Chapter 14

Oscillations

Solutions

SECTION - A
Objective Type Questions
1. If a particle is executing simple harmonic motion, then acceleration of particle
(1) Is uniform (2) Varies linearly with time
(3) Is non uniform (4) Both (2) & (3)
Sol. Answer (3)
If a particle is executing S.H.M.
a – 2x
Hence it is not uniform and depends on x rather than time.
Hence answer is (3).

2. What is the phase difference between acceleration and velocity of a particle executing simple harmonic motion?


(1) Zero (2) (3)  (4) 2
2
Sol. Answer (2)
v = A cos (t + )
and a = – A2 sin (t + )
∵ cos(t +  + /2) = – sin (t + )
a = A2 cos (t +  + /2)
Hence velocity lags /2 with acceleration.

3. The shape of graph plotted between velocity and position of a particle executing simple harmonic motion is
(1) A straight line (2) An ellipse (3) A parabola (4) A hyperbola
Sol. Answer (2)

v2 v2 x2
2
v =  A x
2
2
 x 2  A2   1
 2 A2 A2
This is the equation of an ellipse.
Hence answer is (2)

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4. If particle is executing simple harmonic motion with time period T, then the time period of its total mechanical
energy is

T
(1) Zero (2) (3) 2T (4) Infinite
2

Sol. Answer (4)

The total mechanical energy doesn't change in an undamped S.H.M.  frequency = 0.

Hence time period is infinite.

5. Identify the correct definition

(1) If after every certain interval of time, particle repeats its motion then motion is called periodic motion
(2) To and fro motion of a particle over the same path about its mean position in certain time interval is called
oscillatory motion

(3) Oscillatory motion described in terms of single sine and cosine functions is called simple harmonic motion

(4) All of these

Sol. Answer (4)

All the above definition are true.

Hence answer is (4)

6. The equation of simple harmonic motion may not be expressed as (each term has its usual meaning)
(1) x = Asin(t + ) (2) x = Acos(t – )

(3) x = asin t + bcos t (4) x = Asin (t + ) + Bsin (2t + )

Sol. Answer (4)

The fourth option is a superposition of two S.H.M.'s will different frequencies and time periods.
Hence it is not a true S.H.M.

7. Select wrong statement about simple harmonic motion

(1) The body is uniformly accelerated

(2) The velocity of the body changes smoothly at all instants

(3) The amplitude of oscillation is symmetric about the equilibrium position

(4) The frequency of oscillation is independent of amplitude

Sol. Answer (1)

In S.H.M..
a = – 2x

Thus acceleration varies linearly with time.

8. The displacement of a particle executing S.H.M. is given by x = 0.01 sin 100(t + 0.05). The time period is

(1) 0.01 s (2) 0.02 s (3) 0.1 s (4) 0.2 s

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Sol. Answer (2)
x = 0.01 sin 100(t + 0.05)
Here  = 100 

2 2 1
T=   = 0.02 s
 100 50

9. A particle moves under force F = –5(x – 2)3. Motion of the particle is

(1) Translatory (2) Oscillatory (3) S.H.M. (4) All of these

Sol. Answer (2)

F = –5(x – 2)3

Acceleration is negative when (x – 2) is positive and positive when (x – 2) is negative.

Hence it is an oscillatory motion about x = 2.

10. For a particle showing motion under the force F = –5(x – 2)2, the motion is

(1) Translatory (2) Oscillatory (3) S.H.M. (4) All of these

Sol. Answer (1)

F = –5(x – 2)2

The motion depicts a non uniform translatory motion as the acceleration just keeps increasing in the negative
direction. This is because (x – 2) is always positive.

11. For a particle showing motion under the force F = –5(x – 2), the motion is
(1) Translatory (2) Oscillatory (3) S.H.M. (4) Both (2) & (3)

Sol. Answer (4)

Force varies linearly with time with respect to – (x – 2)

F  – (x – 2)
Hence motion of the particle is an S.H.M.

12. A boy is swinging in a swing. If he stands, the time period will

(1) First decrease, then increase (2) Decrease

(3) Increase (4) Remain same

Sol. Answer (2)

A swing is like a pendulum. So

l
T = 2
g

When the boy stands the C.O.M. will become higher. Thus ‘l’ will become shorter and so according to the
equation of time period. Time period will decrease.

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13. Time period of a simple pendulum in a freely falling lift will be

(1) Finite (2) Infinite (3) Zero (4) All of these
Sol. Answer (2)

l
T
g

In a freely falling lift g = 0.

Hence T = infinite.

14. If effective length of a simple pendulum is equal to radius of earth (R), time period will be

R 2R R R
(1) T   (2) T  2 (3) T  2 (4) T  2
g g g 2g

Sol. Answer (4)

1
T = 2
1 1
g ⎛⎜  ⎞⎟
⎝R l ⎠

R
∵ l = R  T = 2
2g

T
15. A particle is executing S.H.M. with time period T. If time period of its total mechanical energy is T then is
T

1
(1) 2 (2) (3) Zero (4) Infinite
2
Sol. Answer (4)


Total mechanical energy will never change so T     T  
T

16. A body executing S.H.M. along a straight line has a velocity of 3 ms–1 when it is at a distance of 4 m
from its mean position and 4 ms–1 when it is at a distance of 3 m from its mean position. Its angular frequency
and amplitude are
(1) 2 rad s–1 & 5 m (2) 1 rad s–1 & 10 m (3) 2 rad s–1 & 10 m (4) 1 rad s–1 & 5 m
Sol. Answer (4)

2 2
v =  A x
v1 = 3 m/s x1 = 4 m
v2 = 4 m/s x2 = 3 m

3 =  A2  42 ... (i)

4 =  A2  32 ... (ii)
Solving (i) and (ii), we get
A = 5 m and  = 1 rad/s

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17. Two identical springs have the same force constant 73.5 Nm–1. The elongation produced in each spring in three
cases shown in Figure-1, Figure-2 and Figure-3 are (g = 9.8 ms–2)

5 kg 5 kg 5 kg
Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3

1 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 4 2
(1) m, m, m (2) m, m, m (3) m, m, m (4) m, m, m
6 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 6 3 3 3

Sol. Answer (4)

k = 73.5 Nm–1 Force = 5 × 9.8
In figure (1)
5 × 9.8 = (2 k) x1

5  9.8 1
 x1 = 
2  73.5 3

In figure (2)

k k
5 × 9.8 =  x2
k k

k
or 5 × 9.8 =  x2
2

98 4
x2 = 
73.5 3

In figure (3)
5 × 9.8 = kx3

5  9.8 2
x3 = 
73.5 3

18. The frequency of oscillation of a mass m suspended by a spring is 1. If length of spring is cut to one third
then the same mass oscillates with frequency 2, then

(1) 2 = 31 (2) 32 = 1 (3)  2  3 1 (4) 3  2  1

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Sol. Answer (3)

kold
old =
m

When divided into 3 parts the spring constant of smaller parts

 kfinal = 3kold

 final = 3 old

 = 2 

Hence final = 3 old ⇒ 2  31

19. Two particles executing S.H.M. of same frequency, meet at x = +A/2, while moving in opposite directions. Phase
difference between the particles is

  5 2
(1) (2) (3) (4)
6 3 6 3

Sol. Answer (4)

x = A sin t
When displacement

A
x=
2

A
= A sin (t + )
2

1
sin–1 = t + 
2
t + = 30° or 150°
When particles are in opposite direction at one lime phase is 30° and at the other 150°. So phase difference
is 120°.

20. A particle is executing S.H.M. with time period T. Starting from mean position, time taken by it to complete
5
oscillations, is
8

T T 5T 7T
(1) (2) (3) (4)
12 6 12 12

Sol. Answer (4)

Total distance covered by particle = 4 A
5 1 T
For of oscillation means that it has completed the oscillation taking seconds. Now it has to cover
8 2 2
1 A A
oscillation more. The whole path may be divided into 8 parts of hence it has to travel distance from
8 2 2
mean position.

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A
= A sin t
2


= 8 t
6

T ⎡ 2 ⎤
t=
12 ⎢⎣Putting   T ⎥⎦

T T 7T
Total time =  
2 12 12

A A
21. A particle is executing S.H.M.. between x = ± A. The time taken to go from 0 to is T1 and to go from
2 2
to A is T2 ; then
(1) T1 < T2 (2) T1 > T2 (3) T1 = T2 (4) T1 = 2T2
Sol. Answer (1)

A A
The velocity is greater closer to the mean position so it will take less time gains from 0 to than from
2 2
to A.

⎛ ⎞
22. The displacements of two particles executing S.H.M. on the same line are given as y 1  a sin ⎜ t   ⎟ and
⎝ 2 ⎠

⎛ 2 ⎞
y 2  b sin ⎜ t   ⎟. The phase difference between them at t = 1 s is
⎝ 3 ⎠

  
(1)  (2) (3) (4)
2 4 6
Sol. Answer (4)
Phase difference between them is just difference in the angular values.

⎛ 2 ⎞ ⎛ ⎞ 
Phase difference = ⎜  ⎟  ⎜  ⎟ 
⎝ 3 ⎠ ⎝2 ⎠ 6

23. For a particle executing simple harmonic motion, the amplitude is A and time period is T. The maximum speed
will be

2A A 2A
(1) 4AT (2) (3) 2 (4)
T T T
Sol. Answer (4)
Maximum speed is given by
v = A

2
and =
T

2
Hence v = A
T

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3A
24. A particle is executing S.H.M.. with amplitude A and has maximum velocity v0. Its speed at displacement
4
will be

7 v0 3
(1) v0 (2) (3) v0 (4) v0
4 2 2

Sol. Answer (1)

v =  A2  x 2

3
x= A
4

9 A2
v =  A2 
16

7
v = A
16

7
or v = v 0 as (v0 = A)
4

d 2x
25. A particle executes simple harmonic motion according to equation 4 + 320x = 0. Its time period of
dt 2
oscillation is

2   2
(1) s (2) s (3) s (4) s
5 3 3 2 2 5 3

Sol. Answer (3)

d2x
4 + 320x = 0
dt 2

4 a = – 320 x
a = – 80 x
Since a = –2 x in S.H.M.
80 = 2

16  5 = 

or  = 4 5

2 2 
T=   s
 4 3 2 5

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26. The plot of velocity (v) versus displacement (x) of a particle executing simple harmonic motion is shown in figure.
The time period of oscillation of particle is

v(m/s)

0.4

x(cm)
–10 0 10

–0.4


(1) s (2)  s (3) 2 s (4) 3 s
2

Sol. Answer (1)

A = 10 cm A = 0.4 m/s

= 0.1 m

  = 4 rad/s

2 
T=  s
4 2

27. A particle of mass 10 g is undergoing S.H.M. of amplitude 10 cm and period 0.1 s. The maximum value of
force on particle is about

(1) 5.6 N (2) 2.75 N (3) 3.5 N (4) 4 N

Sol. Answer (4)

T = 0.1 m = 0.01 kg

  = 20  rad/s

Amplitude A = 0.1 m

a = – 2x

Maximum acceleration = –2 A

Maximum force = – m2 A

Fmax = – 0.01 × (20 )2 × 0.1

Fmax = – 0.001 × 400 2

= –3.95 N

or –4 N approximately

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
28. Two identical pendulums oscillate with a constant phase difference and same amplitude. If the maximum
4
velocity of one is v, the maximum velocity of the other will be

v
(1) v (2) 2v (3) 2v (4)
2

Sol. Answer (1)

If the phase difference is constant, they are moving with same frequency and .
Since maximum velocity A = v (given)
Maximum velocity of other will still be v.

29. Which of the following graphs best represents the variation of acceleration ‘a’ with displacement x?

a a a a

(1) x (2) x (3) x (4) x

Sol. Answer (2)

a = – kx is an S.H.M.
Hence it will be a straight line with negative slope as in option (2)

30. A body executes S.H.M. with an amplitude A. At what displacement from the mean position, is the potential
energy of the body one-fourth of its total energy?

A A
(1) (2)
4 2

3A
(3) (4) Some other fraction of A
4

Sol. Answer (2)

Potential energy at displacement x from mean position is given by

1 2
P.E. = kx
2

1 2
Let total energy be E = kA
2

1 2 E 1 2
kx =  kA
2 4 8

A
x=
2

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31. A particle of mass 4 kg moves simple harmonically such that its PE(U) varies with position x, as shown. The
period of oscillations is
joule

2  2 4 2 2
(1) s (2) s (3) s (4) s
25 5 5 5
Sol. Answer (4)
Mass = 4 kg joule
1 2
Maximum P.E. = kA
2

1
1=  k  (0.2)2
2

2
= k
0.04
k = 50 N/m

m
T = 2
k

4
T = 2
50

2 2
= s
5

32. The kinetic energy and potential energy of a particle executing S.H.M. are equal, when displacement in terms
of amplitude ‘A’ is

A A A 2
(1) (2) (3) (4) A 2
2 2 3
Sol. Answer (2)

1 2
Total energy = kA
2
When P.E. is half of total energy P.E. = K.E.

1 2 1
 kx  k ( A2  x 2 )
2 2
x2 = A2 – x2  2x2 = A2
A
x=
2

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33. A block is resting on a piston which executes simple harmonic motion with a period 2.0 s. The maximum
velocity of the piston, at an amplitude just sufficient for the block to separate from the piston is
(1) 1.57 ms–1 (2) 3.12 ms–1 (3) 2.0 ms–1 (4) 6.42 ms–1
Sol. Answer (2)
Period (T) = 2 s

2
= =  rad/s
2

When block just represent from a piston, maximum acceleration must be equal to g.
g = – 2x
Acceleration is maximum when x = A
g = – 2A

9.8
or A =
2

Maximum velocity = A

9.8
= 
2

9.8
= m/s


= 3.119 m/s = 3.12 m/s

34. A simple pendulum suspended from the ceiling of a stationary lift has period T0. When the lift descends at
steady speed, the period is T1, and when it descends with constant downward acceleration, the period is T2.
Which one of the following is true?
(1) T0 = T1 = T2 (2) T0 = T1 < T2 (3) T0 = T1 > T2 (4) T0 < T1 < T2
Sol. Answer (2)
Pseudo force only when there is an acceleration.
Hence T0 = T1 as there is uniform downward motion.
When it moves downward with a steady acceleration then pseudo force acts upwards, reducing net ‘g’

l
Since T2 = 2
gnet

When g reduces time period T2 increases

T0 = T1 < T2

35. If a Second’s pendulum is moved to a planet where acceleration due to gravity is 4 times, the length of the
second’s pendulum on the planet should be made
(1) 2 times (2) 4 times (3) 8 times (4) 15 times

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Sol. Answer (2)
Time period of a pendulum

l l
T = 2 or T2
g g

If g becomes 4 times. l must also be increased by 4 times to keep T constant.

36. A simple pendulum with a metallic bob has a time period T. The bob is now immersed in a
non-viscous liquid and oscillated. If the density of the liquid is 1/4 that of metal, the time period of the same
pendulum will be

T 2T 4 2
(1) (2) (3) T (4) T
3 3 3 3

Sol. Answer (2)

l
Normal time period T = 2
g
When immersed in a liquid. It experiences an upthrust.


Upthrust = × volume g
4

g
Upward acceleration = Upward force/mass of ball =
4

l
T = 2
geff

g 3
geff = g   g
4 4

l 2T
T = 2  4 
3g 3

37. Two pendulums of length 1.21 m and 1.0 m start vibrating. At some instant, the two are in the mean position
in same phase. After how many vibrations of the longer pendulum, the two will be in phase?
(1) 10 (2) 11 (3) 20 (4) 21
Sol. Answer (1)
Lengths l1 = 1.21 m l2 = 1 m

l1 l2
T1 = 2 T2 = 2
g g

11
T1 = T
10 2
or 10 T1 = 11T2
Hence it oscillations of longer pendulum is equal to 11 oscillation of shorter one.
Hence the will be in phase again after 10 oscillations of longer pendulum.

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38. The time period of oscillations of a simple pendulum is 1 minute. If its length is increased by 44%. then its
new time period of oscillation will be
(1) 96 s (2) 58 s (3) 82 s (4) 72 s
Sol. Answer (4)
Let initial length be l1

144
Final length l2 = l1 
100

l1
T1 = 2
g

l1 144
T2 = 2 
g 100

or T2 = 1.2 T1
T1 = 60 s
So T2 = 72 s

39. If the length of a clock pendulum increases by 0.2% due to atmospheric temperature rise, then the loss in
time of clock per day is
(1) 86.4 s (2) 43.2 s (3) 72.5 s (4) 32.5 s
Sol. Answer (1)

l
Time period = 2
g

T l

T l

T l

l  l  
T = T
l

⎛ 1 ⎞
T = T ⎜1    ⎟ [  0.002]
⎝ 2 ⎠

1
T = T – T = T    T  0.001
2
Time lost in time t is

1
T = t = 1 day = 24 × 3600 s = 86400 s
2

⎛ T ⎞  t
T = ⎜ ⎟
⎝ T ⎠

T = 0.001 × 86400
T = 86.4 s

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40. A simple pendulum is oscillating in a trolley moving on a horizontal straight road with constant acceleration
a. If direction of motion of trolley is taken as positive x direction and vertical upward direction as positive
y direction then the mean position of pendulum makes an angle

⎛g⎞ ⎛a⎞
(1) tan1 ⎜ ⎟ with y axis in +x direction (2) tan1 ⎜ ⎟ with y axis in –x direction
⎝a⎠ ⎝g⎠

⎛a⎞ ⎛g⎞
(3) tan1 ⎜ ⎟ with y axis in +x direction (4) tan1 ⎜ ⎟ with y axis in –x direction
⎝g⎠ ⎝a⎠

Sol. Answer (2)

T sin = ma ... (i)

T cos = mg ... (ii)
Dividing (i) and (ii) mg

a mg
T cos =
g

1 ⎛ a ⎞
 = tan ⎜ ⎟
⎝g ⎠

41. The time period of oscillations of a second’s pendulum on the surface of a planet having mass and radius double
those of earth is

(1) 4 s (2) 1 s (3) 2s (4) 2 2 s

Sol. Answer (4)

Gm
g1 =
R2

G  2m g1
g2 = 
4R 2 2

l
T1 = 2 g
1

l
T2 = 2 g
2

T2 = 2T1

Since T1 is time period of seconds pendulum T1 = 2.

Hence T2 = 2 2

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42. The shape of graph between time period of a simple pendulum and its length is
(1) Straight line (2) Parabolic
(3) Hyperbolic (4) Elliptical
Sol. Answer (2)

43. A hollow metal sphere is filled with water through a small hole in it. It is hung by a long thread
and is made to oscillate. Water slowly flows out of the hole at the bottom. Select the correct variation of its
time period
(1) The period will go on increasing till the sphere is empty
(2) The period will go on decreasing till the sphere is empty
(3) The period will not be affected at all
(4) The period will increase first, then decrease to initial value till the sphere is empty
Sol. Answer (4)
P
As the water level goes down, the distance of C.O.M.
From point of oscillation P keeps increasing.

l
Since T = 2
g

The time period of pendulum keep increasing.

44. A uniform rod of mass m and length l is suspended about its end. Time period of small angular oscillations
is

m,l

l 2l 2l l
(1) 2 (2) 2 (3) 2 (4) 2
g g 3g 3g

Sol. Answer (3)

This is the case of a physical pendulum.

l com
T = 2
mg Lcom

L mL2
Lcom = Icom =
2 3

2l
T = 2
3g

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45. A uniform disc of mass M and radius R is suspended in vertical plane from a point on its periphery. Its time
period of oscillation is

3R R 2R 3R
(1) 2 (2) 2 (3) 2 (4) 2
g 3g 3g 2g

Sol. Answer (4)

It is the case of a physical pendulum.

l c.o.m.
T = 2 mg L
com

MR 2 3 2
Icom =  MR 2 = MR
2 2
Lcom = R

3R
T = 2
2g

46. A solid cylinder of density 0 , cross-section area A and length l floats in a liquid of density  (> 0) with
its axis vertical, as shown. If it is slightly displaced downward and released, the time period will be

l 0 l l l
(1) 2 (2) 2 (3) 2 (4) 2
g g 0 g 2g

Sol. Answer (2)

The time period of a floating uniform cylinder is simply given as R = l.

47. A block of mass m hangs from three springs having same spring constant k. If the mass is slightly displaced
downwards, the time period of oscillation will be

k k

m 3m 2m 3k
(1) 2 (2) 2 (3) 2 (4) 2
3k 2k 3k m

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Sol. Answer (2)

The first two springs are in parallel.
So, keq of 1st 2 will be = 2k
Then it becomes
The springs 2k and k are in series. 2k
2k  k
So, keq =
2k  k k

2 k k 2 m
=  k
3k 3

m
T = 2 k
eq

3m
 T  2
2k

48. Two masses m1 = 1 kg and m2 = 0.5 kg are suspended together by a massless spring of spring constant
12.5 Nm–1. When masses are in equilibrium m1 is removed without disturbing the system. New amplitude of
oscillation will be
(1) 30 cm (2) 50 cm (3) 80 cm (4) 60 cm
Sol. Answer (3)
Points of equilibrium of the spring will be when no force acts on it.
or kx = (m1 + m2)g

(m1  m2 )g
x=
k

m2g
The new equilibrium position which will be the mean position of S.H.M. will be simply
k

m2g
New amplitude will be maximum displacement from which is :
k

(m1  m2 )g m2g
A= –
k k

m1g
or A =
k

1 10
or A =
12.5

4
or A = m
5

 A = 0.8 m or 80 cm

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49. A mass m is attached to two springs of same force constant K, as shown in following four arrangements. If
T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively be the time periods of oscillation in the following arrangements, in which case
time period is maximum?

K K
K K
(a) K K (b) (c) m (d) K m
T1 K
T2
m m

(1) (a) (2) (b) (3) (c) (4) (d)

Sol. Answer (2)

m
T = 2
K
Time period is maximum when K is minimum.
In (a), (c) and (d) the spring constants are in parallel so the Keq = 2K.
Only in case (b) springs are in series.

K
So, Keq =
2
Hence time period in this case will be maximum.

50. A clock S is based on oscillations of a spring and a clock P is based on pendulum motion. Both clocks run at
the same rate on earth. On a planet having same density as earth but twice the radius then
(1) S will run faster than P (2) P will run faster than S
(3) Both run at same rate (4) Both run at same rate but different than earth
Sol. Answer (2)

k
Time period of spring = 2
m

l
Time period of pendulum = 2
g

Time period of spring will not be affected by gravitational acceleration.

Let mass of earth be m

4 3
Mass of new planet =   (2R ) = 8 m
3
GM2 G  8M
g2 = 2
 =2g
(R2 ) (2R )2

l
T2 = 2
2g

T
T2 =
2
Hence P will move faster.

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51. A 100 g mass stretches a particular spring by 9.8 cm, when suspended vertically from it. How large a mass
must be attached to the spring if the period of vibration is to be 6.28 s?
(1) 1000 g (2) 105 g (3) 107 g (4) 104 g
Sol. Answer (4)
At point of equilibrium kx = mg
k × 9.8 × 10–2 = 100 × 10–3 × 9.8
k = 100 × 10–1
k = 10 N/m
Period of vibration needed = 6.28 s

m
T = 2
k

m
6.28 = 2 × 3.14
10

m
1=
10

m = 10 kg or 104 g

52. An assembly of identical spring-mass systems is placed on a smooth horizontal surface as shown. At this
instant, the springs are relaxed. The left mass is displaced to the left and the right mass is displaced to the
right by same distance and released. The resulting collision is elastic. The time period of the oscillations of
system is

k k
m m

2m m m m
(1) 2 (2) 2 (3)  (4) 2
k 2k k k

Sol. Answer (3)

If there was no collision each spring will oscillate with period

m
T = 2
k

Because of collisions the springs are only compressed but cannot extend beyond their natural length. Hence
the perform only half oscillation.

m
Hence T = 2 2
k

m
or T = 
k

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53. A spring block system in horizontal oscillation has a time-period T. Now the spring is cut into four equal parts
and the block is re-connected with one of the parts. The new time period of vertical oscillation will be

T T T
(1) (2) 2T (3) (4)
2 2 2 2

Sol. Answer (3)

When spring is cut into 4 parts. The spring constant of each part will become 4k.

m
T2 = 2
4k

T
T2 =
2

54. A block of mass m is suspended separately by two different springs have time period t1 and t2. If same mass
is connected to parallel combination of both springs, then its time period is given by

t1 t2 t1 t2 t1 t2
(1) (2) (3) (4) t1 + t2
t1  t2 t12  t22 t1  t2

Sol. Answer (2)

m m m
t1 = 2 , t2 = 2 , teq = 2
k1 ka k1  k2

Let 2 m be any constant c.

c c
t1 = , t2 =
k1 k2

c2 c
k1 = , k2 =
t12 t 22

m
teq = 2
c 2 / t12  c 2 / t 22

m t12  t22
teq = 2
c 2 t22  c 2 t12

t1 t 2
teq =
t12  t22

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55. In damped oscillations, damping force is directly proportional to speed of oscillator. If amplitude becomes half
of its maximum value in 1 s, then after 2 s amplitude will be (A0– initial amplitude)

1 1 3 A0
(1) A0 (2) A0 (3) A0 (4)
4 2 2

Sol. Answer (1)

A = A0 e–bt
Amplitude becomes half hence

A0
A e–bt [t = 1]
2 0

1
 e–b =
2

 In two seconds

2
⎛ 1⎞
A = A0 ⎜ ⎟
⎝2⎠

A0
A=
4

56. In forced oscillations, a particle oscillates simple harmonically with a frequency equal to
(1) Frequency of driving force
(2) Natural frequency of body
(3) Difference of frequency of driving force and natural frequency
(4) Mean of frequency of driving force and natural frequency
Sol. Answer (1)
In forced oscillations a particle oscillator simple harmonically with a frequency equal to driving frequency.

57. Resonance is a special case of

(1) Forced oscillations (2) Damped oscillations
(3) Undamped oscillations (4) Coupled oscillations
Sol. Answer (1)
Resonance is a special case of force oscillation due to which oscillation to place with greater amplitude.

58. The S.H.M. of a particle is given by the equations = 2 sin t + 4 cos t. Its amplitude of oscillation is

(1) 4 units (2) 2 units

(3) 6 units (4) 2 5 units

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Sol. Answer (4)
x = 2 sin t + 4 cos t
It can also be written as

⎛ 2 4 ⎞
x= 22  42 ⎜ sin t cos t ⎟
2 2 2 2
⎝ 2 4 2 4 ⎠

x= 20 sin(t  )

20 = Amplitude

or Amplitude = 2 5

59. If two mutually perpendicular simple harmonic motion of same amplitude, frequency and having zero phase
difference superimpose on a particle, then its resultant path will be
(1) A straight line (2) A circle
(3) An ellipse (4) A hyperbola
Sol. Answer (1)
If A – B is the path followed by one particle superimpose, then the result will be as shown and the particle
will oscillate diagonally.

B A

60. Which of the following represents a S.H.M.?

(1) sin t – cos t (2) sin t + cos t
(3) sin t + 2 cos t (4) All of these
Sol. Answer (4)
All of them are superposition of two S.H.M. in the same phase and hence they all represent S.H.M's.

SECTION - B
Objective Type Questions
1. The circular motion of a particle with constant speed is
(1) Periodic but not simple harmonic (2) Simple harmonic but not periodic
(3) Period and simple harmonic (4) Neither periodic nor simple harmonic
Sol. Answer (1)
The motion repeats itself after same intervals hence it is periodic. Put since acceleration is not proportional
to – x, the motion is periodic but not simple harmonic.

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2. A body of mass 0.01 kg executes simple harmonic motion about x = 0 under the influence of a force as shown
in figure. The time period of S.H.M. is
F(N)
80
0.2
–0.2 x(m)
–80

(1) 1.05 s (2) 0.52 s (3) 0.25 s (4) 0.03 s

Sol. Answer (4)
Maximum restoring force on particle
F = 80 N
x = – 0.2
Since F = – kx
80 = k × 0.2
400 = k

m
T = 2
k

0.01
= 2 kg
400

1
= 2
40000

1
= 2
2  102

1
=
2  102

 0.03 s

3. A 1.00 × 10–20 kg particle is vibrating under simple harmonic motion with a period of 1.00 × 10–5 s and with
a maximum speed of 1.00 × 103 m/s. The maximum displacement of particle from mean position is
(1) 1.59 mm (2) 1.00 m (3) 10 m (4) 3.18 mm
Sol. Answer (1)
m = 1 × 10–20 kg T = 1 × 10–5 kg
Maximum speed = A = 1 × 103 m/s ... (i)

2
= = 2 × 105 rad/s
T

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Putting value of  in (i)
A × 2 × 105 = 1 × 103

1
A=
2  102

A = 1.59 mm

4. The equation of an S.H.M. with amplitude A and angular frequency  in which all the distances are measured
from one extreme position and time is taken to be zero at the other extreme position is
(1) x = A sin t (2) x = A (cos t + sin t)
(3) x = A – A cos t (4) x = A + A cos t
Sol. Answer (4)
At t = 0 the distance from 1 extreme is 2 A
At t =  x=0
Hence by resulting values we can get equation for S.H.M.. from S.H.M..

5. A body oscillates with S.H.M. according to the equation x = (5.0 m) cos [(2 rad s–1)t + /4]
At t = 1.5 s, its acceleration is
(1) – 139.56 m/s2 (2) 139.56 m/s2 (3) 69.78 m/s2 (4) – 69.78 m/s2
Sol. Answer (2)
x = 5 cos (2t +/4)

3
t = s
2

x = 5 cos (3 +/4)

⎛ 13 ⎞
x = 5 cos ⎜ ⎟
⎝ 4 ⎠


x = – 5 cos
4

5
x=–
2

Acceleration
a = – 2x

5
a = – 42x –
2

a  139.56 m/s2

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6. The time period of a particle executing S.H.M. is 8 s. At t = 0 it is at the mean position. The ratio of distance
covered by the particle in 1st second to the 2nd second is

   
1
(1) 2 –1 s (2) 2s (3) 2 1 s (4) s
2

Sol. Answer (3)

2 
T=8s = 
8 4

 A
x1 = A sin 
4 2

  A A
x2 = A sin × 2 – A sin =A– = ( 2  1)
4 4 2 2

x1 1 2 1
=   2 1
x2 2 1 2 1

7. Two particle executing S.H.M. of same amplitude of 20 cm with same period along the same line about same
equilibrium position. The maximum distance between the two is 20 cm. Their phase difference in radian is equal
to

  2 4
(1) (2) (3) (4)
3 2 3 5

Sol. Answer (1)

x1 = A sin (t + 1)

x2 = A sin (t + 2)

x1 – x2 = A sin (t + 1) – A sin (t + 2)

⎛  ⎞ ⎡ ⎛    2 ⎞⎤
20 = 2 × 20 sin ⎜ 1 2 ⎟  cos ⎢t  ⎜ 1 ⎟
⎝ 2 ⎠ ⎣ ⎝ 2 ⎠⎥⎦

1 ⎛   2 ⎞ ⎛ ⎛ 1  2 ⎞ ⎞    
 sin⎜ 1 ⎟  cos ⎜ t  ⎜ ⎟ ⎟ for maximum value. ⇒ 1 2  ⇒ 1  2 
2 ⎝ 2 ⎠ ⎝ ⎝ 2 ⎠⎠ 2 6 3

8. A particle execute S.H.M. along a straight line. The amplitude of oscillation is 2 cm. When displacement of
particle from the mean position is 1 cm, the magnitude of its acceleration is equal to magnitude of its velocity.
The time period of oscillation is

2 2 2 3
(1) (2) (3) (4)
2 2 3 2

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Sol. Answer (3)
A = 2 cm = 2 × 10–2
a = –2x

2 2
and v =  A  x

4
2 × 1 × 10–2 =  (4  1)10

 × 1 × 10–2 = 3 × 10–2

= 3

2 2
T= 
 3

9. Figure shows the position-time graph of an object in S.H.M. The correct equation representing this motion is

x(cm)

4
2
0 t(s)
5 11

–4

⎛ 2 ⎞ ⎛ ⎞ ⎛ ⎞ ⎛ ⎞
(1) 2 sin⎜ t  ⎟ (2) 4 sin⎜ t  ⎟ (3) 4 sin⎜ t  ⎟ (4) 4 sin⎜ t  ⎟
⎝ 5 6⎠ ⎝5 6⎠ ⎝6 3⎠ ⎝6 6⎠

Sol. Answer (4)

Time period is 12 s from diagram.

2 
= 
12 6

Amplitude A = 4
Initial phase is determined by putting known values in the equation.

⎛ ⎞
2 = 4 sin⎜ t   ⎟
⎝6 ⎠

1
sin1 =  [t = 0]
2


= 
6

⎛ ⎞
Hence equation is x = ⎜ t  ⎟
⎝6 6⎠

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⎡ ⎤
10. A particle executes S.H.M. according to equation x = 10 (cm) cos ⎢2t  ⎥ , where t is in second. The
⎣ 2⎦

1
magnitude of the velocity of the particle at t = s will be
6

(1) 24.7 cm/s (2) 20.5 cm/s (3) 28.3 cm/s (4) 31.4 cm/s
Sol. Answer (4)

⎡ ⎤
x = 10 cos ⎢2t  ⎥
⎣ 2⎦

1
At t = s
6

⎡ ⎤
x = 10 cos ⎢  ⎥
⎣2 3 ⎦


x = –10 sin
3

x = 5 3

v =  A2  x 2

v = 2 100  75

v = 10 
or v = 31.4 cm/s

11. A particle executes S.H.M. and its position varies with time as x = A sint. Its average speed during its motion
from mean position to mid-point of mean and extreme position is

3A A 2A
(1) Zero (2) (3) (4)
 2 

Sol. Answer (2)

Phase at mean position = 0
Phase at mid point

A
= A sin 
2


 =
6

Time it takes to travel a phase difference of 

2 
t= 
 2

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
or t =



or t =
6

Total distance
Average speed =
Time taken

A/2
=
 / 6

3A
=


12. A particle of mass m in a unidirectional potential field have potential energy U(x) =  + 2x2, where  and 
are positive constants. Find its time period of oscillation.

2 m m 
(1) 2 (2) 2 (3)  (4) 
m 2  m

Sol. Answer (3)

U(x) =  + 2x2

dU ( x )
F=–
dx

F = – 4x

m
T = 2
k

m
T = 2 cos [k = ]
4

m
T= 


13. A particle is executing S.H.M. and its velocity v is related to its position (x) as v2 + ax2 = b, where a and b
are positive constants. The frequency of oscillation of particle is

1 b a b 1 a
(1) (2) (3) (4)
2 a 2 2 2 b

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Sol. Answer (2)

v2 + ax2 = b

v2 = b – ax2

⎛b ⎞
v2 = a ⎜  x 2 ⎟
⎝a ⎠

Comparing it to equation

v2 = 2 (A2 – x2)

= a

 a
f= 
2 2

14. A loaded vertical spring executes S.H.M. with a time period of 4 s. The difference between the kinetic energy
and potential energy of this system varies with a period of
(1) 2 s (2) 1 s (3) 8 s (4) 4 s

Sol. Answer (1)

2 
T=4s =  rad/s
T 2

x = A sin t v = A cos t

1 1
K.E. = mv2 mA22 cos2t ... (i)
2 2

1 2 1 2
P.E. = kx kA sin2t ... (ii)
2 2

k
=
m

or k = m2 putting this value in (ii).

1
K.E. – P.E. = m2A2 (cos2t – sin2t)
2

K.E. – P.E. = Emax. (cos 2t)

Hence time period of difference of K.E. and P.E. is

2
T=
2

or T = 2 s

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15. As a body performs S.H.M., its potential energy U varies with time t as indicated in

U U U
U

(1) t (2) t (3) t (4) t

Sol. Answer (1)

1 2 1
Potential energy = kx = A22sin2(t +)
2 2

The graph for sin2(t +) is given by (1).

16. A particle is performing S.H.M. with energy of vibration 90 J and amplitude 6 cm. When the particle reaches
at distance 4 cm from mean position, it is stopped for a moment and then released. The new energy of
vibration will be
(1) 40 J (2) 50 J (3) 90 J (4) 60 J
Sol. Answer (1)
Energy = 90 J Amplitude = 6 cm

1
Maximum energy = mA22 = 90
2

180
or m2 =
36  10 4

 m2 = 30 × 102
When particle is stopped the point where it is stopped is the new amplitude but angular velocity will remain
same.

1
E= mA222
2

or E = 3000 A22
A2 = 4 × 10–2
A2 = 3000

17. The variations of potential energy (U) with position x for three simple harmonic oscillators A, B and C are shown
in figure. The oscillators have same mass. The time period of oscillation is greatest for

U U U

x x x
A B C

(1) A (2) B (3) C (4) Same for all

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Sol. Answer (3)

1 2
U= kx
2

2U
x2 =
k

1
or x (Since U is constant)
k

m
Also T = 2
k

1
or T
k

Therefore x  T
Hence the oscillation with maximum x will have the maximum time period.

18. If the particle repeats its motion after a fixed time interval of 8 s then after how much time its maximum value
of PE will be attained after attaining its minimum value?
(1) 2 s (2) 4 s (3) 8 s (4) 1 s
Sol. Answer (1)
T=8s

T
Maximum value of potential energy is reached two times per oscillation which is time away from mean
4
position which has minimum value at position.

19. A particle is executing S.H.M. with total mechanical energy 90 J and amplitude 6 cm. If its energy is somehow
decreased to 40 J then its amplitude will become

8 4
(1) 2 cm (2) 4 cm (3) cm (4) cm
3 3

Sol. Answer (2)

1
mA22 = 90 J
2

m and  remaining same energy is reduced to 40 J.

A12 9

A22 4

A1 3
or 
A2 2

or A2 = 4 cm

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20. A linear harmonic oscillator of force constant 6 × 105 N/m and amplitude 4 cm, has a total energy 600 J.
Select the correct statement.
(1) Maximum potential energy is 600 J (2) Maximum kinetic energy is 480 J
(3) Minimum potential energy is 120 J (4) All of these
Sol. Answer (4)
k = 6 × 105 N/m
Amplitude = 4 cm = 4 × 10–2 m

1 2 1
kx = × 6 × 105 × (4 × 10–2)2
2 2

or E = 480 J
Since energy of S.H.M. is 480 J and there is 600 J provided to the oscillation there must be 600 – 120 = 480 J
stored as energy.

21. A second’s pendulum is mounted in a rocket. Its period of oscillation will decrease when rocket is
(1) Moving down with uniform acceleration
(2) Moving around the earth in geostationary orbit
(3) Moving up with uniform velocity
(4) Moving up with uniform acceleration
Sol. Answer (1)

l
T = 2
g

When the rocket is moving down with acceleration Pseudo force is acting upwards reducing effective gravitational
acceleration (g).

22. The curve between square of frequency of oscillation and length of the simple pendulum is
(1) Straight line (2) Parabola (3) Ellipse (4) Hyperbola
Sol. Answer (4)
l = kT2

l
T = 2
g

1 g
f=
2 l

k
or f2 =
l

This is the equation of hyperbola between f2 and l.

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23. A simple pendulum of mass m executes S.H.M. with total energy E. If at an instant it is at one of extreme


positions, then its linear momentum after a phase shift of rad will be
3

3mE 2mE
(1) 2mE (2) (3) 2 mE (4)
2 3

Sol. Answer (2)

Energy = E0


After a phase shift of
3


E = E0 cos2
3

P 2 E0 3

2m 4

3 mE
P=
2

24. A small iron ball of mass m is suspended with the help of a massless rod of length L and is free to oscillate
in vertical plane. Its time period of oscillation is

mL mL L m
(1) 2 (2) 2 (3) 2 (4) 2
2g g g gL

Sol. Answer (3)

Since this is the case of a massless rod, the condition is same as that of a pendulum.

L
T = 2
g

25. A rectangular block of mass m and area of cross-section A floats in a liquid of density . If it is given a small
vertical displacement from equilibrium it undergoes oscillations with a time period T, then

1 1 1
(1) T  (2) T   (3) T  (4) T 
m A 

Sol. Answer (3)

Time period of a floating cylinder is given by

L s
T = 2
L g

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When s is density of limit

L3 s
T = 2
L2L g

Ms
T = 2
AL g

1
T 
A

26. A body of mass 5 kg hangs from a spring and oscillates with a time period of 2 second. If the body is
removed, the length of the spring will decrease by
(1) glk metre (2) klg metre (3) 2 metre (4) g metre
Sol. Answer (4)
T = 2 sec Mass = 5 kg
Spring constant = k
 = 1 rad/sec

k
Now  =
m

So, k = 5
Equilibrium position when it is oscillating is at
kx = mg

mg
or x =
k

When the mass is removed the spring will return to its natural length, which is x upwards.
Since m = 5 and k = 5
x = g metre

27. In the figure shown, there is friction between the blocks P and Q but the contact between the block Q and
lower surface is frictionless. Initially the block Q with block P over it lies at x = 0, with spring at its natural
length. The block Q is pulled to right and then released. As the spring - blocks system undergoes S.H.M.
with amplitude A, the block P tends to slip over Q. P is more likely to slip at

P
Q
frictionless
x
x = –A x=0 x = +A

A A
(1) x = 0 (2) x = +A (3) x =  (4) x = 
2 2

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Sol. Answer (2)

The block is most likely to slip when there is maximum acceleration.
This happens when the blocks are at the extremities where the displacement is either +A or –A.

Q x
x=0

28. A flat horizontal board moves up and down under S.H.M. vertically with amplitude A. The shortest permissible
time period of the vibration such that an object placed on the board may not lose contact with the board is

g A 2A  A
(1) 2 (2) 2 (3) 2 (4)
A g g 2 g

Sol. Answer (2)

Maximum acceleration of the system (amax) = –2A
For a block to escape the board the acceleration must be equal to 9 at the top-most point.
g = 2A

g
=
A

2 A
Time period = =
 g

29. A simple pendulum with iron bob has a time period T. The bob is now immersed in a non-viscous liquid and

1
oscillated. If the density of liquid is th that of iron, then new time period will be
12

8 12 12 6
(1) T (2) T (3) T (4) T
7 13 11 5

Sol. Answer (3)

When bob is inserted, in liquid effective of is reduced because of the force of upthrust.
 is density of solid.
S

 is density of liquid.
L

V is volume of solid

l
and T = 2
g

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l
Tnew = 2
gnew

l
Tnew = 2 
g Lg
S

l  12
Tnew = 2
g  11

12
or Tnew = T
11

30. When a mass m is attached to a spring it oscillates with period 4 s. When an additional mass of 2 kg is
attached to a spring, time period increases by 1 s. The value of m is
(1) 3.5 kg (2) 8.2 kg (3) 4.7 kg (4) 2.6 kg
Sol. Answer (1)

k
1 =
m

k
2 =
m2

1 m2
2 = m

2
Since  =
T

T2 m2
=
T1 m

2
⎛5⎞ = m  2
⎜ ⎟
⎝4⎠ m

25 m  2
=
16 m

25 m = 16 m + 32
9 m = 32

5
m= 3 kg
9

m  3.5 kg

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SECTION - C
Previous Years Questions

1. A particle is executing a simple harmonic motion. Its maximum acceleration is  and maximum velocity is
. Then, its time period of vibration will be [Re-AIPMT - 2015]

2 2  2
(1) (2) (3) (4)
 2  

Sol. Answer (1)

We know acceleration

a  2 x

So,   2 A ...(i)

And, v  x

So,   A ...(ii)

(i)  (ii)

 2

 T

2
T


2. A particle is executing SHM along a straight line. Its velocities at distances x1 and x2 from the mean position
are V1 and V2 respectively. Its time period is [AIPMT - 2015]

V12  V22 x12  x22 x22  x12 V12  V22

(1) 2 (2) 2 (3) 2 (4) 2
x12  x22 V12  V22 V12  V22 x12  x22

Sol. Answer (3)

We know,

V   A2  y 2

So, V 2  2 A2  2 y 2

If position is x1 and velocity is V1, then

V12  2 A2  2 x12 ...(i)

For position x2 and velocity is V2

V22  2 A2  2 x22 ...(ii)

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(i) – (ii)

So, V12  V22  2 ⎡ x22  x12 ⎤

⎣ ⎦

V12  V22
2 
x22  x12

V12  V22 2
 
x22  x12 T

x22  x12
T  2
V12  V22

3. When two displacements represented by y1 = a sin(t) and y2 = b cos(t) are superimposed the motion is
[AIPMT - 2015]
(a  b )
(1) Simple harmonic with amplitude (2) Not a simple harmonic
2
a
(3) Simple harmonic with amplitude (4) Simple harmonic with amplitude a2  b2
b
Sol. Answer (4)

Angle between a and b can be given 90º, so their resultant is b

R  a2  b2
a
Frequency of y1 and y2 are similar so motion of particle is S.H.M.

4. The oscillation of a body on a smooth horizontal surface is represented by the equation, x = Acos(t), where x is
displacement at time t and  is frequency of oscillation. Which one of the following graphs shows correctly the
variation a with t? (Here a = acceleration at time t and T = time period) [AIPMT - 2014]

a a
O T t O T t
(1) (2)

a a
O T t O T t
(3) (4)

Sol. Answer (3)

X = Acost a

dx O t
v   A sin t
dt

d 2x
a   A 2 cos t
dt 2

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5. Out of the following functions representing motion of a particle which represents SHM.
(A) y = sin t – cos t (B) y = sin3 t

⎛ 3 ⎞
(C) y  5cos ⎜  3 t ⎟ (D) y = 1 + t + 2t2 [AIPMT (Prelims)-2011]
⎝ 4 ⎠
(1) Only (A) and (B) (2) Only (A)
(3) Only (D) does not represent SHM (4) Only (A) and (C)
Sol. Answer (4)
Only (A) and (C) are of the form
x = A sin (t + )
Hence they are the only ones which represents an S.H.M.

6. Two particles are oscillating along two close parallel straight lines side by side, with the same frequency and
amplitudes. They pass each other, moving in opposite directions when their displacement is half of the amplitude.
The mean positions of the two particles lie on a straight line perpendicular to the paths of the two particles. The
phase difference is [AIPMT (Mains)-2011]

 2
(1)  (2) (3) Zero (4)
6 3
Sol. Answer (4)
v1 = A cos t ... (i)
v2 = A cos t +  ... (ii)
According to equation v1 = – v2 when

A
x=
2

A
= A sin t
2

 A
t = when x =
6 2
cos t = – cos(t + ) equating (i) and (ii)

3 
cos1  
2 6

5 
 
6 6

2
 =
3

7. The displacement of a particle along the x-axis is given by x = a sin2t. The motion of the particle corresponds
to [AIPMT (Prelims)-2010]
 3
(1) Simple harmonic motion of frequency (2) Simple harmonic motion of frequency
 2

(3) Non simple harmonic motion (4) Simple harmonic motion of frequency
2
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Sol. Answer (1)
x = a sin2 t

a(1  cos 2t )

x=
2
2x – a = – cos 2t
or cos 2t = a – 2x
2 
The period of this function is T = 
2 
1 
Hence frequency = 
T 

8. The period of oscillation of a mass M suspended from a spring of negligible mass is T. If along with it another
mass M is also suspended, the period of oscillation will now be [AIPMT (Prelims)-2010]
T
(1) T (2)
2
(3) 2T (4) 2T

Sol. Answer (4)

T 2M
T m  ⇒ T   2T
T M

9. A simple pendulum performs simple harmonic motion about x = 0 with an amplitude a and time period T. The
a
speed of the pendulum at x = will be [AIPMT (Prelims)-2009]
2

a 32a a 3 a 3
(1) (2) (3) (4)
T T T 2T
Sol. Answer (3)
v = A cos t

A
x=
2

A
 = A sin t
2


= t
6


v = Acos
6

3
v = A
2

2 3
v=
T 2

 3
v= A
T

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10. Which one of the following equations of motion represents simple harmonic motion? (Where k, k0, k1 and a are
all positive.) [AIPMT (Prelims)-2009]
(1) Acceleration = –k(x + a) (2) Acceleration = k(x + a)
(3) Acceleration = kx (4) Acceleration = –k0x + k1x2

Sol. Answer (1)

According to equation of S.H.M..
a = –2x.
The only option of the same form is the third one k0.
Acceleration = – k(x + a)
Hence answer is (3)

11. Two simple harmonic motions of angular frequency 100 and 1000 rad s–1 have the same displacement amplitude.
The ratio of their maximum accelerations is [AIPMT (Prelims)-2008]
(1) 1 : 104 (2) 1 : 10 (3) 1 : 102 (4) 1 : 103
Sol. Answer (3)
Maximum acceleration occurs at the extreme points of an S.H.M.. motion.
a = –2x
At x = A a = –2A
a1 = (100)2 A
a2 = (1000)2 A

a1 1
=
a2 100

a1 : a2 = 1 : 102

12. A point performs simple harmonic oscillation of period T and the equation of motion is given by
⎛ ⎞
x  a sin ⎜ t  ⎟ . After the elapse of what fraction of the time period the velocity of the point will be equal to
⎝ 6 ⎠
half of its maximum velocity? [AIPMT (Prelims)-2008]

T T T T
(1) (2) (3) (4)
12 8 6 3
Sol. Answer (1)
Maximum velocity = a


v = a cos t +
6

a
Let time where v =
2

a 
Let  a cos t 
2 6

 
 t 
3 6

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
or t 
6
2  ⎡ 2 ⎤
T
=
6 ⎢⎣ = T ⎥⎦

T
t=
12

13. A mass of 2.0 kg is put on a flat pan attached to a vertical spring fixed on the ground as shown in the figure.
The mass of the spring and the pan is negligible. When pressed slightly and released the mass executes a simple
harmonic motion. The spring constant is 200 N/m. What should be the minimum amplitude of the motion so that
the mass gets detached from the pan? [Take g = 10 m/s2]
m

[AIPMT (Prelims)-2007]
(1) 10.0 cm (2) Any value less than 12.0 cm
(3) 4.0 cm (4) 8.0 cm
Sol. Answer (1)
When it disconnects from plates acceleration is maximum for minimum amplitude. Acceleration is maximum
at the extremities.
When block leaves from a = g
g = –2x
g = –2a

k
g= – a
m

m
–g =a
k

10 × 2
|a|=
200
a = 10 cm

14. The phase difference between the instantaneous velocity and acceleration of a particle executing simple harmonic
motion is [AIPMT (Prelims)-2007]
(1) Zero (2) 0.5  (3)  (4) 0.707 
Sol. Answer (2)

v = A cos( + )

a = –A2 sin (t + )

⎛ ⎞
Now a = +A2 cos ⎜ t    ⎟
⎝ 2⎠

⎛ ⎞ 
Hence A = ⎜ t    ⎟  (t  ) 
⎝ 2⎠ 2

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15. The particle executing simple harmonic motion has a kinetic energy K0cos2 t. The maximum values of the
potential energy and the total energy are respectively [AIPMT (Prelims)-2007]

K0
(1) K0 and K0 (2) 0 and 2K0 (3) and K0 (4) K0 and 2K0
2

Sol. Answer (1)

Let kinetic energy at 4 point be K = K0cos2t
At maximum value of K cos2t = 1 and K = K0
Maximum value of K.E. = Maximum value of P.E. = Total mechanical energy as mechanical energy is
converted in S.H.M.

16. A particle executes simple harmonic oscillation with an amplitude a. The period of oscillation is T. The minimum
time taken by the particle to travel half of the amplitude from the equilibrium position is
[AIPMT (Prelims)-2007]

T T T T
(1) (2) (3) (4)
2 4 8 12
Sol. Answer (4)

x = a sin t

a
= a sin t
2


 t =
6

 1  T
t=   
6  6 2

T
t=
12

17. A rectangular block of mass m and area of cross-section A floats in a liquid of density ñ. If it is given a small
vertical displacement from equilibrium it undergoes oscillation with a time period T. Then
[AIPMT (Prelims)-2006]

1 1 1
(1) T   (2) T  (3) T  (4) T 
A  m

Sol. Answer (2)

18. The circular motion of a particle with constant speed is: [AIPMT (Prelims)-2005]
(1) Simple harmonic but not periodic (2) Periodic and simple harmonic
(3) Neither periodic nor simple harmonic (4) Periodic but not simple harmonic
Sol. Answer (4)

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19. A particle executing simple harmonic motion of amplitude 5 cm has maximum speed of 31.4 cm/s. The
frequency of its oscillation is [AIPMT (Prelims)-2005]

(1) 3 Hz (2) 2 Hz (3) 4 Hz (4) 1 Hz

Sol. Answer (4)

A = 5 cm

Maximum speed (A) = 31.4

31.4
=
5

or 2f = 31.4

31.4
f=
10  3.14

f = 1 Hz

20. Which of the following is simple harmonic motion?

(1) Particle moving in a circle with uniform speed

(2) Wave moving through a string fixed at both ends

(3) Earth spinning about its axis

(4) Ball bouncing between two rigid vertical walls

Sol. Answer (2)

A wave on a string is an example of simple harmonic motion as the displacement of particles in the motion
may be described by

x = A sin t

21. A particle executes S.H.M.. along x-axis. The force acting on it is given by

(1) A cos (kx) (2) Ae–kx (3) kx (4) – kx

Sol. Answer (4)

Force acts along – kx according to theory of S.H.M..

22. Which one of the following statements is true for the speed v and the acceleration a of a particle executing
simple harmonic motion?

(1) When v is maximum, a is maximum

(2) Value of a is zero, whatever may be the value of v

(3) When v is zero, a is zero

(4) When v is maximum, a is zero

Sol. Answer (4)

Acceleration (a) is zero is the mean position where velocity is maximum.

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23. A particle of mass m is released from rest and follows a parabolic path as shown. Assuming that the
displacement of the mass from the origin is small. Which graph correctly depicts the position of the particle
as a function of time?
v(x)
m

(x)
0

x(t) x(t)
x(t) x(t)

(1) t (2) t (3) (4)

0 0 t t
0 0
Sol. Answer (2)
Particle of mass m is released in a parabolic path. It will perform S.H.M.. just like a pendulum.'
The particle is released from amplitude.
Option (2) represents graph of an S.H.M.. starting from amplitude position.

24. In a simple harmonic motion, when the displacement is one-half the amplitude, what fraction of the total energy
is kinetic?

1 3 1
(1) (2) (3) Zero (4)
2 4 4
Sol. Answer (2)

⎛ A⎞
K.E. of half of amplitude = ⎜ x  ⎟
⎝ 2⎠

1 1 ⎛ 2⎞
K.E. of k ( A2  x 2 )  k ⎜ A2  A ⎟
2 2 ⎝ 4 ⎠

1 ⎛ 3 A2 ⎞
k
2 ⎜⎝ 4 ⎟⎠
K.E. =

1 ⎛ 3 A2 ⎞
k
K .E. 2 ⎜⎝ 4 ⎟⎠ 3
Fraction of the total energy is kinetic energy =  
T .E. 1 2 4
kA
2

25. A linear harmonic oscillator of force constant 2 × 106 N/m and amplitude 0.01 m has a total mechanical
energy of 160 J. Its
(1) Maximum P.E. is 160 J (2) Maximum P.E. is zero
(3) Maximum P.E. is 100 J (4) Maximum P.E. is 120 J
Sol. Answer (1)
At maximum potential energy all mechanical energy is stored as potential energy.
Hence maximum P.E. = Total mechanical energy
= 160 J
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26. Displacement between maximum potential energy position and maximum kinetic energy position for a particle
executing simple harmonic motion is

a
(1)  (2) + a (3) ± a (4) – 1
2

Sol. Answer (3)

Maximum P.E. is at extremities and maximum K.E. is at mean position.
Hence the difference in between the two position is ± a.

27. A particle of mass m oscillates with simple harmonic motion between points x1 and x2, the equilibrium position
being O. Its potential energy U is plotted. It will be as given below in the graph

U
U

(1) (2)
x1 O x2 x1 x2
O

U U
(3) x1 O x2 (4) x1 O x2

Sol. Answer (1)

In S.H.M.. potential energy is minimum at mean position and maximum at the extremities. Also graph will be
parabolic as

1 2
U= kx
2

Hence answer is (1).

28. The potential energy of a simple harmonic oscillator when the particle is half way to its end point is

2 1 1 1
(1) E (2) E (3) E (4) E
3 8 4 2
Sol. Answer (3)

1 2
E= kA [where E is total energy]
2
A
When x =
2

1 2 1 kA2 kA2
Ex = kx  
2 2 4 8
E
or Ex =
4

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29. If the length of a simple pendulum is increased by 2%, then the time period
(1) Increases by 1% (2) Decreases by 1% (3) Increases by 2% (4) Decreases by 2%
Sol. Answer (1)

l
T = 2
g

If length is increased by 2%

l 102
T2 = 2 
g 100

l
or T2 = 2 (1  0.02)
g

l
or T2 = 2  1.01 [By binomial theorem]
g

T
or T2 = T +
100
 T2 is 1% more than T.

30. Two simple pendulums of length 5 m and 20 m respectively are given small linear displacements in one
direction at the same time. They will again be in the same phase when the pendulum of shorter length has
completed ______ oscillations.
(1) 2 (2) 1 (3) 5 (4) 3
Sol. Answer (1)
l1 = 5 m l2 = 20 m

5 20
T1 = 2 T2 = 2
g g

T1 1

T2 2

2T1 = T2
Hence they will be in phase again when shorter one has completed 2 oscillation.

31. Two masses MA and MB are hung from two strings of length lA and lB respectively. They are executing S.H.M.
with frequency relation fA = 2fB, then relation

IB
(1) I A  , does not depend on mass (2) IA = 4IB, does not depend on mass
4

IB MB
(3) IA = 2IB and MA = 2MB (4) I A  and M A 
2 2
Sol. Answer (1)
Mass MA and MB
Length lA and lB

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If fA = 2fB

2
TB = 2TA [as f = given]
T

lA l
2  4 B
g g

lA
= 4lB
g

lA
or lB = which does not depend on mass.
4

32. A mass m is vertically suspended from a spring of negligible mass, the system oscillates with a frequency
n. What will be the frequency of the system, if a mass 4m is suspended from the same spring?

n n
(1) (2) 4n (3) (4) 2n
2 4
Sol. Answer (1)

k
 = 2n =
m

1
= n
m

n
When m becomes 4 m hence n is halved
2

33. A mass is suspended separately by two different springs in successive order then time periods is
t1 and t2 respectively. If it is connected by both the springs as shown in figure then time period is t0, the
correct relation is

K1 K2

(1) t 02  t 12  t 22 (2) t 0 2  t 1 2  t 2 2 (3) t 01  t 11  t 21 (4) t0 = t1 + t2

Sol. Answer (2)

m m
t1 = 2 t2 = 2
k1 k2

The springs in parallel have keq = k1 + k2

m
t0 = 2
k1  k2

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m
t0 = 2
⎛m m⎞
4 2 ⎜ 2  2 ⎟
⎝ t1 t2 ⎠

t12 t22
t0 =
t12  t22

1 t12  t 22 1 1 1
= = 
t02 t12  t22 t02 t 22 t12

34. The time period of mass suspended from a spring is T. If the spring is cut into four equal parts and the same
mass is suspended from one of the parts, then the new time period will be

T T
(1) (2) T (3) (4) 2T
4 2
Sol. Answer (3)

m
T = 2
k
The k of spring becomes 4 k when cut.

m T
T = 2 or T =
4k 2

35. A particle, with restoring force proportional to displacement and resisting force proportional to velocity is
subjected to a force F sint. If the amplitude of the particle is maximum for  = 1, and the energy of the
particle maximum for  = 2, then
(1) 1  0 and 2  0 (2) 1  0 and 2  0
(3) 1  0 and 2  0 (4) 1  0 and 2  0
Sol. Answer (2)
F = F0 sin t is the equation of forces vibration.
In the case of resonance  is the resonating frequency.
At the same amplitude and energy is maximum.
Hence 1 = 2 = 

1
36. When an oscillator completes 100 oscillations its amplitude reduced to of initial value. What will be its
3
amplitude, when it completes 200 oscillations?

1 2 1 1
(1) (2) (3) (4)
8 3 6 9
Sol. Answer (4)
A = A0e–bt

A0
When t = 200 T A=
3

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A0
= A0e–b×100 T
3

1
e–100bT =
3
A = A0(e–b×200 T)
A = A0(e–b×100 T)2
2
⎛ 1⎞
A = A0 ⎜ ⎟
⎝3⎠

A0
A =
9

37. In case of a forced vibrations, the resonance wave becomes very sharp when the
(1) Damping force is small (2) Restoring force is small
(3) Applied periodic force is small (4) Quality factor is small
Sol. Answer (1)
When restoring force is very small there is very little dissipation of energy and the driving force can deliver
maximum amplitude.

38. Two S.H.M.’s with same amplitude and time period, when acting together in perpendicular directions with a

phase difference of , give rise to
2
(1) Straight motion (2) Elliptical motion (3) Circular motion (4) None of these
Sol. Answer (3)
Let x be x = a sin t
and y be y = a sin (t + ) or y = a cos t
If they are perpendicular x2 + y2 = a2 which is the equation of circle.


39. The equations of two S.H.M.’s is given as x = a cos (t + ) and y = a cos (t + ), where     , the
2
resultant of the two S.H.M.’s represents
(1) A hyperbola (2) A circle (3) An ellipse (4) None of these
Sol. Answer (2)
x = a cos (t + )
y = a cos (t + ) ... (i)


=+
2
a – a sin (t + ) ... (ii)
Squaring both (i) and (ii) it is of the form.
x2 + y2 = a2
Hence it represents a circle.

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40. The damping force on an oscillator is directly proportional to the velocity. The units of the constant of
proportionality are
(1) kg ms–1 (2) kg ms–2 (3) kg s–1 (4) kg s
Sol. Answer (3)
F = kv
F
k =
v
[k] = [F] [v]–1
[k] = [kg ms–2 m–1s]
[k] = kg s–1

41. A wave has S.H.M. whose period is 4 s while another wave which also possess S.H.M. has its period 3 s.
If both are combined, then the resultant wave will have the period equal to
(1) 4 s (2) 5 s (3) 12 s (4) 3 s
Sol. Answer (3)
T1 = 4 s
T2 = 3 s
The resultant wave will have a time period equal to LCM of the two waves.
LCM of 4 and 3 is 12
Hence T = 12 s

SECTION - D
Assertion - Reason Type Questions
1. A : Simple harmonic motion is not a uniform motion.
R : Simple harmonic motion can be regarded as the projection of uniform circular motion.
Sol. Answer (2)
Simple harmonic motion is not a uniform motion as acceleration velocity and displacement are all variable with
time simple harmonic motion can be regarded as a project ion of uniform circular motion but this is not the
correct explanation of assertion.

2. A : In simple harmonic motion, the velocity is maximum when the displacement is minimum.
R : Displacement and velocity of S.H.M. differ in phase by /2.
Sol. Answer (1)
The assertion is true and the reason is the correct explanation of the given assertion.

3. A : In reality the amplitude of a freely oscillating pendulum decreases gradually with time.
R : The frequency of the pendulum decreases with time.
Sol. Answer (3)
Assertion is true as damping and dissipative forces are present reducing the energy and hence amplitude of
the pendulum.
The frequency positive remains constant.

4. A : The graph of velocity as a function of displacement for a particle executing S.H.M. is an ellipse.

R : The velocity and displacement are related as v   A 2  x 2

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Sol. Answer (1)
The assertion is true and the explanation gives the equation of velocity vs displacement (x) which is in the form
of an ellipse.

5. A : The phase difference between the two particles shown below is . (Assuming both particles have same
time periods and same amplitudes).

mean position

–a a

R : If the particles cross each other while they move in the opposite direction, they have a phase difference
of  radian.
Sol. Answer (4)
The phase difference between two particles is  only when they pass the mean point with opposite velocities
at the same point.
Both the assertion and reason are hence false.

6. A : All trigonometric functions are periodic.

R : All trigonometric functions can represent S.H.M.
Sol. Answer (3)
All trigonometric function may be periodic but not all can represent S.H.M. Examples of exception include tan,
cot, cosec etc. Hence answer is (3)

7. A : In a S.H.M. both kinetic energy and potential energy oscillates with double the frequency of S.H.M.
R : Frequency of oscillation of total energy in S.H.M. is infinite
Sol. Answer (3)

1 1
K.E. = mA22cos2(t + ) P.E. = mA22sin2(t + )
2 2
cos2 and sin2 may both be written in the form of doubles angles. Hence they represent S.H.M. with angular
frequency = 2.
Total energy of an S.H.M. is always constant. Constant values are said to have infinite time period and zero
frequency.

8. A : If a clock based on simple pendulum is taken to hill it will become slower.

R : With increase of height above surface of earth g decreases so T will increase.
Sol. Answer (1)

l
T = 2
g

The assertion is the correct explanation of the reason.

9. A : If a spring block system, oscillating in a vertical plane is made to oscillate on a horizontal surface, the
time period will remain same.
R : The time period of spring block system does not depend on g.

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Sol. Answer (2)

m
T = 2
k
Gives the time period of spring block system any time period remains the same in both cases.
Time period of spring block system doesn't depend on g but that explanation alone is not enough to explain
the non-variation time period of S.H.M.

10. A : In a forced oscillator the energy transferred from driving force to damped oscillator is maximum in resonance
state.
R : The amplitude of forced oscillator depends on the frequency of external force.
Sol. Answer (2)
The assertion and reason are both true. But the reason does not exsplain why maximum energy transfer occurs
in that state. It merely says that the amplitude depends on frequency of external force.

11. A : If length of a spring is halved, then its force constant becomes double.
R : The spring constant is inversely proportional to length of spring.
Sol. Answer (1)
Suppose a spring of natural length l into made of two parts l1 and l2.
The entire spring is displaced by a distance x.
l1 l2
x = x1 + x2
Now x1 : x2 = l1 : l2

F F
: : = l1 : l2
k1 k2
k2 l1
=
k1 l 2

1
k
l
So if length is halved keq is doubled.

12. A : When soldier cross a bridge, they are asked to break steps.
R : If they do not break steps, then they will apply large force on bridge simultaneously.
Sol. Answer (3)
When soldiers cross a bridge, they are asked to break steps. So the assertion is true.
They are told to do this to avoid forced vibration to be created on the bridge. If it is the same as natural
frequency of the bridge, it may cause resonance. The bridge may oscillate with a higher amplitude and the
bridge may fall.

13. A : In S.H.M. the change in velocity is not uniform.

R : In S.H.M. the acceleration of body varies linearly with its displacement.
Sol. Answer (1)
Both the assertion and reason are correct and reason the correct explanation of assertion.
a = –2x

  
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