE ?
3
1
Solution : KE PE
3
1 1 1
k(A 2 x 2 ) kx 2
2 3 2
3A – 3x = x
2 2 2

4x2 = 3A2
3A 3A
x or x
2 2

Phase covered = t=0

6
3A
T T 2 2
t t Phase = 3
6 6 2 12

25
Example. If KEmax. = 8J & Umax. = 11 J. Find Ueq. & E ?
1 2
Solution : Umax. kA U eq.
2
11 = 8 + Ueq.
Ueq. = 3 Joule
1 2 1 2
KE max kA 8 kA
2 2
Umax. = 11 KEmin. = 0 E = 11 J
Umin. = 3 KEmax. = 8 E = 11 J
SHIFTING OF GRAPHS
x
1
t
1. x 1sin t
–1
x

3
2. x 1sin t 3 2
1
t
x

A/2
3. x A sin t t
6

x
3A
2
2
4. x A sin t
3 t

5 t
5. x A sin t
4 – A
2

x A sin t x
6.
6

x Asin t 2 t
6
–A/2
11
x Asin t
6
26
 x
Example.

A/2
t

Write equation, when v is negative ?

5
Solution : Equation x A sin t
6
x = +ve
v = –ve
Second quadrant
Example. x(m)
10
t
0 2 4
10

2
Find v & a at t sec. with sign ?
3
2
Solution : x 10sin t 0
4

x 10sin t
2
10
(diff.) v cos t
2 2
10 2
(diff.) a sin t
4 2
SHM (Mean position shifted from origin) :
F = – k (displacement from mean position)
If x is position & xeq. is equilibrium position
displacement = x – xeq.
F = –k(x – xeq.), where (x – xeq) = displacement from mean position
a = 2(x – xeq.)
x – xeq = Asin( t + )
x = xeq. + A sin( t + ) equation of motion

position eq. Amplitude

position

(eg.) x 2 5sin t
3
x = position ; x = 2 is eqm. position ; 5 = Amplitude

27
Example. F = – 4x + 8 or U = 2x2 – 8x + 6; mass = 1kg, particle released from rest at x = –1. Find position
x as a function of time.

Solution : x=2

t=0
x = –1

F = –4(x – 2) where xeq. = 2

–k = –4 displacement = x – 2
k=4
xeq. = 2

4
2
1
xextreme = –1
xeq. = 2
A = 2–(–1) = 3
3
Phase
2

3
x 3sin 2t
2
KEY POINT
If a particle performs SHM after releaseing from rest then distance of point of release (i.e extreme
position) from mean position is amplitude of SHM.
Example. A particle is moving on Y-axis under a variable force F = – ky + c.
(a) Is the motion of the particle can be called SHM ? Hence or otherwise write y position
of particle as function of time.
C
Solution : We can write the force as F = – k (y – )
k

C
lets define s = y – ,..........................................eqn()
k

C
Where s is displacement from mean position because at y = , F is zero.
k

C
Thus mean position is at y = ( )
k
Thus force can be written as F = -ks...................................()

28
 C
which is equation of SHM about y =
k

d2y d 2s
Differentiating eqn() wrt time twice we get =
dt 2 dt 2

d2y d 2s
Thus F = m can also be written as F = m
dt 2 dt 2
Substituting in eqn ()

d 2s
m = – ks
dt 2
Comparing with standard eqn we know that the solution is
s = A sin ( t + )

k
=
m

C
Replacing with value of s = y -
k

C
We get y = A sin ( t + ) +
k
(b) If in the previuos question F = – 10y + 20, and mass of the particle is m = 2.5 kg and is released
from rest from y = +3, at t = 0. Write the equation of SHM.
Solution : From previuos discussion we can write
C
y = A sin ( t + ) +
k

k
where, k =10 and C = 20, thus = , gives us =2
m
Mean position is 2 as force at y = 2 is zero F = – 10 x 2 + 20 = 0
y = A sin (2t + ) + 2
at t = 0 the particle is at y = 3 and is at rest thus its extreme position is y = 3. the distance between
the mean position and extreme position is 1m. Thus amplitude A = 1.
at t = 0

1 sin +2=3 sin =1 =

2
Ans. cos 2t + 2

29
PHYSICAL SYSTEMS IN SHM
SPRING BLOCK SYSTEM
Steps to follow to analyse SHM :
(1) Find equilibrium position.
(2) Displace the particle x from equilibrium position & draw FBD at that point.
(3) Apply Newton's second law & try to show proportionality between acceleration (a) and x.
(4) Compare the equation with a = – 2x & & T.
Horizontal
NLP k1 NLP NLP
k1 k2
m m k m m x1 x2 m m
2

smooth x x x
N
k1x In this case
elongn. Here force
or compre. is same in
kx both spring
mg k2x is same

kx = ma k1x + k2x = ma k2x2 = k1x1 = F

k x k1+k2 x
a= m 2
a= m k2x2
2

k m
T 2 k2x2 = ma
m k1 k 2

m m 1 k1k 2
T 2 2 a x
k k equivalent m k1 k 2

m(k1 k 2 ) m
kequivalent = k1 + k2 T 2 2
k1k 2 k eq.
k1k 2
k eq.
k1 k 2
1 1 1
k eq k1 k2
Vertical
Equilibrium position when kx = mg
mg
x k
k NLP
mg
k x mg ma m equlibrium
k
kx + mg – mg = ma mg
k x+ m
k m
a x T 2
m k mg
30
KEY POINT
In a spring block system, if an additional constant force applied on the block then time period remains
same. It only shifts the equlibrium position.

N
LP
eq m.
NLP eq n.
a
eqm. NLP
k mg
sin
m F0 k SHM in
frame of
F0 ma car
k k

m
Time period = 2
k

(i) When a small mass is suspended from a mass-less spring then this arrangement is known as spring
block system.
For small linear displacement the motion of spring block system is simple harmonic.
(ii) For a spring block system
d2 x d2 x
F = – kx m = – kx [ F = ma = m ]
dt2 dt2 k
d2 x k d2 x k
2 = –
x =– 2
x 2
=
dt m dt2 m
This is standard equation of linear S.H.M. m

2 m
Time period T= =2 ,
k

1 k
Frequency n=
2 m

(iii) Time period of a spring block system is independent of acceleration due to gravity. This is why a
clock based on oscillation of spring block system will keep proper time everywhere on a hill or moon
or in a satellite or different places of earth.
(iv) If a spring block system oscillates in a vertical plane is made to oscillate on a horizontal surface or on
an inclined plane then time period will remain unchanged.

mm1

31
(v) By increasing the mass, time period of spring block system increases (T m ) , but by increasing the
1
force constant of spring (k), its time period decreases T whereas frequency increases (n k)
k

(vi) If two masses m1 and m2 are connected by a spring and made to oscillate then time period T = 2
k
k
m1 m2

m1m2
Here, m1 m2 = reduced mass

(vii) If the stretch in a vertically loaded spring is y0 then for equilibrium of mass m.

m y0
ky0 = mg i.e., k g
k
ky0

y0 m
m y0 m mg
So, time period T = 2 =2
k g

But remember time period of spring block system is independent of acceleration due to gravity.
(viii) If two particles are attached with spring in which only one is oscillating
m1

mass of oscillating particle 2 m1

Time period = 2 =
force constant k
k

VARIOUS SPRING ARRANGEMENTS

m2
Series combination of springs :
In series combination same restoring force exerts in all springs but extension will be different.
Total displacement x = x1 + x2
m
Force acting on both springs F = –k1x1 = – k2x2 k1 k2
k1
F F
x1 = – and x2
k1 k2
k2
F F
x=– k k2
....(i)
1 m

If equivalent force constant is ks then F = – ksx

F F F 1 1 1 k1 k 2
So by equation (i) ks
ks k1 k2 ks k1 k2 k1 k 2

m m(k1 k 2 )
Time period T =2 2
ks k1 k 2

1 ks ks
Frequency n = , Angular frequency
2 m m

32
 Parallel Combination of springs :

k1
m
k1 k2
k1 k2 m

m k2

In parallel combination deformation on each spring is same but restoring force is different.
Force acting on the system F = F1 + F2 F = – k1x – k2x ...(i)
If equivalent force constant is kP then, F = – kPx,
so by equation (i)
– kPx = – k1x – k2x kP = k1 + k2
m m
Time period T = 2 = 2 ;
kP k1 k2

1 kP
Frequency n = ;
2 m

k1 k2
Angular frequency
m
Example. One body is suspended from a spring of length , spring constant k and has time period T. Now
if spring is divided in two equal parts which are joined in parallel and the same body is suspended
from this arrangement then determine new time period.
Solution : Spring constant in parallel combination k' = 2k + 2k = 4k
m m m 1 T T
T' = 2 = 2 =2 =
k' 4k k 4 4 2
Cutting of spring :
k = constant
spring Natural
constant length

T'
Example. ?
0/2 0/2 T
k 0
k'=2k k"=2k
m m
T T'
Solution : keq. = k' + k" = 4k

m m
T 2 T' 2
k 4k

T' m k 1
T 4k m 2
33
 x
Example. k1 k2
m

Solution : k1x
k2x
k1 k 2 m
k1x + k2x = ma a x T 2
m k1 k 2
Example. A block is on a horizontal slab which is moving horizontally and executing S.H.M. The
coefficient of static friction between block and slab is . If block is not separated from slab then
determine range of angular frequency of oscillation.
Solution : If block is not separated from slab then restoring force due to S.H.M. should be less than frictional
force between slab and block.
m

Frestoring Ffriction
g
m amax. mg amax. g 2
A g
A
Example : A block of mass m is suspended from a spring of spring constant k. Find the amplitude of S.H.M.
Solution : Let amplitude of S.H.M. be x0 then by work energy theorem W = KE

mgx0 – 1 kx20 = 0
2
x=0, v=0 m
2mg
x0
k x=x 0, v=0 m
Example. Periodic time of oscillation T1 is obtained when a mass is suspended from a spring if another
spring is used with same mass then periodic time of oscillation is T2. Now if this mass is sus-
pended from series combination of above springs then calculate the time period.
m m 4 2m
Solution : T1 2 T12 4 2
k1 and
k1 k1 T12
k1 k2 k1
m m 4 2m
T2 2 T22 4 2
k2 m m
k2 k2 T22
k2
2
4 m 4 2m
m 1 1 1 k 1k 2 T12 T22 m
Now T 2 where k' 2 2
k' k' k1 k2 k1 k 2 4 m 4 m
T12 T2
2

4 2m
4 2m
T12 T22 4 2m m m
k' T 2 2 T12 T22
1 1 T12 T22 k' 4 2m
4 2m 2 T12 T22
T1 T22

34
Example. Infinite spring with force constants k, 2k, 4k, 8k, ..... respectively are connected in series.
Calculate the effective force constant of the spring.
1 1 1 1 1 a
Solution : ............. (For infinite G.P. S = where a = First term,
k eff k 2k 4k 8k 1 r

r = common ratio)

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2
1 ........... so keff = k/2
k eff k 2 4 8 k 1 k
1
2

Example. Figure shows a system consisting of a massless pulley, a spring of force constant
k = 4000 N/m and a block of mass m = 1 kg. If the block is slightly displaced vertically down
from its equilibrium position and released find the frequency of its vertical oscillation in given
cases.
Solution : Case (A) : As the pully is fixed and string is inextensible, if mass m is
displaced by y the spring will stretch by y, and as there is no mass
between string and spring (as pully is massless) F = T = ky P
i.e., restoring force is linear and so motion of mass m will be linear T

simple harmonic with frequency F k

m
y

1 k 1 4000
nA 10 Hz
2 m 2 1

Case (B) : The pulley is movable and string inextensible, so if mass m

F k
moves down a distance y, the pulley will move down by (y/2). So the
force in the spring F = k(y/2). P

T
Now as pully is massless F = 2T, T = F/2 = (k/4)y. m
y
T
1 1
So the restoring force on the mass m, T= ky = k´y k´ = k
4 4

1 k' 1 k nA
So nB = = = = 5 Hz
2 m 2 4m 2

Case (C) : In this situation if the mass m moves by y the pulley will F
T'

also move by y and so the spring will stretch by 2y (as string is FBD T' F k
of pulley
inextensible) and so T’ = F = 2ky. Now as pulley is massless so
T = F + T’= 4ky, i.e., the restoring force on the mass m
T P
T = 4ky = k´y k´=4k T
m
y
1 k' 1 4k
so nC= = = 2nA=20Hz
2 m 2 m

35
Example. T of SHM for small displacement along x-axis = ?

eqm.
60° m x
60°

Solution : After displacing 'x0'.

x/2
x xcos60°
2k cos 60 ma
2 x
k
a x x/2
2m kx
cos 60°
2
2m kx
T 2 cos 60°
k 2
v0
k
Example. m

NLP
Find amplitude ?
2 2
Solution : v 0 A 0

k
v0 A
m
m
A v0
k

NLP a
Example.
k
m

Car is given acceleration a. Find maximum compression in spring & maximum elongn in
spring ?
Solution : Maximum elongn = 0
ma
2ma
Maximum compression =
k ma
Applying work energy theorem k
extreme NLP
extreme
1 2 2ma
max kx 0 x
2 k

36
Example.
k
m NLP
v0
m.
eq

Find amplitude ?
mg 2
Solution : v 0 A2
k2

k A 2k 2 mg 2
v0
m k2
get A

Example.

NLP (extreme)
mg
=A
m k m.
eq
v0
v0 = ? such that block stops at NLP ?
Solution : Block stops at NLP means NLP is extreme position.
v0 = A
k m m
v0 g g
m k k
ceilling
Example.

m eq
m.

v0
mg
Find v0 such that minimum pull on ceilling is during entire motion ?
3
mg
Solution : kx
3
mg mg x NLP
x v=0
3k k
mg mg 2mg eqm.
A
k 3k 3k
v0 = A
k 2mg 2 m
v0 g
m 3k 3 k
37
Example. 2kg

k = 10

3kg

How much minimum should 2kg be pressed down from equilibrium such that 3kg lifts ?
EP
3
2kg NLP
2
Solution : equilibrium

3kg

3kg lifts means kx = 3g

3g
x 3
k
Minimum pressed 2kg from equation 3 + 2 = 5 m
Variation in parametres during SHM :
(1) Impulse given
NLP
, T, equilibrium position no change x

Amplitude will change

2
v before A before x2

2
v after Aafter x2

(2) Perfectly inelasticity collision

,T: will change m1 m2

equilibrium position : no change

2
v before A before x2

2
v after Aafter x2

(3) Constant force started acting

equilibrium position : change F0
,T: no change

v A 2after x after
2

v A 2before x before
2

38
 g
Example. Block is at rest in lift. Lift starts going up with ? Find T & amplitude & maximum acceleration
4
in lift frame ?

m
Solution : T 2
k
k
T will not change. m

5mg
kx new
4
NLP
5mg mg
x new
4k 5mg k
extreme m old eqm.
4k new posn.
Block is at rest in lift mg/4 mg
(psuedo)
old equlibrium is new extrem position new eqm.

mg
A
4k

Example.
k = 2N/m

1kg eqm.(at rest)

4m/s
1kg
Particle sticks. Find T & amplitude of subsequent SHM ?
Solution : kxnew = 2g
xnew = 10
NLP
2 5 2m/s
1
2 2 old eqm.
10
5
v = 2m/s new eqm.
A2 x2 2

1 A2 5 2
A2 – 25 = 4

A 29 m

39
Incomplete SHM:

Example.
m

3A
2
Previous by amplitude = A ; Time per = T
Collision is elastic. Find new time period ?
Solution : Phase covered = t
3 6
t
3
6
T
t
3 2
T T 5T
t New time period = T
6 6 6
Two particles doing SHM on same path : (Assuming ' ' same)
Same 1
A. different = constant

P1 P1
P2

(1) Condition of crossing :

xP = xQ & moving in oppsite direction v P vQ

P
Example. Q 1st time they will cross ?
2

3 /4 Pf Pi
Solution : (Phase) covered by P
4 2 4 /4 Q
3T 3T
4 2 8

(2) Maximum seperation between them :

drrel. d rel.
v rel. if rrel. is maximum v rel. 0
dt dt
vP = vQ xP = – xQ
same distance from mean position.

x = 2A sin( /2)
40
Example. Maximum seperation between them ?
A
P
Q

A
/4 2

Solution : d max. 2A
/4

Example. If maximum seperation between P & Q is A. Find

P
Q

6
A/2
Solution : A/2
3

Angular SHM :
Restoring torque acting on the C particle where C is a constant which can be defined as torque
per unit angular displacement.
Mathematically, I = – C , where I is the moment of inertia of the system about the axis of rotation.

d2 d2 C
I C 0 0
dt 2 dt 2 I

d2 C
Since, 2
0
I
.....(i)
dt2

Torsional pendulum
In torsional pendulum, an extended object is suspended at
the centre by a light torsion wire. A torsion wire is
essentially inextensible, but is free to twist about its axis.
When the lower end of the wire is rotated by a slight amount
the wire applies a restoring torque causing the body to
oscillate rotationally
when released. The restoring torque produced is given by

=–C where, C = Torsional constant

or, I =–C where, I = Moment of inertia about the vertical axis.
C I
or, =– Time period, T = 2
I C

41
Example. A uniform disc of radius 5.0 cm and mass 200g is fixed at its centre to a metal wire, the other
end of which is fixed to a ceiling. The hanging disc is rotated about the wire through an angle
and is released. If the disc makes torsional oscillations with time period 0.20s, find the torsional
constant of the wire.

Solution : The situation is shown in figure. The moment of inertia of the disc about the wire is

mr 2 (0.200 kg) (5.0 10 2

m) 2
I= = = 2.5 × 10–4 kg-m2.
2 2
The time period is given by

I 4 2I
T=2 or, C=
C T2
2
4 (2.5 10 4 kg m2 ) kg m 2
= = 0.25
(0.20 s) 2 s2
Objective : Basic application of torsional pendulum.

Compound pendulum / Physical pendulum :

When a rigid body is suspended from an axis and made to oscillate
about that then it is called compound pendulum.
C = Initial position of centre of mass
C = Position of centre of mass after time t
S = Point of suspension
l = Distance between point of suspension and centre of mass (it remains constant during motion)
for small angular displacement from mean position
The restoring torque is given by
= mgl
or, I = – mgl where, I = Moment of inertia about point of suspension.
mgl mgl
or, =– or, 2
=
I I

I
Time period, T = 2 I = ICM + ml2
mgl
where ICM = momentum of inertia relative to the axis which passes from the centre of mass & parallel
to the axis of oscillation.

ICM ml 2
T=2
mg l
where ICM = mk2
k = gyration radius (about axis passing from centre of mass)

42
Example. M, L T = ?

mL2 / 3 2L
Solution : T 2 T 2
L 3g
mg
2

centre of oscillation; l = 2L/3

Example. disk (M, R)

(a) =?
(b) For what is max
?

1/ 2
mgd mg g
Solution : (a)
I mR 2 2 R2
m 2
2 2

1/ 2
g
(b)
R2 2

d
For maximum 0
d

R
2
Example. A disc is made to oscillate about a horizontal axis passing through mid point of its radius.
Determine time period.
S
MR2 R R
Solution : For disc I = MK = 2
K= ,
2 2 2 G

K2 R R2 R 3R L 3R
L R T 2 2
2 R 2 2 g 2g
2
2

43
Example. A rod with rectangular cross section oscillates about a horizontal axis passing through one of its
ends and it behaves like a second's pendulum. Determine its length.
Solution : Because oscillating rod behaves as a second's pendulum so its time period will be 2 second.

K2
T 2 K2
= 2s + = 1 ...(i) [ 2
= g]
g

Assume length of rod is L, because axis passes through one end

L L2
So and K 2
2 12
Putting this values in equation we get
L L2 2
1 L = 1.5 m
2 12 L
Example. The time period of a bar pendulum when suspended at distances 30 cm and 50 cm from its
centre of gravity comes out to be the same. If the mass of the body is 2kg. Find out its moment
of inertia about an axis passing through first point.

1 =50cm

CM

K2
=50cm
1

K2
Solution : IA = MK2 + M 1
2
but 1
= 50 cm & = 30 cm K2 = 30 × 50 cm2
1

IA = 2 × (30 × 50 × 10-4) +2 × (50 × 10-2)2 = 0.3 + 0.5 = 0.8 kg-m2

Question based on calculation of time period by energy method.
mg
Example. In the spring mass system shown in the figure, the spring is compressed by x0 = from its
2k
natural length and block is released from rest. Find the speed of the block when it passes
through P (mg/4k distance from mean position)
k 2k

P
mg/4k

3k
Solution : , x=Asin( t , v=A cos( t+ ) at t=0, x=0 =0
m
mg mg 1
x Asin t sin t sin t
4k 2k 2
T
t t
6 6 12

mg 3k 3k m 9m
v A cos t , v cos 2 / 12 g
2k m m 3k 16k

44
Example. A very light rod of length pivoted at O is connected with two springs of stiffness k1 & k2
at a distance of a & from the pivot respectively. A block of mass m attached with the spring
k2 is kept on a smooth horizontal surface. Find the angular frequency of small oscillation of
the block m.
O

a
k1

k2
m

Solution : Let the block be pulled towards right through a distance x, then x=xB + xCB ...(i)
where, xCB = displacement of C (the block) relative to B O

F F
Thus xCB = ...(ii) and xB ...(iii)
k2 k1 a
k1
F’
Torque acting on the rod about point O,
xA
2 F F
d C
0 Fa F I0 Fa F xB B
dt2 x
Since the rod is very light its moment of inertia

I0 about O is approximately equal to zero F'=F a ...(iv)

2
F
Using (iii) & (iv) xB = k a ....(v)
1

2
F F
Using (i), (ii) & (v) x= k a + k
1 2

As force F is opposite to displacement x, then

k1 k 2 2 k 1k 2 k1 k 2 a2
F= – 2
x m x 2
x
m k1 a 2 k 2 2
k2 k1 k2 k1
a a
SIMPLE PENDULUM
If a heavy point mass is suspended by a weightless and inextensible string from a rigid support, then
this arrangement is called a simple pendulum
Expression for time period :
S
Restoring force acting on pendulum F = – mg sin

Effective
OA y
For small angle sin length
SA y O
mg

y g sin
c os

mg
ma = mg a= y A
mg

45
 It proves that if displacement is small then simple pendulum performs S.H.M.
g g
|a|= 2
y 2
=

2 length of simple pendulum

T= = 2 g
= 2
acceleration

• T= 2 is valid when length of simple pendulum ( ) is negligible as compare to radius of

g
Re
earth ( << Re) but if is comparable to radius of earth then time period T = 2
Re
1 g

• The time period of oscillation of simple pendulum of infinite length ( )

R 1
T 2 84.6 minute 1 hour (It is maximum time period)
g 2
2
• If angular amplitude ( 0) is large ( 0 > 15°) then time period is given by T 2 1 0
here
g 16

0
is in radian.
• If a simple pendulum of density is made to oscillate in a liquid of density then its time period

will increase as compare to that of air and is given by T 2

1 g

Second's pendulum :
If the time period of a simple pendulum is 2 second then it is called second's pendulum. Second's
pendulum take one second to go from one extreme position to other extreme position.

For second's pendulum, time period T = 2 = 2 .

g

At the surface of earth g = 9.8 m/s2 2

m/s2.
So length of second pendulum at the surface of earth 1 meter
Example.
3° =2m
t=0 g=10m/s2
rest release
= ? taking clockwise at +ve
g
Solution : = 0
sin( t + ) 5
L

3 sin 5t
2

However take because we are taking clockwise as +ve.

2

46
Incomplete angular SHM:

3L
Example. 4

T = ? If without wall time period = T

Solution : 3L
4 L
L
4 T LT
8 4
L
4 T LT
8 4

T T T T 3T
T'
8 8 4 4 4
a
Example. What is T of SHM in lift frame

T
geff.
Solution : ~
~ m(g + a) T 2
g a
mg ma

a
Similarly, for T 2
g a

Example. A simple pendulum of length L and mass M is suspended in a car. The car is moving on a
circular track of radius R with a uniform speed v. If the pendulum makes oscillation in a radial
direction about its equilibrium position, then calculate its time period .
v2
Solution : Centripetal acceleration ac = & Acceleration due to gravity = g
R R v2
ac
2 R
v2 L L
So geff g2 Time period T 2 2
R geff v4 geff
g2 g
R2
Example. A simple pendulum is suspended from the ceiling of a lift. When the lift is at rest, its time period
is T. With what acceleration should lift be accelerated upwards in order to reduce its time
T
period to .
2
T
Solution : In stationary lift T 2 ...(i) In accelerated lift 2 T' 2 ...(ii)
g g a

g a
Divide (i) by (ii) 2 = g
g + a = 4g a=3g

47
 Periodic time of simple pendulum in reference system :

T 2
geff

where, geff. = effective gravity acceleration in reference system

or total downward acceleration.
v
(a) If reference system is lift
(i) If velocity of lift v = constant
geff = g

acceleration a = 0 and geff. = g T 2

g

(ii) If lift is moving upwards with acceleration a a

geff. = g + a
geff = g+a
T 2 T decreases
g a

(iii) If lift is moving downwards with acceleration a

a
geff. = g – a

T 2 T increases geff = g–a

g a

(iv) If lift falls downwards freely

geff. = g – g = 0
T= simple pendulum will not oscillate
(b) A simple pendulum is mounted on a moving truck
(i) If truck is moving with constant velocity, no pseudo force acts on the pendulum and time
period remains same

T 2
g

(ii) If truck accelerates forward with acceleration f then a pseudo force acts in opposite direction.

So effective acceleration, geff. = g2 a2

and T' =2
g eff.
a

g2 + a 2 g
Time period T' 2 T' decreases a
g2 a2

48
Energy method in SHM
Example. Figure shows a pulley block system in equilibrium. If the block is displaced down slightly from
its equilibrium position and released. Find the time period of oscillation of the system. Assume
there is sufficient friction present between pulley and string so that string will not slip over
pulley surface.

Solution : If m is in equilibrium tension in string must be mg and spring is stretched by h so that mg=kh.
If we displace the block downward by a distance A and released, it starts executing SHM with
amplitude A. During its oscillation we consider the block at a displacement x below the
equilibrium position, if it is moving at a speed v at this position, the pulley will be rotating at an
v
angular speed given as
r

m
x
k
m v

1 1 1 2
Thus at this position the total energy of oscillating system is E T mv 2 I 2
k x h mgx
2 2 2
Differentiating with respect to time,
dE T 1 dv 1 1 dv 1 dx dx
we get m 2v I 2v k 2 x h mg 0
dt 2 dt 2 r2 dt 2 dt dt
I k
or mva va k x h v mgv 0 or a x 0 [as mg = kg]
r2 I
m
r2

k
Comparing above equation with standard differential equation of SHM we get
I
m
r2

I
m
2 r2
Thus time period of oscillation is T 2
k

49
Example. Figure shows a pulley block system in which a
block A is hanging on one side of pulley and an
I
other side a small bead B of mass m is welded on
pulley. The moment of inertia of pulley is I and
R
the system is in equilibrium when bead is at an
m
B
angle from the vertical. If the system is slightly
disturbed from its equilibrium position, find the time
period of its oscillations. A

Solution : In equilibrium the net torque on pulley must be zero, thus we have
MgR=mgRsin
or M=msin [if mass of block A is assumed to be M]
Now if block is displace down by distance A and released, it starts oscillating with amplitude
A. Now consider the block at a distance x below the equilibrium position when it is going down
at speed v. Figure shows the corresponding situation at this instant and the total energy of
oscillating system can be written as
2
1 1 1 v
ET Mv 2 mv 2 I Mgx mgR cos cos
2 2 2 R

I
v
R v
R
B R[cos( + )-cos ]

x
A v

Differentiating the above equation w.r. to time, we get

dE T 1 dv 1 dv 1 I dv dx d
M 2v m 2v 2v Mg mgR sin 0
dt 2 dt 2 dt 2 R2 dt dt dt
I v =0 d v
Mva + mva + va – Mgv + mgR sin( + ) as
R2 R dt R
I
M m a –Mg –mg [cos +sin = 0 [For small angle , sin ~ , cos ~ 1]
R2
I x x mg cos
M m a mg cos 0 [as M =m sin and = ] a x
R2 R R I
R M m
R2
Comparing equation with basic differential equation of SHM, we get the angular frequency of
mg cos
SHM of system as
I
R M m
R2
50
Example. A solid uniform cylinder of mass M performs small oscillations in horizontal plane if slightly
displaced from its mean position shown in figure. If it is given that initially springs are in natural
lengths and cylinder does not slip on ground during oscillations due to friction between ground
and cylinder. Force constant of each spring is k. Find time period of these oscillation.

k k

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
R
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

Solution : In the situation given in problem, the cylinder is in its equilibrium position when springs are
unstrained. When it slightly rolled and released, it starts executing SHM and due to friction, the
cylinder is in rolling motion. Now during oscillations we consider the cylinder when it is at a
distance x from the mean position and moving with a speed v as shown in figure. As cylinder
is in pure rolling, its angular speed of rotation can be given as
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
v
=
L
x v
R
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

As centre of cylinder is at a distance x from the initial position, the springs which are connected
at a point on its rim must be compressed and stretched by a distance 2x. Thus at this intermediate
position total energy of the oscillating system can be given as

1 1 1 1 2
ET Mv 2 MR2 2
k 2x 2
2 2 2 2

Differentiating with respect to time, we get

dE T 1 dv 1 1 1 dv dx
M 2v MR 2 2
2v 4k 2x 0
dt 2 dt 2 2 R dt dt

1 16 k
Mva Mva 8kxv 0 a x
2 3 M

Comparing equation with basic differential equation of SHM.

16k
We get, the angular frequency of SHM as
3M

2 3M 3M
Thus time period of these oscillation is T 2
16k 2 k

51
Example. Disk (M, R) , Find time period ?

(a) Smooth
NLP (equilibrium)
kx = ma
x
k
a x
m
kx
M
T 2
k
(b) Rough (Pure rolling) NLP
x
kx – f = ma ; a=
2 a
f
3ma MR 2 ma
kx ( fR f )
2 2 2

2k
a = 3m x SHM

3M
T 2
k
Here only centre of mass is doing SHM.
I f µs = µ0. Find vmax. at equilibrium to avoid slipping ?
ma max. m 2 m m
f max. A A v max.
2 2 2 2
m v max
µ0 mg
2
2µ0 g
v max.

• Motion of a ball in a bowl :

If a small steel ball of mass m is placed at a small distance from O inside a smooth concave surface
of radius R and released, it will oscillate about O. The restoring torque here will be due to the force
of gravity mg on the ball i.e., = – mg (Rsin ) = – mgR [As is small]
S

P
Rsin

mg
O

52
 Now as restoring torque is angular so motion will be angular simple harmonic. And as by definition.
d2 d2
= I = mR 2
dt 2
[as I = mR2 and = ]
dt2
d2 d2
so, mR2 = – mgR i.e., =– 2
dt2 dt2
g
2
=
R
2 R
so T 2
g
Example. Solid sphere (M, R)

m
m.
eq
\\\

\ \\
\ \\

\ \\
x
\\\ \\\\
\\\\\\ \\\\
\\\\\\ \\\\\\\

Prove for small , motion will be SHM & find its T.

Solution : (a) When surface is smooth mgsin = ma
x g L
g a a x T 2
L L g
(b) When surface is rough,
x
g sin g
a L
I 7/5 eqm.
1 x
MR 2
5g 7L rough
a x T 2
7L 5g

Example. massless rod

solid sphere
(M,R)
Case A :- Solid sphere is rigidly attached to rod.
Case B :- Solid sphere is freely attached to rod.
For small oscillation find T in both case /
Solution : Case A :- It is rigid body Phy. pendulum.

2 I
TA 2 MR 2 ML2 , d = L
; I
5 Mgd
Case B :- Similar to simple pendulum.
L
TB 2
g
TA > T B
Note : Frozen water is case B & liquid water is case B.
53
Two particle system :
fixed
k
m1 m2
COM
N x1 NLP x2
m1 kx x = x1 + x2 ...(1)
xcm = 0
mg
m1x1 = m2x2 ...(2)

m2x m1x
x1 x2
m1 m 2 , m1 m 2

F = kx
m1a1 = kx ....(3)

m1 m 2
x x1
m2

k m1 m 2
m1a1 x1
m2

m1 m 2 k
a1 k x1 x1
m1 m 2 m1 m 2
m1 m 2

k
a x1 a=– 2
x1
µ

k
µ

2 µ
T T 2
k

k k
m1 m2 µ

µ
T 2
k
m1 m 2
µ
m1 m 2

54
Example. Given system falls freely under gravity. Find the time-period of small oscillation in C.O.M.
frame.

m1

m2

m1g
m1
Solution :
m1g
k (COM) fixed
m2g

m2
acm=g
m2g

µ m1 m 2
T 2 µ
k m1 m 2
Example. At t = 0 block 2m is given velocity v0 when spring is at its NLP. Find the minimum time after
which NLP
v=0 v0
(1) Elongation in the spring is maximum.
m 2m
(2) Compression in the spring is maximum.
µ
Solution : (1) T 2
k k
µ

T N LP
t1
4
µ
T 2
k
µ
2 µ
t1 k t1
4 2 k
3T 3 µ
(2) t2 t2 2
4 4 k

3 µ
t2
2 k

55
Example. Two masses m1 and m2 connected by a light spring of natural length 0 is compressed completely
and tied by a string. This system while moving with a velocity v0 along +ive x-axis pass through
the origin at t = 0. At this position the string snaps. Position of m1 at time t is given by the
equation
x1(t) = v0t – A(1 – cos t)
Calculate :-
(1) Position of the particle m2 as a function of time.
(2) 0
in terms of A
x1 x2
m1 m2
Solution : (1) O C OM
v0 t
x1 = A(1 – cos t)
m1x1 = m2x2
m1 m1
x2 x1 A(1 cos t)
m2 m2
Position of m2 at time t is

m1
x2(t) = v 0 t A 1 cos t
m2

m1 m2
COM
1 2

x1(t) = v 0 t A 1 cos t
v1(t) = v0 – A sin t
v1/COM = – A sin t
In COM frame maximum velocity of m1 is A

1
=A

m2 0
A
m1 m 2

m1 m 2
0 A
m2

m2
0 1 A
m1

56
 NLP, 0, k
v v
Example. A B
m m
origin
Find xA & xB as a functioin of t ?
+ve
v v
A B
m m
Solution : origin v
v

k 2k
µ m

xA = Asin( t + A
) xB = 0
+ Asin( t + B
)

m 2k m 2k
xA v sin t xB 0 v sin t 0
2k m 2k m

2k m
At NLP v = A v A A v
m 2k

Example. At t = 0
NLP, 0, k
rest v
A B
m1 m2
origin

xA & xB as a function of time ?

vL conf. v
Solution : A B
m1 m2
v
origin
v

xA A a sin t A v cm t xB 0 A b sin t B v cm t
xA A a sin t ( B
= 0)

k(m1 m 2 ) v
vcm
m1m 2 2

57
SUPERPOSITION OF TWO SHM’S
Principle of superposition :
F1 = –kx1
x1 = A1 sin ( t + 1)
F2 = –kx2
x2 = A2 sin ( t + 2)
If both acts
Fres. = F1 + F2 = –k(x1 + x2) = kxres.
x res. x1 x 2
In same direction and of same frequency :
x1 = A1 sin t
x2 = A2 sin ( t + ), then resultant displacement
x = x1 + x2 = A1 sin t + A2 sin ( t + ) = A sin ( t + )
A 2 sin
where A= A12 A 22 2A1A 2 cos & = tan–1 A1 A 2 cos
If = 0, both SHM’s are in phase and A = A1 + A2
If = , both SHM’s are out of phase and A = |A1 – A2|
The resultant amplitude due to superposition of two or more than two SHM’s of this case can also
be found by phasor diagram also.
In same direction but are of different frequencies.
x1 = A1 sin 1t
x2 = A2 sin 2t
then resultant displacement x = x1 + x2 = A1 sin 1t + A2 sin 2t
this resultant motion is not SHM.
Example. xres. = A1 sin ( t) + A2 sin ( t + )
Solution : xres. = Ares. sin ( t + ) Ares.
+ve A2
A res. A12 A 22 2A1A 2 cos
A 2 sin A1 t
tan
A1 A 2 cos

Example. x = 3sin ( t) + 4sin t

2
Solution : xres. = 5sin ( t + 53°) +ve
5

4
=

A res. A 2
A 2
2A1A 2 cos =5
. s
re
A

1 2
53°
A 2 sin 4 3 t
tan
A1 A 2 cos 3

Example. x = 3sin ( t) + 4sin t + 3sin ( t + ).

2
3
Solution : +ve 4 x = 4sin t
Ares.=4 2
3 t
58
Example. x = 6sin ( t + ) + 4sin t + 3sin ( t).
2
6 3

4
Ares. 4

37°
Solution : x = 5sin t 127
5 127°
3 t t
Example. Is x = A(sin t – 3 cos t) equation of SHM ? If yes find amplitude & ?

1 3
Solution : Method-1 : x A2 sin t cos t
2 2
x 2A cos( t 30 )
A t
Method-2 : x1 A sin t , x2 3
3A sin t +ve
2 3A 3
2A
x res. 2A sin t
3
In two perpendicular directions
x = A sin t
y = B sin ( t + )
Case (i) : If = 0 or then y = ± (B/A) x. So path will be straight line & resultant displacement will be
r = (x2 + y2)1/2 = (A2 + B2)1/2 sin t
which is equation of SHM having amplitude A 2 B2
) (
=0
( = )

Case (ii) : If = thenx = A sin t

2
y = B sin ( t + /2) = B cos t
y

B
x
A

x2 y2
so, resultant will be 2 + 2 = 1 i.e. equation of an ellipse and if A = B, then superposition will be
A B
an equation of circle.

59
 y
B

x
Case (iii) : If , , A
2

Superposition of SHM’s along the same direction (using phasor diagram)

If two or more SHM’s are along the same line, their resultant can be obtained by vector addition by
making phasor diagram.
1. Amplitude of SHM is taken as length (magnitude) of vector
2. Phase difference between the vectors is taken as the angle between these vectors. The magnitude of
resultant of vector’s give resultant amplitude of SHM and angle of resultant vector gives phase constant
of resultant SHM.
For example :
x1 = A1 sin t
x2 = A2 sin ( t + )
If equation of resultant SHM is taken as x = A sin ( t + )
A= A12 2A1A 2 cos
A1 sin
tan = A A cos
1 2
Example. x1 = 3 sin t
x2 = 4 cos t
Find (i) amplitude of resultant SHM. (ii) equation of the resultant SHM.
Solution : First write all SHM’s in terms of sine functions with positive amplitude.
x1 = 3 sin t
x2 = 4 sin ( t + /2)

A= 32 4 2 2 3 4 cos = 9 16 = 25 =5
2

4 sin
2
tan = = 53°
3 4 cos
2
equation x = 5 sin ( t + 53°)

Example. x1 = 5 sin ( t + 30°)

x2 = 10 cos ( t)
Find amplitude of resultant SHM.
Solution : x1 = 5 sin ( t + 30°)

x2 = 10 sin t
2
Phasor diagram
A= 52 102 2 5 10 cos 60
= 25 100 50 = 175 = 5 7

60