Chapter 5 Oscillations
1. Choose the correct option.
i) A particle performs linear S.H.M. starting from the
mean position. Its amplitude is A and time period is T. At the instance when
its speed is half the maximum speed, its displacement x is
ii) A body of mass 1 kg is performing linear S.H.M. Its
displacement x (cm) at t (second) is given by x = 6 sin (100t + π/4). Maximum
kinetic energy of the body is
(A) 36 J
(B) 9 J
(C) 27 J
(D) 18 J
Answer:
(D) 18 J
iii) The length of second’s pendulum on the surface of
earth is nearly 1 m. Its length on the surface of moon should be [Given:
acceleration due to gravity (g) on moon is 1/6 th of that on the earth’s
surface]
iv) Two identical springs of constant k are connected,
first in series and then in parallel. A metal block of mass m is suspended from
their combination. The ratio of their frequencies of vertical oscillations will
be in a ratio
(A) 1:4
(B) 1:2
(C) 2:1
(D) 4:1
Answer:
(B) 1:2
v) The graph shows variation of displacement of a
particle performing S.H.M. with time t. Which of the following statements is
correct from the graph?
(A) The acceleration is maximum at time T.
(B) The force is maximum at time 3T/4.
(C) The velocity is zero at time T/2.
(D) The kinetic energy is equal to total energy at time T/4.
Answer:
(B) The force is maximum at time 3T/4.
2. Answer in brief.
i) Define linear simple harmonic motion.
Answer:
Definition: Linear simple harmonic motion (SHM) is defined as the linear
periodic motion of a body, in which the force (or acceleration) is always
directed towards the mean position and its magnitude is proportional to the
displacement from the mean position.
OR
A particle is said to execute linear SHM if the particle undergoes oscillations
about a point of stable equilibrium, subject to a linear restoring force always
directed towards that point and whose magnitude is proportional to the
magnitude of the displacement of the particle from that point.
Examples : The vibrations of the tines (prongs) of a tuning fork, the
oscillations of the needle of a sewing machine.
ii) Using differential equation of linear S.H.M, obtain
the expression for
(a) velocity in S.H.M.,
(b) acceleration in S.H.M.
Answer:
The general expression for the displacement of a particle in SHM at time t is x
= A sin (ωt + α) … (1)
where A is the amplitude, ω is a constant in a particular case and α is the
initial phase.
The velocity of the particle is
Equation (2) gives the velocity as a function of x.
The acceleration of the particle is
Equation (3) gives the acceleration as a function of x. The minus sign shows
that the direction of the acceleration is opposite to that of the displacement.
iii) Obtain the expression for the period of a simple
pendulum performing S.H.M.
Answer:
An ideal simple pendulum is defined as a heavy point mass suspended from a
rigid support by a weightless, inextensible and twistless string, and set
oscillating under gravity through a small angle in a vertical plane.
In practice, a small but heavy sphere, called the bob, is
used. The distance from the point of suspension to the centre of gravity of the
bob is called the length of the pendulum.
mg cos θ balanced by the tension in the string. mg sin θ restores the bob to
the equilibrium position.
Thus, the net force on the bob is in the direction opposite
to that of displacement x of the bob from its mean position as indicated by the
minus sign, and the magnitude of the force is proportional to the magnitude of
the displacement. Hence, it follows that the motion of a simple pendulum is
linear SHM.
This gives the expression for the period of a simple pendulum.
iv) State the laws of simple pendulum.
Answer:
The period of a simple pendulum at a given place is
where L is the length of the simple pendulum and g is the acceleration due to
gravity at that place. From the above expression, the laws of simple pendulum
are as follows :
(1) Law of length : The period of a simple pendulum at a
given place (g constant) is directly proportional to the square root of its
length.
∴
T ∝√L
(2) Law of acceleration due to gravity : The period of a simple pendulum of a
given length (L constant) is inversely proportional to the square root of the
acceleration due to gravity.
(3) Law of mass : The period of a simple pendulum does not depend on the mass
or material of the bob of the pendulum.
(4) Law of isochronism : The period of a simple pendulum does not depend on the
amplitude of oscillations, provided that the amplitude is small.
v) Prove that under certain conditions a magnet vibrating
in uniform magnetic field performs angular S.H.M.
Answer:
Consider a bar magnet of magnetic moment μ, suspended horizontally by a
light twistless fibre in a region where the horizontal component of the Earth’s
magnetic field is Bh. The bar magnet is free to rotate in a
horizontal plane. It comes to rest in approximately the North-South direction,
along Bh. If it is rotated in the horizontal plane by a small
displacement θ from its rest position (θ = 0), the suspension fibre is twisted.
When the magnet is released, it oscillates about the rest position in angular
or torsional oscillation.
The bar magnet experiences a torque τ due to the
field Bh. Which tends to restore it to its original orientation
parallel to Bh. For small θ, this restoring torque is
τ = – μBh sin θ = – μBhμ …. (1)
where the minus sign indicates that the torque is opposite
in direction to the angular displacement θ. Equation (1) shows that the torque
(and hence the angular acceleration) is directly proportional in magnitude of
the angular displacement but opposite in direction. Hence, for small angular
displacement, the oscillations of the bar magnet in a uniform magnetic field is
simple harmonic.
Question 3.
Obtain the expression for the period of a magnet vibrating in a uniform
magnetic field and performing S.H.M.
Answer:
Definition : Angular SHM is defined as the oscillatory motion of a body in
which the restoring torque responsible for angular acceleration is directly
proportional to the angular displacement and its direction is opposite to that
of angular displacement.
The minus sign shows that the α and θ have opposite directions. The period T of
angular SHM is
This is the expression for the period in terms of torque constant. Also, from
Eq. (2),
Question 4.
Show that a linear S.H.M. is the projection of a U.C.M. along any of its
diameter.
Answer:
Consider a particle which moves anticlockwise around a circular path of
radius A with a constant angular speed ω. Let the path lie in the x-y plane
with the centre at the origin O. The instantaneous position P of the particle
is called the reference point and the circle in which the particle moves as the
reference circle.
The perpendicular projection of P onto the y-axis is Q. Then, as the particle
travels around the circle, Q moves to-and-fro along the y-axis. Line OP makes
an angle α with the x-axis at t = 0. At time t, this angle becomes θ = ωt + α.
The projection Q of the reference point is described by the y-coordinate,
y = OQ = OP sin ∠OPQ, Since ∠OPQ = ωt +
α, y = A sin(ωt +
α)
which is the equation of a linear SHM of amplitude A. The angular frequency w
of a linear SHM can thus be understood as the angular velocity of the reference
particle.
The tangential velocity of the reference particle is v = ωA.
Its y-component at time t is vy = ωA sin (90° – θ) = ωA cos θ
∴
vy = ωA cos (ωt + α)
The centripetal acceleration of the reference particle is ar =
ω2A, so that its y-component at time t is ax = ar sin
∠OPQ
∴
ax = – ω2A sin (ωt + α)
Question 5.
Draw graphs of displacement, velocity and acceleration against phase angle, for
a particle performing linear S.H.M. from (a) the mean position
(b) the positive extreme position. Deduce your conclusions from the graph.
Answer:
Consider a particle performing SHM, with amplitude A and period T = 2π/ω
starting from the mean position towards the positive extreme position where ω
is the angular frequency. Its displacement from the mean position (x), velocity
(v) and acceleration (a) at any instant are
Using these expressions, the values of x, v and a at the end of every quarter
of a period, starting from t = 0, are tabulated below.
Using the values in the table we can plot graphs of displacement, velocity and
acceleration with time.
Conclusions :
- The
displacement, velocity and acceleration of a particle performing linear
SHM are periodic (harmonic) functions of time. For a particle starting at
the mean position, the x-t and a-t graphs are sine curves. The v-t graph
is a cosine curve.
- There
is a phase difference of radians between x and v, and
between v and a.
- There
is a phase difference of π radians between x and a.
Consider a particle performing linear SHM with amplitude A
and period T = 2π/ω, starting from the positive extreme position, where ω is
the angular frequency. Its displacement from the mean position (x), velocity
(y) and acceleration (a) at any instant (t) are
Using these expressions, the values of x, y and a at the end of every quarter
of a period, starting from t = 0, are tabulated below.
Using these values, we can plot graphs showing the variation of displacement,
velocity and acceleration with time.
Conclusions :
- The
displacement, velocity and acceleration of a particle performing linear
SHM are periodic (harmonic) functions of time. For a particle starting
from an extreme position, the x-t and a-t graphs are cosine curves; the
v-t graph is a sine curve.
- There
is a phase difference of radians between x and v, and between v
and a.
- There
is a phase difference of n radians between x and a.
Explanations :
(1) v-t graph : It is a sine curve, i.e., the velocity is a periodic (harmonic)
function of time which repeats after a phase of 2π rad. There is a phase
difference of π/2 rad between a and v.
v is minimum (equal to zero) at the extreme positions (i.e., at x = ± A) and v
is maximum ( = ± ωA) at the mean position (x = 0).
(2) a-t graph : It is a cosine curve, i.e., the acceleration
is a periodic (harmonic) function of time which repeats after a phase of 2π
rad. There is a phase difference of π rad between v and a. a is minimum (equal
to zero) at the mean position (x = 0) and a is maximum ( = ∓ω2A) at the extreme positions (x = ±A).
Question 6.
Deduce the expressions for the kinetic energy and potential energy of a
particle executing S.H.M. Hence obtain the expression for total energy of a
particle performing S.H.M and show that the total energy is conserved. State
the factors on which total energy depends.
Answer:
(2) Potential energy : The potential energy of a particle in
linear SHM is defined as the work done by an external agent, against the
restoring force, in taking the particle from its mean position to a given point
in the path, keeping the particle in equilibirum.
Suppose the particle in below figure is displaced from P1 to
P2, through an infinitesimal distance dx against the restoring force
F as shown.
The corresponding work done by the external agent will be dW = ( – F)dx = kx
dx. This work done is stored in the form of potential energy. The potential
energy (PE) of the particle when its displacement from the mean position is x
can be found by integrating the above expression from 0 to x.
(3) Total energy : The total energy of the particle is equal
to the sum of its potential energy and kinetic energy.
From Eqs. (1) and (2), total energy is E = PE + KE
As m is constant, ω and A are constants of the motion, the total energy of the
particle remains constant (or its conserved).
Question 7.
Deduce the expression for period of simple pendulum. Hence state the factors on
which its period depends.
Answer:
An ideal simple pendulum is defined as a heavy point mass suspended from a
rigid support by a weightless, inextensible and twistless string, and set
oscillating under gravity through a small angle in a vertical plane.
In practice, a small but heavy sphere, called the bob, is
used. The distance from the point of suspension to the centre of gravity of the
bob is called the length of the pendulum.
mg cos θ balanced by the tension in the string. mg sin θ restores the bob to
the equilibrium position.
Restoring force, F = – mg sin θ
Thus, the net force on the bob is in the direction opposite
to that of displacement x of the bob from its mean position as indicated by the
minus sign, and the magnitude of the force is proportional to the magnitude of
the displacement. Hence, it follows that the motion of a simple pendulum is
linear SHM.
Period of SHM,
This gives the expression for the period of a simple pendulum.
Question 8.
At what distance from the mean position is the speed of a particle performing
S.H.M. half its maximum speed. Given path length of S.H.M. = 10 cm. [Ans: 4.33
cm]
Answer:
This gives the required displacement.
Question 9.
Question 10.
Question 11.
Potential energy of a particle performing linear S.H.M is 0.1 π2 x2 joule.
If mass of the particle is 20 g, find the frequency of S.H.M. [Ans: 1.581 Hz]
Answer:
Question 12.
The total energy of a body of mass 2 kg performing S.H.M. is 40 J. Find its
speed while crossing the centre of the path. [Ans: 6.324 cm/s]
Answer:
Data : m = 2 kg, E = 40 J
The speed of the body while crossing the centre of the path (mean position) is
vmax and the total energy is entirely kinetic energy.
Question 13.
A simple pendulum performs S.H.M of period 4 seconds. How much time after
crossing the mean position, will the displacement of the bob be one third of
its amplitude. [Ans: 0.2163 s]
Answer:
∴
the displacement of the bob will be one-third of its amplitude 0.2163 s after
crossing the mean position.
Question 14.
A simple pendulum of length 100 cm performs S.H.M. Find the restoring force
acting on its bob of mass 50 g when the displacement from the mean position is
3 cm. [Ans: 1.48 × 10-2 N]
Answer:
Question 15.
Find the change in length of a second’s pendulum, if the acceleration due to
gravity at the place changes from 9.75
m/s2 to 9.80 m/s2. [Ans: Decreases by 5.07 mm]
Answer:
∴
The length of the seconds pendulum must be increased from 0.9876 m to 0.9927 m,
i.e., by 0.0051 m.
Question 16.
At what distance from the mean position is the kinetic energy of a particle
performing S.H.M. of amplitude 8 cm, three times its potential energy? [Ans: 4
cm]
Answer:
Question 17.
A particle performing linear S.H.M. of period 2π seconds about the mean
position O is observed to have a speed of b√3 m/s, when at a distance
b (metre) from O. If the particle is moving away from O at that instant, find
the
time required by the particle, to travel a further distance b. [Ans: π/3 s]
Answer:
Data : T = 2πs, v = b3–√ m/s at x = b
∴
Assuming the particle starts from the mean position, its displacement is given
by
Question 18.
The period of oscillation of a body of mass m1 suspended from a
light spring is T. When a body of mass m2 is tied to the first
body and the system is made to oscillate, the period is 2T. Compare the masses
m1 and m2 [Ans: 1/3]
Answer:
This gives the required ratio of the masses.
Question 19.
Question 20.
(ii) Epoch of the resultant SHM,
Question 21.
A 20 cm wide thin circular disc of mass 200 g is suspended to a rigid support
from a thin metallic string. By holding the rim of the disc, the string is
twisted through 60° and released. It now performs angular oscillations of
period 1 second. Calculate the maximum restoring torque generated in the string
under undamped conditions. (π3 ≈ 31)
[Ans: 0.04133 N m]
Answer:
Question 22.
Find the number of oscillations performed per minute by a magnet is vibrating
in the plane of a uniform field of 1.6 × 10-5 Wb/m2.
The magnet has moment of inertia 3 × 10-6 kgm2 and
magnetic moment 3 A m2. [Ans:38.19 osc/min.]
Answer:
= 38.19 per minute
Question 23.
A wooden block of mass m is kept on a piston that can perform vertical
vibrations of adjustable frequency and amplitude. During vibrations, we don’t
want the block to leave the contact with the piston. How much maximum frequency
is possible if the amplitude of vibrations is restricted to 25 cm? In this
case, how much is the energy per unit mass of the block? (g ≈ π2 ≈
10 m s-2)
[Ans: nmax = 1/s, E/m = 1.25 J/kg]
Answer:
Data : A = 0.25 m, g = π2 = 10 m/s2
During vertical oscillations, the acceleration is maximum at the turning points
at the top and bottom. The block will just lose contact with the piston when
its apparent weight is zero at the top, i. e., when its acceleration is amax =
g, downwards.
This gives the required frequency of the piston.
Questions and Answers
Can you tell? (Textbook Page No. 112)
Question 1.
Why is the term angular frequency (ω) used here for a linear motion ?
Answer:
A linear SHM is the projection of a UCM on a diameter of the circle. The
angular speed co of a particle moving along this reference circle is called the
angular frequency of the particle executing linear SHM.
Can you tell? (Textbook Page No. 114)
Question 1.
State at which point during an oscillation the oscillator has zero velocity but
positive acceleration ?
Answer:
At the left extreme, i.e., x = – A, so that a = – ω2x = – ω2(-
A) = ω2A = amax
Question 2.
During which part of the simple harmonic motion velocity is positive but the
displacement is negative, and vice versa ?
Answer:
Velocity v is positive (to the right) while displacement x is negative when the
particle in SHM is moving from the left extreme towards the mean position.
Velocity v is negative (to the left) while displacement x is positive when the
particle in SHM is moving from the right extreme towards the mean position.
Can you tell? (Textbook page 76)
Question 1.
To start a pendulum swinging, usually you pull it slightly to one side and
release. What kind of energy is transferred to the mass in doing this?
Answer:
On pulling the bob of a simple pendulum slightly to one side, it is raised
to a slightly higher position. Thus, it gains gravitational potential energy.
Question 2.
Describe the energy changes that occur when the mass is released.
Answer:
When released, the bob oscillates in SHM in a vertical plane and the energy
oscillates back and forth between kinetic and potential, going completely from
one form of energy to the other as the pendulum oscillates. In the case of
undamped SHM, the motion starts with all of the energy as gravitational
potential energy. As the object starts to move, the gravitational potential
energy is converted into kinetic energy, becoming entirely kinetic energy at
the equilibrium position. The velocity becomes zero at the other extreme as the
kinetic energy is completely converted back into gravitational potential
energy,
and this cycle then repeats.
Question 3.
Is/are there any other way/ways to start the oscillations of a pendulum? Which
energy is supplied in this case/cases?
Answer:
The bob can be given a kinetic energy at its equilibrium position or at any
other position of its path. In the first case, the motion starts with all of
the energy as kinetic energy. In the second case, the motion starts with partly
gravitational potential energy and partly kinetic energy.
Can you tell? (Textbook Page No. 109)
Question 1.
Is the motion of a leaf of a tree blowing in the wind periodic ?
Answer:
The leaf of a tree blowing in the wind oscillates, but the motion is not
periodic. Also, its displacement from the equilibrium position is not a regular
function of time.