Welcome to

Oscillations
 Periodic & Oscillatory Motion

• Periodic Motion- A motion along a • Oscillatory Motion- Periodic to

definite path that repeats itself after and fro motion along the same
regular intervals of time. path about a fixed point.
 Periodic Motion

• All periodic motions are not oscillatory.

Periodic motion

• All oscillatory motions are periodic.

Oscillatory motion

*Provided
there is no
energy loss.*
 Oscillatory Motion

• Consider a particle moving along x-axis subjected to a force-

𝐹 = −𝑘 𝑥 𝑛

𝑛 = Even (2, 4, 6 … ) 𝑛 = Odd (1, 3, 5 … )

𝑥<0 𝑥=0 𝑥>0 𝑥<0 𝑥=0 𝑥>0

𝐹 𝑂 𝐹 𝐹 𝑂 𝐹

Not Oscillatory Oscillatory

 Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)

• To-and-fro motion about a fixed point with the restoring force, 𝐹Ԧ ∝ −𝑥Ԧ [Put 𝑛 = 1 in 𝐹 = −𝑘𝑥 𝑛 ]

𝐹Ԧ ∝ −𝑥Ԧ
𝑥=0
From Newton’s second
law of motion:
𝒎
𝑥<0 𝑥>0
𝑚𝑎Ԧ ∝ −𝑥Ԧ
𝐹 𝑂 𝐹
𝑎Ԧ ∝ −𝑥Ԧ
 SHM as a projection of Uniform Circular Motion

𝑑𝑥
Velocity, 𝑣 = ⇒ 𝑣 = 𝐴𝜔 cos 𝜔𝑡
𝑑𝑡

Acceleration,
𝑑𝑣
𝑎= ⇒ 𝑎 = −𝐴𝜔2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜔𝑡
𝑑𝑡

𝑎 = −𝜔2 𝑥

Time Period 𝑇 : Shortest

time taken to complete one
oscillation.
2𝜋
𝑇=
𝜔
Angular speed, 𝜃
𝜔= ⇒ 𝜃 = 𝜔𝑡 Frequency 𝑓 : Number of
𝑡
oscillations per second.
Position, 𝑥 = 𝐴 sin 𝜃 ⇒ 𝑥 = 𝐴 sin 𝜔𝑡

Amplitude 𝐴 : Maximum 1 𝜔
𝑓= =
displacement of the particle from 𝑇 2𝜋
the mean position.
 Average velocity of the particle executing SHM in one complete
T oscillation is- (Amplitude = 𝐴)

Given: Amplitude = 𝐴 and time, 𝑡 = 𝑇

To find: Average velocity

Solution:
𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 Δ𝑥
Average velocity, 𝑣𝑎𝑣𝑔 = =
𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑛 Δ𝑡

In one oscillation the object returns to its initial position

⇒ Δ𝑥 = 0

Therefore, 𝑣𝑎𝑣𝑔 = 0
Differential Equation of SHM

Acceleration of the particle is- 𝑎 = −𝜔2 𝑥

𝑑2𝑥
Differential Equation of SHM- 2
= −𝜔2 𝑥
𝑑𝑡

𝑑2𝑥
2 + 𝜔2 𝑥 = 0
𝑑𝑡

General Solution is- 𝑥 = 𝐴 sin 𝜔𝑡 + 𝜙

SHM- Initial position is Mean position

General Solution is- 𝑥 = 𝐴 sin 𝜔𝑡 + 𝜙

If initial position is mean position-

𝑥 = 0 at 𝑡 = 0

⇒ 0 = 𝐴 sin 𝜙 ⇒ 𝜙 = 0

∴ 𝑥 = 𝐴 sin 𝜔𝑡
SHM-Initial position is Negative Extreme

General Solution is- 𝑥 = 𝐴 sin 𝜔𝑡 + 𝜙

If initial position is negative extreme-

𝑥 = −𝐴 at 𝑡 = 0

⇒ −𝐴 = 𝐴 sin 𝜙 ⇒ sin 𝜙 = −1

𝜋
⇒𝜙=−
2
∴ 𝑥 = −𝐴 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜔𝑡
SHM-Initial position is Positive Extreme

General Solution is- 𝑥 = 𝐴 sin 𝜔𝑡 + 𝜙

If initial position is positive extreme-

𝑥 = 𝐴 at 𝑡 = 0

⇒ 𝐴 = 𝐴 sin 𝜙 ⇒ sin 𝜙 = 1

𝜋
⇒𝜙=
2
∴ 𝑥 = 𝐴 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜔𝑡
 Equation of SHM

𝑥 = 𝐴 sin 𝜔𝑡 + 𝜙

𝜙=0 𝜋 𝜋
𝜙=− 𝜙=
2 2
𝑥 = 𝐴 sin 𝜔𝑡 𝑥 = −𝐴 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜔𝑡 𝑥 = 𝐴 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜔𝑡

𝑥 𝑥 𝑥

𝐴 𝐴 𝐴

𝜋 2𝜋 2𝜋 𝜋 2𝜋
0 𝜋 0
𝜋 3𝜋 𝜔𝑡 0 𝜋 3𝜋 𝜋 3𝜋 𝜔𝑡
𝜔𝑡
2 2 2 2 2 2
−𝐴 −𝐴 −𝐴
 Simple Harmonic motion

Displacement Velocity Acceleration

 Velocity of a particle performing SHM

𝜋
𝜋 3𝜋 2𝜋 5𝜋 3𝜋
𝑥 2 2 2
Displacement, 𝑥 = 𝐴 sin(𝜔𝑡 + 𝜙)
𝑡
𝑑𝑥
Differentiation 𝑣=
𝑑𝑡

Velocity, 𝑣 = 𝐴𝜔 cos 𝜔𝑡 + 𝜙
𝑡
 Relation between Velocity and Displacement

Displacement Velocity

𝑥 = 𝐴 sin 𝜔𝑡 + ∅ 𝑣 = 𝐴𝜔 cos 𝜔𝑡 + ∅

𝑥 𝑣
= sin 𝜔𝑡 + ∅ = cos 𝜔𝑡 + ∅
𝐴 𝐴𝜔

𝑥2 𝑣2 𝑥2
+
𝑣2
=1
+ =1 𝐴2 𝐴2 𝜔 2 𝑣 = 𝜔 𝐴2 − 𝑥 2
𝐴 2 𝐴2 𝜔 2

At mean position, 𝑥 = 0 → 𝑣𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝜔𝐴

At extreme position, 𝑥 = ±𝐴 → 𝑣𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 0
 Acceleration of a particle performing SHM

𝜋
𝜋 3𝜋 2𝜋 5𝜋 3𝜋
𝑥 2 2 2
Displacement, 𝑥 = 𝐴 sin(𝜔𝑡 + ∅) 𝑡

𝑑𝑥
Differentiation 𝑣=
𝑑𝑡
𝑣

Velocity, 𝑣 = 𝐴𝜔 cos 𝜔𝑡 + ∅ 𝑡

𝑑𝑣
Differentiation 𝑎=
𝑑𝑡 𝑎

𝑡
Acceleration, 𝑎 = −𝐴𝜔2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜔𝑡 + ∅
 Acceleration as a function of x

𝑎 Displacement, 𝑥 = 𝐴 sin(𝜔𝑡 + ∅)

Acceleration, 𝑎 = −𝜔2 𝐴 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜔𝑡 + ∅

𝑥
𝑎 = −𝜔2 𝑥
𝑥

𝑑2 𝑥
2
+ 𝜔2 𝑥 = 0
𝑑𝑡
Slope = −𝜔2

At mean position, 𝑥 = 0 → 𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 0

At extreme position, 𝑥 = ±𝐴 → 𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝜔2 𝐴
 Graphical Representation

𝑥 𝜋 3𝜋
𝜋 2𝜋
2 2
𝐴
Displacement: 𝑥 = 𝐴 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜔𝑡
0
𝜔𝑡
−𝐴
𝑣
𝐴𝜔
Velocity: 𝑣 = 𝐴𝜔 cos(𝜔𝑡)
0
𝜔𝑡 𝜋
𝑣 = 𝐴𝜔 sin(𝜔𝑡 + )
−𝐴𝜔 2
𝑎
𝜔2 𝐴
Acceleration: 𝑎 = −𝐴𝜔2 sin(𝜔𝑡)
0
𝜔𝑡 𝑎 = 𝐴𝜔2 sin(𝜔𝑡 + 𝜋)
−𝜔2 𝐴
 The particle is executing simple harmonic motion. Its maximum
acceleration is 𝛼 and maximum velocity 𝛽. Then its time period of
oscillation will be-

Given: 𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝛼 and 𝑣𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝛽

𝑣𝑚𝑎𝑥
To find: 𝑇

𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑥
Solution: 2
𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝜔 𝐴 = 𝛼 𝑣𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝜔𝐴 = 𝛽

𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑥 𝛼
=𝜔=
𝑣𝑚𝑎𝑥 𝛽

2𝜋 2𝜋
𝑇= ⇒𝑇= 𝛼
𝜔
𝛽

2𝜋𝛽
𝑇= 𝑠
𝛼
 The oscillation of a body on a smooth horizontal surface is
represented by the equation, 𝑥 = 𝐴 cos 𝜔𝑡. Which of the following
graphs shows correctly the variation of 𝑎 with 𝑡?

Given: 𝑥 = 𝐴 cos 𝜔𝑡

To find: 𝑎 − 𝑡 graph

Solution:
𝑑𝑥
𝑥 = 𝐴 cos 𝜔𝑡 ⇒𝑣= = −𝐴𝜔 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜔𝑡
𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝑣
𝑎= = −𝐴𝜔2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜔𝑡
𝑑𝑡
For 𝑡 = 0, 𝑎 = −𝐴𝜔2 = −𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑥

For 𝑡 = 𝑇, 𝑎 = −𝐴𝜔2 cos 𝜔𝑇

2𝜋
𝑎 = −𝐴𝜔2 cos 𝑇
𝑇
𝑎 = −𝐴𝜔2 = −𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑥
 A pendulum is moving like simple harmonic oscillator. The acceleration of
the bob of the pendulum is 20 𝑚/𝑠 2 at a distance of 5 𝑚 from the mean
position. What would be the time period of the oscillation.

Given: 𝑎 = 20 𝑚/𝑠 2 and 𝑥 = 5 𝑚

To find: 𝑇

𝑎
Solution: 𝑎 = 𝜔2 𝑥 ⇒𝜔=
𝑥

20
𝜔= ⇒ 𝜔 = 2 𝑟𝑎𝑑/𝑠
5

2𝜋 2𝜋
𝑇= ⇒𝑇=
𝜔 2

𝑇=𝜋𝑠
 A particle executes linear simple harmonic motion with an amplitude
of 3 𝑐𝑚. When the particle is at 2 𝑐𝑚 from the mean position, the
magnitude of its velocity is equal to that of its acceleration. Then what
is its time period in seconds?

Given: 𝐴 = 3 𝑐𝑚 and 𝑥 = 2 𝑐𝑚

To find: 𝑇

Solution: 𝑣 = 𝑎

𝜔 𝐴2 − 𝑥 2 = 𝜔2 𝑥 ⇒ 32 − 22 = 𝜔 × 2

5
⇒𝜔= 𝑟𝑎𝑑/𝑠
2
2𝜋 2𝜋
𝑇= ⇒𝑇=
𝜔 5
2
4𝜋
𝑇= 𝑠
5
 What is the phase difference between acceleration and velocity
T of a particle executing simple harmonic motion?

Given: 𝑥 = 𝐴 sin(𝜔𝑡)

To find: The phase difference between acceleration and velocity

𝑑𝑥
Solution: 𝑣= = 𝐴𝜔 cos(𝜔𝑡)
𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝑣 2 2
𝜋
𝑎= = −𝐴𝜔 sin 𝜔𝑡 = 𝐴𝜔 cos 𝜔𝑡 +
𝑑𝑡 2

Therefore, velocity lags acceleration by 𝜋/2

⇒The phase difference between acceleration and velocity = 𝜋/2

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

5 1 1
Solution: Time taken by for oscillations = Time taken for + oscillations
8 2 8

Total distance covered in one oscillation = 4𝐴

1 𝐴
For oscillation, distance covered =
8 2

𝐴 𝜋 𝜋 𝑇 2𝜋
= 𝐴 sin 𝜔𝑡 ⇒ = 𝜔𝑡 ⇒ 𝑡 = = 𝜔=
2 6 6𝜔 12 𝑇

5 𝑇 𝑇 7𝑇
Time taken by it to complete oscillations = + =
8 2 12 12
 A particle is executing S.H.M.. with amplitude 𝐴 and has maximum velocity 𝑣𝑜 .
3𝐴
T What will be its speed at displacement ?
4

Given: Amplitude = 𝐴 and maximum velocity = 𝑣𝑜

3𝐴
To find: speed at displacement 4

2
3𝐴
Solution: 𝑣 = 𝜔 𝐴2 − 𝑥 2 = 𝜔 𝐴2 −
4

9𝐴2 9 7
𝑣=𝜔 𝐴2 − = 𝜔𝐴 1 − = 𝐴𝜔 (𝑣𝑜 = 𝐴𝜔 )
16 16 4

7
𝑣 = 𝑣𝑜
4
 𝜋
The equation of a particle executing simple harmonic motion is 𝑥 = 5 sin 𝜋𝑡 + 3 𝑚.
T Write down the amplitude, time period and maximum speed of the particle.
Also find the velocity at 𝑡 = 1 𝑠.

𝑥 = 𝐴 sin(𝜔𝑡 + 𝜙) … … (1) Maximum Speed:

𝜋 𝑣𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝐴𝜔 = 5𝜋 𝑚𝑠 −1
𝑥 = 5 sin 𝜋𝑡 + … … (2)
3
Velocity at 𝑡 = 1 𝑠:
Comparing equation 1 & 2 : 𝜋
𝑥 = 5 sin 𝜋𝑡 +
Amplitude: 𝐴 =5𝑚 3
𝑑𝑥 𝜋
𝑣= = 5𝜋 cos 𝜋𝑡 +
Time period: 𝑇 = 2𝜋/𝜔 𝑑𝑡 3
At 𝑡 = 1 𝑠
𝜔=𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
𝑣 = 5𝜋 cos 𝜋 + = −5𝜋 cos
𝑇 =2𝑠 3 3
5𝜋
𝑣=− 𝑚𝑠 −1
2
 Kinetic energy as a function of time

𝐾𝐸
1
Kinetic energy = 𝑚𝑣 2
2
1
𝐾𝐸𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑚𝜔2 𝐴2
2
𝑣 = 𝜔𝐴 cos 𝜔𝑡 {at phase 𝜙 = 0}

1
𝐾𝐸 = 𝑚𝜔2 𝐴2 cos 2 𝜔𝑡
2
𝜔𝑡
0 𝜋 𝜋 3𝜋
2 2
 Kinetic energy as a function of displacement

𝐾𝐸
1 1
𝐾𝐸𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑚𝜔2 𝐴2 Kinetic energy = 𝑚𝑣 2
2 2

𝑣 = 𝜔 𝐴2 − 𝑥 2
𝐾𝐸𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 0
1
+𝐴 𝑥 𝐾𝐸 = 𝑚𝜔2 𝐴2 − 𝑥 2
−𝐴 2
 Potential energy as a function of time

Potential energy is stored in the spring

𝑃𝐸
1
𝑃𝐸 = 𝑘𝑥 2
1 2
𝑃𝐸𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑚𝜔2 𝐴2
2
𝑥 = 𝐴 sin 𝜔𝑡 {at phase ∅ = 0}

1 𝑘
𝑃𝐸 = 𝑚𝜔2 𝑥 2 𝜔2 =
2 𝑚
𝜔𝑡
0 𝜋 𝜋 3𝜋 1
2 𝑃𝐸 = 𝑚𝜔2 𝐴2 sin2 𝜔𝑡
2 2
 Potential energy – function of displacement

𝑃𝐸

1 1 2
𝑃𝐸𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑚𝜔2 𝐴2 Potential energy = 𝑘𝑥
2 2
1
= 𝑚𝜔2 𝑥 2
2

−𝐴 +𝐴 𝑥 Potential energy ∝ 𝑥 2 ⇒ 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑙𝑖𝑐

𝑃𝐸𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 0
 Total energy

𝐸
𝐾𝐸
𝐸 = 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡

𝑃𝐸

−𝐴 +𝐴 𝑥

Total energy = Potential energy + Kinetic energy

1 1
= 𝑚𝜔 𝑥 + 𝑚𝜔2 𝐴2 − 𝑥 2
2 2
2 2
1
= 𝑚𝜔2 𝐴2 → 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡
2
 SHM in Spring-mass System

𝐹Ԧ = −𝑘 𝑥Ԧ ⇒ 𝑚𝑎Ԧ = −𝑘 𝑥Ԧ
𝑘
𝑎Ԧ = − 𝑥Ԧ
𝑚
𝐹 𝐹 We know, 𝑎Ԧ = −𝜔2 𝑥Ԧ

𝑘
⇒𝜔=
𝑚
𝑘
At 𝑥 = 0 ⇒ 𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝜔2 𝐴 = 𝐴
𝑚

𝑎Ԧ = −𝜔2 𝑥Ԧ
𝑥 = −𝐴 𝑥=0 𝑥 = +𝐴 𝑑𝑣Ԧ 𝑑 𝑣Ԧ
= −𝜔2 𝑥Ԧ ⇒ 𝑣.
Ԧ = −𝜔2 𝑥Ԧ
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑥

Ԧ 𝑑 𝑣Ԧ = −𝜔2 𝑥𝑑
𝑣. Ԧ 𝑥Ԧ
𝑣 𝑥
2
න 𝑣.
Ԧ 𝑑 𝑣Ԧ = −𝜔 න 𝑥𝑑
Ԧ 𝑥Ԧ
0 𝐴

𝑣 = ±𝜔 𝐴2 − 𝑥 2
⇒ 𝑣𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝜔𝐴
Time period of block – Horizontal vs Vertical

𝑘 𝑚
𝑘

𝑚
 Steps to find Time Period

Step 1: Locate the mean position. It is when

the system is in equilibrium.
𝑡=0 Step 2: Displace the system from mean position
𝑥 = −𝐴 𝑥=0 𝑥 = +𝐴
𝑥,t
By ′𝑥′. Find 𝐹𝑛𝑒𝑡 in this position.

Step 3: Using 𝐹Ԧ𝑛𝑒𝑡 = 𝑚𝑎Ԧ bring it to the form

Restoring 𝑎Ԧ = −𝜔2 𝑥Ԧ and identify 𝜔.

force
Step 4: Find the angular
frequency and Time period,

𝑘
𝜔= 𝑚

2𝜋
𝑇= of the system
𝜔
 Vertical spring – block system

Step 1: Find the mean position.

𝑘𝑦0 = 𝑚𝑔

𝑚𝑔
𝑦0 =
𝑘

𝑦0
𝑘𝑦0

𝑚𝑔
 Vertical spring – block system

Step 2: Displace the block down from mean

position by ‘y’. Find 𝐹𝑛𝑒𝑡 in this position.
𝐹𝑛𝑒𝑡 = 𝑚𝑔 − 𝑘 𝑦0 + 𝑦
𝐹𝑛𝑒𝑡 = 𝑘𝑦0 − 𝑘𝑦0 − 𝑘𝑦
𝐹𝑛𝑒𝑡 = −𝑘𝑦
𝑘𝑦0
Step 3: 𝑚𝑎 = −𝑘𝑦
𝑦0 𝑘
𝑎=− 𝑦
𝑚
𝑦0 + 𝑦 Comparing with, 𝑎 = −𝜔2 𝑦

𝑚𝑔

𝑚𝑔
 Vertical spring – block system

Step 4: Calculate angular velocity

and then time period

𝑘
𝜔=
𝑚

2𝜋 𝑚
𝑇= = 2𝜋
𝑘𝑦0 𝜔 𝑘
𝑚 𝑦0 1
𝑦0 = =
𝑘 𝑔 𝜔2

𝑦0 + 𝑦

𝑚𝑔

𝑚𝑔
 Horizontal spring – block system

𝐹𝑟𝑒𝑠 = −𝑘𝑥

𝑚𝑎 = −𝑘𝑥

𝑘
𝑎=− 𝑥
𝑚
𝑘
Comparing with 𝑎 = − 𝜔2 𝑥

𝑘 𝑘 2𝜋
𝜔2 = ∴ 𝜔= ,𝑇 =
𝑚 𝑚 𝜔
𝑥
𝑚
 In a spring block system, the mass of block is 1 𝑘𝑔 and the spring constant of the
spring is 4 𝑁/𝑚 . What is the Time period of oscillation?

Given: 𝑘 = 4 𝑁/𝑚, 𝑚 = 1 𝑘𝑔

To find: 𝑇

𝑘
Solution: ⟹ 𝜔2 =
𝑚

4
⟹𝜔= = 2 𝑟𝑎𝑑/𝑠
1

2𝜋 2 × 3.14
⟹𝑇= = = 3.14 𝑠
𝜔 2

So, option (D) is correct

 A body of mass 𝑚 is attached to the lower end of a spring whose upper end is fixed.
The spring has negligible mass. When the mass 𝑚 is slightly pulled down and
released, it oscillates with a time period of 3 𝑠. On increasing the mass by 1 𝑘𝑔, the
time period of oscillation becomes 5 𝑠. The value of 𝑚 in 𝑘𝑔 is

Given: 𝑇𝑚 = 3𝑠 , 𝑇𝑚+1 = 5𝑠 𝑚 9
∴ =
𝑚 + 1 25
To find: 𝑚 ∴ 25𝑚 = 9𝑚 + 9

𝑚 9
𝑇 = 2𝜋 ⟹𝑇∝ 𝑚 ∴𝑚= 𝑘𝑔
Solution: 𝑘 16

𝑇1 𝑚1
=
𝑇2 𝑚2

𝑚1 = 𝑚, 𝑚2 = 𝑚 + 1

3 𝑚
∴ =
5 𝑚+1
 Combination of springs

Springs in Series Springs in Parallel

 Springs in series

Spring force in all the springs in series is same.

𝐹 = 𝑘1 𝑥1 = 𝑘2 𝑥2 = 𝑘𝑒𝑞 𝑥

𝑘1 , 𝑥1 𝑥 = 𝑥1 + 𝑥2
𝑘1 𝑥1 𝐹 𝐹 𝐹
𝑥1 + 𝑥2 = +
𝑘𝑒𝑞 𝑘1 𝑘2
𝑘2 𝑥2
𝑘2 , 𝑥2
1 1 1
= +
𝑘𝑒𝑞 𝑘1 𝑘2

𝑚𝑔 1 1 1 1
= + + ……+
𝑘𝑒𝑞 𝑘1 𝑘2 𝑘𝑛
𝐹
For 𝑛 springs in series
 Springs in Parallel

𝑥 𝑘1 𝑥1
Extension/compression in all springs
in parallel is the same
𝐹 = 𝑘1 𝑥 + 𝑘2 𝑥 = 𝑘𝑒𝑞 𝑥

𝑘𝑒𝑞 𝑥 = 𝑘1 𝑥 + 𝑘2 𝑥
𝑥 𝑘2 𝑥2
𝑘𝑒𝑞 = 𝑘1 + 𝑘2
𝑘1
𝑘2
𝑘𝑒𝑞 = 𝑘1 + 𝑘2 + … … 𝑘𝑛 For 𝑛 springs
 A spring of force constant 𝑘 is cut into lengths of ratio 1: 2: 3. They are connected in
series and the new force constant is 𝑘 ′ . Then they are connected in parallel and force
constant is 𝑘′′. Then 𝑘 ′ : 𝑘′′ is

Given: 𝑘1 = 6𝑘, 𝑘2 = 3𝑘 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑘3 = 2𝑘

To find: 𝑘 ′ : 𝑘′′

Solution: For series combination,

1 1 1 1
= + +
𝑘′ 6𝑘 3𝑘 2𝑘

∴ 𝑘′ = 𝑘 … (𝑖)
For parallel combination,
𝑘′′ = 6𝑘 + 3𝑘 + 2𝑘
∴ 𝑘′′ = 11𝑘 … (𝑖𝑖)

𝑘 ′ : 𝑘′′ = 1: 11
 In a simple harmonic motion, when the displacement is one-half the
T amplitude, what fraction of the total energy is kinetic?

NEET 1995
1
Solution: 𝑇. 𝐸. = 𝑚𝜔2 𝐴2
2
1
𝐾. 𝐸. = 𝑚𝜔2 𝐴2 − 𝑥 2
2
1 2 2
𝐴2
= 𝑚𝜔 𝐴 −
2 4
1 3 3
= 𝑚𝜔2 𝐴2 = 𝑇. 𝐸.
2 4 4
𝐾. 𝐸. 3
=
𝑇. 𝐸. 4
 Find the period of oscillation of the system shown in the given figure.
T

Solution: Spring 1 and 2 are in parallel combination-

1 2 𝑛
𝑘 𝑘
𝑘𝑝 = 𝑘 + 𝑘 = 2𝑘 𝑘𝑝 = ෍ 𝑘𝑖
𝑖=1

𝑛
1 1 1 1 1 1
= + = =෍
3 𝑘𝑒𝑓𝑓 2𝑘 2𝑘 𝑘 𝑘𝑠 𝑘𝑖
2𝑘 𝑖=1

𝑚
𝑇 = 2𝜋
𝑘
𝒎
𝑚
𝑇 = 2𝜋
𝑘
 A mass is suspended separately by two different springs in successive order

T then time periods is 𝑡1 and 𝑡2 respectively. If it is connected by both the springs

as shown in figure then what is the time period is 𝑡𝑜 ?

𝑚 𝑚
Solution: 𝑡1 = 2𝜋 2
⇒ 𝑘1 = 4𝜋 2
𝑘1 𝑡1

𝑚 𝑚
𝑡2 = 2𝜋 ⇒ 𝑘2 = 4𝜋 2 2
𝑘2 𝑡2

𝑚 𝑚
𝑡𝑜 = 2𝜋 = 2𝜋
𝑘1 + 𝑘2 4𝜋 2 𝑚 4𝜋 2 𝑚
+
𝑡12 𝑡12
𝑚
𝑡12 𝑡22 1 1 1
𝑡𝑜 = ⇒ 2= 2+ 2
𝑡12 + 𝑡22 𝑡𝑜 𝑡2 𝑡1
 A particle of mass 𝑚 is attached to three springs 𝐴, 𝐵 and 𝐶 of equal force
constant 𝑘 as shown in figure. If the particle is pushed slightly against the
T spring 𝐶 and released, find the time period of oscillation.

𝑘 𝑘
𝑘𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 = 𝑘 + + = 2𝑘
2 2 All springs are in parallel

𝑚
𝑇 = 2𝜋
2𝑘
 Spring at an Angle

𝑥 𝑥

𝐹 = 𝑘𝑒𝑓𝑓 𝑥
𝐹𝑠 cos 𝜃 = (𝑘𝑥 cos 2 𝜃)

=
𝜃 𝐹 𝐹

𝐹𝑠 = 𝑘 𝑥 cos 𝜃

𝑘𝑒𝑓𝑓 = 𝑘 cos 2 𝜃
 Superposition in SHM

𝑥 Superposition of two SHM parallel to each other:

𝐴1
𝑥1 = 𝐴1 sin 𝜔𝑡 and 𝑥2 = 𝐴2 sin(𝜔𝑡 + 𝜙)
𝐴2
0
The resultant will also be a SHM with same frequency
𝜔𝑡

𝑦 = 𝑥1 + 𝑥2 = 𝐴1 sin 𝜔𝑡 + 𝐴2 sin 𝜔𝑡 cos 𝜙 + sin 𝜙 cos 𝜔𝑡

𝑥 𝐴 sin(𝜔𝑡 + 𝛼) = 𝐴1 + 𝐴2 cos 𝜙 sin 𝜔𝑡 + 𝐴2 sin 𝜙 cos 𝜔𝑡

𝐴

𝐴 cos 𝛼 = 𝐴1 + 𝐴2 cos 𝜙 𝐴 sin 𝛼 = 𝐴2 sin 𝜙

0
𝜔𝑡
𝐴2 sin 𝜙
𝐴= 𝐴12 + 𝐴22 + 2𝐴1 𝐴2 cos 𝜙 𝛼=
𝐴1 + 𝐴2 cos 𝜙
 Superposition in SHM

Superposition of two SHM perpendicular to each other:

𝑥 = 𝐴1 sin 𝜔𝑡 and y = 𝐴2 sin(𝜔𝑡 + 𝜙)

• The resultant motion depends on the frequency ratio of the two S.H.M. and
initial phase difference. The figures so formed are called Lissajous figures.

General eq. of Lissajous figures-

𝑥 2 𝑦 2 2𝑥𝑦 2𝜙
+ − cos 𝜙 = sin
𝐴12 𝐴22 𝐴1 𝐴2
 Superposition in SHM

𝜙 Equation Motion

𝑥 𝑦 𝐴2
𝜙=0 + =0 Straight line
𝐴1 𝐴2 𝐴1

𝐴2
𝜋 𝑥2 𝑦2 2𝑥𝑦 1
𝜙= + − = Oblique ellipse
4 𝐴12 𝐴22 𝐴1 𝐴2 2 𝐴1

𝐴2
𝜋 𝑥2 𝑦2 Ellipse
𝜙= 2+ 2 =1 𝐴1 𝐴1 = 𝐴2
2 𝐴1 𝐴2 If 𝐴1 = 𝐴2 ⇒ Circle
 Angular SHM

• A system is said to execute an angular SHM if its angular acceleration(𝛼) is

directly proportional to its angular displacement(𝜃) but is in opposite sense.

𝛼Ԧ ∝ −𝜃Ԧ

𝛼Ԧ = −𝜔2 𝜃Ԧ

The differential equation for angular SHM is:

𝑑 2 𝜃Ԧ 2Ԧ
= −𝜔 𝜃
𝑑𝑡 2
 Simple Pendulum

Net torque on point mass about point O,

𝜏𝑛𝑒𝑡 𝑜 = 𝑚𝑔𝑙𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = 𝐼𝑜 𝛼
𝑙 sin 𝜃 ⇒ 𝑚𝑔𝑙𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = 𝐼𝛼
𝑄 𝑂 𝑚𝑔𝑙
⇒𝛼= 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
𝐼
𝜃 For small oscillations, 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 ≈ 𝜃

𝑙 𝑚𝑔𝑙
𝜃 𝛼≈ 𝜃 ⇒𝛼∝𝜃
𝐼
Hence, Pendulum executes SHM with time period,
𝑃
Now since the string of the simple pendulum is massless, the
moment of inertia 𝐼 is simply 𝑚𝑙2 .

𝑙
𝑚𝑔 𝑇 = 2𝜋
𝑔
1 1 𝑔
Frequency, 𝑓= =
𝑇 2𝜋 𝑙
 Time period for very large 𝒍

𝜃
2𝜋 2𝜋
𝑙 The time period is- 𝑇 = ⇒𝑇
𝑻 𝜔 1 1
𝑔 +
𝑅 𝑙

𝑥
𝑅
𝜙 If 𝑙~𝑅 the time period is- 𝑇 = 2𝜋 ≈ 60 𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝒎𝒈 2𝑔
𝑅
 Two masses 𝑀𝐴 and 𝑀𝐵 are hung from two strings of length 𝑙𝐴 and 𝑙𝐵
respectively. The are executing SHM with a frequency relation 𝑓𝐴 = 2𝑓𝐵 , then-

1 1 𝑔 1 1 𝑔
Solution: 𝑓𝐴 = = 𝑓𝐵 = =
𝑇𝐴 2𝜋 𝑙𝐴 𝑇𝐵 2𝜋 𝑙𝐵

1 𝑔 1 𝑔
𝑓𝐴 = 2𝑓𝐵 ⇒ =2×
2𝜋 𝑙𝐴 2𝜋 𝑙𝐵

𝑙𝐵
𝑙𝐴 =
4

The time period of simple pendulum is

independent of the suspended mass.
 Simple Pendulum in Accelerating Frame

𝒍 𝒍
𝒂 𝒂

𝒎 𝒎
𝒈𝒆𝒇𝒇 = 𝒈 + 𝒂 𝒈𝒆𝒇𝒇 = 𝒈 − 𝒂

𝑙 𝑙
𝑇 = 2𝜋 𝑇 = 2𝜋
𝑔+𝑎 𝑔−𝑎

Note- From ground the motion of the pendulum is neither oscillatory nor periodic.
 A simple pendulum is suspended from the roof of a trolley which moves in a
horizontal direction with an acceleration 𝑎. Here time period is given by
𝑇 = 2𝜋 𝑙/𝑔′. Find the expression for 𝑔′.

NEET 1991
Solution: Effective acceleration of bob,

⇒ 𝑔𝑒𝑓𝑓 = 𝑔2 + 𝑎2 − 2𝑔𝑎𝑐𝑜𝑠90°

𝑔𝑒𝑓𝑓 = 𝑔2 + 𝑎 2
𝑙

Time period of pendulum will be

𝑙 𝑚𝑎
𝑇 = 2𝜋
𝑔2 + 𝑎 2
𝑚𝑔
 Simple Pendulum in Accelerating Frame

𝑚𝑔𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃

𝑎
𝑚𝑔

𝜌𝐿 𝑔𝑒𝑓𝑓 = 𝑔 cos 𝜃
𝑔𝑒𝑓𝑓 =𝑔 1−
𝜌𝑆
𝑙
𝑇 = 2𝜋
𝑔𝑒𝑓𝑓
 Compound Pendulum

Net torque on point mass about point O,

𝜏𝑛𝑒𝑡 𝑜 = 𝑚𝑔𝑙𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = 𝐼ℎ 𝛼
𝑂
𝐼ℎ → Moment of Inertia of the body about hinge axis.
𝑙 𝜃 𝑙 → Distance between point of suspension and CM.
𝐶𝑀
𝐴 For small oscillations, 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 ≈ 𝜃
𝑚𝑔
𝑚𝑔𝑙
𝛼= 𝜃 = 𝜔2 𝜃
𝐼ℎ

𝐼ℎ
Hence , the time period, 𝑇 = 2𝜋
𝑚𝑔𝑙
 Compound Pendulum

• Moment of Inertia about hinged point,

𝐼ℎ = 𝐼𝐶𝑀 + 𝑚𝑙 2 (parallel axis theorem)

𝑂 𝐼𝐶𝑀 = 𝑚𝑘 2 (𝑘 − radius of gyration about CM)

• Time period,
𝑙 𝜃
𝑘 2 + 𝑙2
𝐶𝑀 𝑚𝑘 2 + 𝑚𝑙 2
𝐴 𝑙
⇒ 𝑇 = 2𝜋 = 2𝜋
𝑚𝑔 𝑚𝑔𝑙 𝑔

𝐼ℎ • Time period of compound pendulum is same

𝑇 = 2𝜋 as that of a simple pendulum of length 𝑙𝑒𝑞 .
𝑚𝑔𝑙
𝑘 2 + 𝑙2
= 𝑙𝑒𝑞
𝑙
 Find the time period of small oscillations of the following systems.
a. A thin ring of mass 𝑚 and radius 𝑟 suspended through a point on its
T periphery.
b. A uniform square plate of edge 𝑎 suspended through a corner.

𝑂 𝑂

𝑎
𝑚 𝑚
𝑟 𝑙

𝐶𝑀 𝐶𝑀
 𝑂 𝑂

𝑎
𝑚 𝑚
𝑟=𝑙 𝑙
𝐼ℎ
𝐶𝑀 𝑇 = 2𝜋 𝐶𝑀
𝑚𝑔𝑙

𝐼ℎ = 𝐼𝐶𝑀 + 𝑚𝑙 2

2
𝑚𝑎2 𝑚𝑎 2 𝑎
𝐼ℎ = 𝑚𝑟 2 + 𝑚𝑙 2 = 2𝑚𝑟 2 𝐼ℎ = + 𝑚𝑙 2 = +𝑚
6 6 2

2𝑟 2 2𝑎
𝑇 = 2𝜋 𝑇 = 2𝜋
𝑔 3𝑔
 Torsional Pendulum

• An extended body suspended by a light string,

rotated by a small angle 𝜃 with thread as the
axis of rotation.

𝜏Ԧ = −𝐶 𝜃Ԧ = 𝐼 𝛼Ԧ
𝜏 → Restoring torque generated by the thread of the pendulum.
𝐶 → Torsional constant/ Twisting coefficient.

𝐶 𝐶
𝛼Ԧ = − 𝜃Ԧ ⇒ 𝜔 =
𝐼 𝐼
𝑂
𝜃 𝑋 • The extended body executes torsional oscillations
with time period,

𝐼
𝑇 = 2𝜋
𝐶
 If the length of a clock pendulum increases by 0.2 % due to atmospheric
T temperature rise, then what is the loss in time of clock per day?

Given: 𝑇 = 1 𝑠 and 𝑙 ′ = 0.2% 𝑙

To find: Time lost in one day

𝑙 𝑙 + 0.002𝑙
Solution: 𝑇 = 2𝜋 ′
𝑇 = 2𝜋 = 𝑇 × 1.002 = 1.001𝑇
𝑔 𝑔

Time lost in one second⇒ Δ𝑇 = 𝑇 ′ − 𝑇 = 0.001 𝑠

Time lost in one day, (24 ℎ𝑟𝑠 = 86400 𝑠) = 0.001 × 86400 = 86.4 𝑠
 Types of Oscillations

Free Oscillation Forced Oscillation

Damped Oscillation
 Free Oscillation

• The oscillation of a particle with fundamental/natural frequency under the

influence of restoring force is defined as free Oscillation.

• The amplitude, frequency and energy of oscillation remains constant.

Displacement vs Time graph

 Damped Oscillation

• The Oscillation of a body whose amplitude

goes on decreasing with time is known as
damped oscillation.
• The amplitude of oscillation decreases
exponentially due to damping forces like
frictional force, air resistance etc.
• The damping force is proportional to the
velocity of the oscillator & acts opposite to the
direction of velocity.
𝐹Ԧ𝑑 = −𝑏𝑣Ԧ Displacement vs Time graph

where, 𝑏 = damping constant.

 Damped Oscillation

Damping Force, 𝐹𝑑 = −𝑏𝑣

Resultant Force
𝐹Ԧ = −𝑏𝑣Ԧ − 𝑘𝑥Ԧ
Restoring Force, 𝐹𝑅 = −𝑘𝑥

Equation of motion,

Amplitude
𝑥 = 𝐴0 𝑒 −𝑏𝑡/2𝑚 cos(𝜔′ 𝑡 + 𝜙)

Angular frequency of the damped oscillator-

2
𝑏 𝑘
𝜔′ = 2
𝜔 − where, 𝜔 = − Natural frequency
2𝑚 𝑚

Amplitude of the damped oscillator- 𝐴 = 𝐴0 𝑒 −𝑏𝑡/2𝑚

 Expression for Total Energy

1 1
• For an undamped oscillator - 𝑇. 𝐸. = 𝑚𝜔2 𝐴2𝑜
2 2
𝑚𝜔2 𝐴2𝑜

1
•

𝑇. 𝐸.
For a damped oscillator - 𝑇. 𝐸. = 𝑚𝜔2 𝐴2𝑜 𝑒 −𝑏𝑡/𝑚
2
𝑡
 When an oscillator completes 100 oscillations its amplitude is reduced to
1 𝑟𝑑
of its initial value. What fraction of its amplitude will be reduced when
3
it completes 200 oscillations?

𝐴𝑂
Given: Amplitude after 100 oscillations = 𝐴1 =
3
Let the Time period of oscillation be 𝑇

To find: Amplitude after 200 oscillations

Solution: In the first case, In the second case, 𝑡2 = 200𝑇

𝐴0 𝑏𝑡2 𝑏 200𝑇
𝐴1 =
3
and 𝑡1 = 100𝑇 𝐴2 = 𝐴0 𝑒 − 2𝑚 ⇒ 𝐴2 = 𝐴0 𝑒 −
2𝑚

𝐴0 𝑏 100𝑇 2 2
⇒ = 𝐴0 𝑒 − 2𝑚
−𝑏 100𝑇 1
3 ⇒ 𝐴2 = 𝐴0 𝑒 2𝑚 ⇒ 𝐴2 = 𝐴0
3
𝑏 100𝑇 1
⇒ 𝑒− 2𝑚 = 𝐴0
3 ⇒ 𝐴2 =
9
 The damping force on an oscillator is directly proportional to the velocity.
The units of the constant of proportionality is-

Solution: The damping force is proportional to the velocity of the oscillator.

𝐹Ԧ𝑑 = −𝑏𝑣Ԧ (where, 𝑏 = damping constant)

𝑀𝐿𝑇 −2
𝑏⇒ −1
= 𝑀𝑇 −1
𝐿𝑇

The units for the proportionality constant is - 𝑘𝑔/𝑠

 Forced Oscillation

• The oscillation in which a body oscillates under the influence of an external

periodic force with an angular frequency 𝜔𝑜 is known as forced oscillation.

Damping Force, 𝐹Ԧ𝑑 = −𝑏𝑣Ԧ

Restoring Force, 𝐹Ԧ𝑅 = −𝑘𝑥Ԧ Resultant Force, 𝐹Ԧ = −𝑏𝑣Ԧ − 𝑘𝑥Ԧ + 𝐹(𝑡)

Ԧ

Periodic Force, 𝐹 𝑡 = 𝐹0 cos 𝜔𝑜 𝑡

𝑥 = 𝐴0 cos(𝜔𝑜 𝑡 + 𝜙)

𝐹0
Amplitude of the forced oscillator- 𝐴0 =
𝑚2 𝜔 2 − 𝜔𝑜2 2 + 𝜔𝑜2 𝑏 2
 Resonance

• When the frequency of external force is nearly equal to the natural frequency
of the oscillator. Then this state is known as the state of resonance and this
frequency is known as the resonant frequency.

𝑖. 𝑒. 𝜔𝑜 ≈ 𝜔
𝐹0
𝐴0 =
𝑚2 𝜔 2 − 𝜔𝑜2 2 + 𝜔𝑜2 𝑏 2

𝐹0
⇒ 𝐴0 = Maximum Amplitude
𝜔𝑜 𝑏

• At resonance, a forced oscillator oscillates with the maximum amplitude.

 A body of mass 600 𝑔 is attached to a spring of spring constant 𝑘 = 100 𝑁/𝑚
and is performing damped oscillations. If damping constant is 0.2 and
driving force is 𝐹 = 𝐹𝑂 cos 𝜔𝑡 , where 𝐹𝑂 = 20 𝑁 . Find the amplitude of
oscillations at resonance.

𝐹0 /𝑚
Solution: 𝐴0 =
2
𝑏
𝜔2 − 𝜔𝑜2 2 + 𝜔𝑜2
𝑚

𝐹0 𝐹0
At resonance, 𝜔𝑑 ≈ 𝜔 ⇒ 𝐴0 = =
𝜔𝑜 𝑏 𝑘
𝑏
𝑚
20
⇒ 𝐴0 = ⇒ 𝐴0 = 7.7 𝑚
100
0.2
0.6
 The displacement of a particle along 𝑥 −axis is given by 𝑥 = 𝐴 sin2 𝜔𝑡.
The motion of the particle corresponds to-

Solution: 𝑥 = 𝐴 sin2 𝜔𝑡

𝑑𝑥
𝑣= = 2𝜔𝐴 sin 𝜔𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜔𝑡 = 𝐴𝜔 sin 2𝜔𝑡
𝑑𝑡

𝑑𝑣
𝑎= = 2𝜔2 𝐴 cos 2𝜔𝑡
𝑑𝑡

⇒ 𝑎 not proportional to 𝑥.

∴Non-simple harmonic motion.

 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
T 1/4 that of metal, what will be the time period of the same pendulum?

𝜌
Given: Time period = 𝑇, 𝜌𝑆 = 𝜌 and 𝜌𝐿 =
4

To find: 𝑇′
𝜌𝐿 1 3𝑔 𝜌
Solution: 𝑔𝑒𝑓𝑓 =𝑔 1− =𝑔 1− =
𝜌𝑆 4 4

𝑙 𝑙 𝜌
𝑇′ = 2𝜋 = 2𝜋 𝜌𝑠 =
𝑔𝑒𝑓𝑓 3𝑔 4
4
2
𝑇′ = 𝑇
3
 The time period of SHM of a spring mass system is 𝑇. The spring is now cut
into two equal halves and the same mass is suspended vertically from one of
T the halves. Find the new time period of vertical oscillation.

Given: Time period = 𝑇

To find: New time period = 𝑇′

1 𝑙
Solution: Since 𝑘 ∝ and 𝑙′ = 2 ⇒ 𝑘′ = 2𝑘
𝑙

𝑚 1
Time period: 𝑇 = 2𝜋 ⇒𝑇∝
𝑘 𝑘

𝑇 𝑘′ 𝑇 2𝑘 𝑇
= ⇒ = ⇒ 𝑇′ =
𝑇′ 𝑘 𝑇′ 𝑘 2