Oscillations

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. The displacement of a particle is represented by the equation $y=3 \cos (\frac{\pi}{4}-2 \omega t)$. The motion of the particle is

(a) simple harmonic with period $2 \pi / \omega$

(b) simple harmonic with period $\pi / \omega$

(c) periodic but not simple harmonic

(d) non- periodic

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Answer (b) Given, $y=3 \cos (\frac{\pi}{4}-2 \omega t)$

Velocity of the particle

$$ \begin{aligned} v & =\frac{d y}{d t}=\frac{d}{d t}[3 \cos (\frac{\pi}{4}-2 \omega t)] \\ & =3(-2 \omega)[-\sin (\frac{\pi}{4}-2 \omega t)] \\ & =6 \omega \sin (\frac{\pi}{4}-2 \omega t) \\ \text { Acceleration, } a & =\frac{d v}{d t}=\frac{d}{d t}[6 \omega \sin (\frac{\pi}{4}-2 \omega t)] \\ & =6 \omega \times(-2 \omega) \cos (\frac{\pi}{4}-2 \omega t)=-12 \omega^{2} \cos (\frac{\pi}{4}-2 \omega t) \\ & =-4 \omega^{2}[3 \cos (\frac{\pi}{4}-2 \omega t)] \\ \Rightarrow \quad a & =-4 \omega^{2} y \\ \Rightarrow \text { As acceleration, } a \propto & -y \end{aligned} $$

Hence, due to negative sign motion is SHM.

Clearly, from the equation

$$ \begin{aligned} & \omega^{\prime}=2 \omega \\ & \Rightarrow \quad \frac{2 \pi}{T^{\prime}}=2 \omega \Rightarrow T^{\prime}=\frac{2 \pi}{2 \omega}=\frac{\pi}{\omega} \quad \text { [and given equation } y=3 \cos (-2 \omega t+\frac{\pi}{4}) \text { ] } \end{aligned} $$

So, motion is SHM with period $\frac{\pi}{\omega}$.

  • Option (a): The period given in option (a) is ( \frac{2\pi}{\omega} ). However, from the given equation ( y = 3 \cos \left( \frac{\pi}{4} - 2\omega t \right) ), the angular frequency is ( 2\omega ). Therefore, the period ( T ) is calculated as ( T = \frac{2\pi}{2\omega} = \frac{\pi}{\omega} ), not ( \frac{2\pi}{\omega} ).

  • Option (c): The motion described by the equation ( y = 3 \cos \left( \frac{\pi}{4} - 2\omega t \right) ) is simple harmonic motion (SHM) because it can be expressed in the form ( y = A \cos (\omega’ t + \phi) ), where ( A ) is the amplitude, ( \omega’ ) is the angular frequency, and ( \phi ) is the phase constant. Therefore, it is not just periodic but specifically SHM.

  • Option (d): The given equation ( y = 3 \cos \left( \frac{\pi}{4} - 2\omega t \right) ) represents a periodic function, as it repeats at regular intervals. Since it is periodic and follows the form of SHM, it cannot be classified as non-periodic.

2. The displacement of a particle is represented by the equation $y=\sin ^{3} \omega t$. The motion is

(a) non-periodic

(b) periodic but not simple harmonic

(c) simple harmonic with period $2 \pi / \omega$

(d) simple harmonic with period $\pi / \omega$

Show Answer

Answer (b) Given equation of motion is

$$ \begin{aligned} & \qquad=\sin ^{3} \omega t \\ &=(3 \sin \omega t-4 \sin 3 \omega t) / 4 \quad[\because \sin 3 \theta=3 \sin \theta-4 \sin ^{3} \theta] \\ & \Rightarrow \quad \frac{d y}{d t}=[\frac{d}{d t}(3 \sin \omega t)-\frac{d}{d t}(4 \sin 3 \omega t)] / 4 \\ & \Rightarrow \quad 4 \frac{d y}{d t}=3 \omega \cos \omega t-4 \times[3 \omega \cos 3 \omega t] \\ & \Rightarrow \quad 4 \times \frac{d^{2} y}{d t^{2}}=-3 \omega^{2} \sin \omega t+12 \omega \sin 3 \omega t \\ & \Rightarrow \quad \frac{d^{2} y}{d t^{2}}=-\frac{3 \omega^{2} \sin \omega t+12 \omega^{2} \sin 3 \omega t}{4} \\ & \Rightarrow \frac{d^{2} y}{d t^{2}} \text { is not proportional to } y . \\ & \text { Hence, motion is not SHM. } \end{aligned} $$

As the expression is involving sine function, hence it will be periodic.

  • (a) The motion is not non-periodic because the given equation ( y = \sin^3(\omega t) ) involves trigonometric functions, which are inherently periodic. Therefore, the motion must be periodic.

  • (c) The motion is not simple harmonic with period ( 2\pi / \omega ) because simple harmonic motion (SHM) requires that the acceleration (second derivative of displacement) be directly proportional to the displacement and opposite in direction. The given equation does not satisfy this condition.

  • (d) The motion is not simple harmonic with period ( \pi / \omega ) for the same reason as option (c). The acceleration is not directly proportional to the displacement, which is a requirement for SHM.

3. The relation between acceleration and displacement of four particles are given below

(a) $a_{x}=+2 x$

(b) $a_{x}=+2 x^{2}$

(c) $a_{x}=-2 x^{2}$

(d) $a_{x}=-2 x$

Which, one of the particle is exempting simple harmonic motion?

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Answer (d) For motion to be SHM acceleration of the particle must be proportional to negative of displacement.

i.e., $\quad a \propto-(y$ or $x)$

We should be clear that $y$ has to be linear.

  • (a) $a_{x}=+2 x$: The acceleration is directly proportional to the displacement, but it is not negative. For SHM, the acceleration must be proportional to the negative of the displacement.

  • (b) $a_{x}=+2 x^{2}$: The acceleration is proportional to the square of the displacement, not the displacement itself. Additionally, it is positive, not negative. For SHM, the acceleration must be proportional to the negative of the displacement.

  • (c) $a_{x}=-2 x^{2}$: The acceleration is proportional to the square of the displacement, not the displacement itself. Even though it is negative, the relationship must be linear for SHM.

4. Motion of an oscillating liquid column in a U-tube is

(a) periodic but not simple harmonic

(b) non-periodic

(c) simple harmonic and time period is independent of the density of the liquid

(d) simple harmonic and time period is directly proportional to the density of the liquid

Show Answer

Answer (c) Consider the diagram in which a liquid column oscillates. In this case, restoring force acts on the liquid due to gravity. Acceleration of the liquid column, can be calculated in terms of restoring force.

Restoring force

$f=$ Weight of liquid column of height $2 y$

$\Rightarrow \quad f=-(A \times 2 y \times \rho) \times g=-2 A \rho g y$

$\Rightarrow f \propto-y \Rightarrow$ Motion is SHM with force constant $k=2 A \rho g$.

$\Rightarrow$ Time period

$$ \begin{aligned} & T=2 \pi \sqrt{\frac{m}{k}}=2 \pi \sqrt{\frac{A \times 2 h \times \rho}{2 A \rho g}}=2 \pi \sqrt{\frac{h}{g}} \\ & T=2 \pi \sqrt{\frac{l}{g}}, \text { where } l=h \end{aligned} $$

Which is independent of the density of the liquid.

  • (a) periodic but not simple harmonic: This option is incorrect because the motion of the liquid column in a U-tube is governed by a restoring force that is directly proportional to the displacement, which is a characteristic of simple harmonic motion (SHM). Therefore, the motion is not just periodic but also simple harmonic.

  • (b) non-periodic: This option is incorrect because the motion of the liquid column in a U-tube is periodic. The liquid oscillates back and forth in a regular, repeating pattern, which is the definition of periodic motion.

  • (d) simple harmonic and time period is directly proportional to the density of the liquid: This option is incorrect because the time period of the oscillation is independent of the density of the liquid. The time period ( T ) is given by ( T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{l}{g}} ), where ( l ) is the length of the liquid column and ( g ) is the acceleration due to gravity. The density of the liquid does not appear in this expression, indicating that it does not affect the time period.

5. A particle is acted simultaneously by mutually perpendicular simple harmonic motion $x=a \cos \omega t$ and $y=a \sin \omega t$. The trajectory of motion of the particle will be

(a) an ellipse

(b) a parabola

(c) a circle

(d) a straight line

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Thinking Process

We have to find resultant-displacement by adding $x$ and $y$-components. According to variation of $x$ and $y$, trajectory will be predicted.

Answer (c) Given,

$$ \begin{gathered} x=a \cos \omega t \\ y=a \sin \omega t \end{gathered} $$

Squaring and adding Eqs. (i) and (ii),

$$ \begin{matrix} a^{2} \Rightarrow y^{2} & =a^{2} & (\cos ^{2} \omega t+\sin ^{2} \omega t) \\ x^{2}+y^{2} & =a^{2} & {[\because \cos ^{2} \omega t+\sin ^{2} \omega t=1]} \end{matrix} $$

This is the equation. of a circle

Clearly, the locus is a circle of constant radius a.

  • Option (a) an ellipse: The equation (x = a \cos \omega t) and (y = a \sin \omega t) describe a circle, not an ellipse. For an ellipse, the coefficients of (\cos \omega t) and (\sin \omega t) would need to be different, i.e., (x = a \cos \omega t) and (y = b \sin \omega t) where (a \neq b).

  • Option (b) a parabola: The given equations do not form a parabola. A parabolic trajectory typically involves a quadratic relationship between (x) and (y), such as (y = kx^2) or (x = ky^2). The given equations describe a circular motion, not a parabolic one.

  • Option (d) a straight line: The equations (x = a \cos \omega t) and (y = a \sin \omega t) describe a circular motion, not a linear one. For a straight line, there would need to be a linear relationship between (x) and (y), such as (y = mx + c).

6. The displacement of a particle varies with time according to the relation $y=a \sin \omega t+b \cos \omega t$.

(a) The motion is oscillatory but not SHM

(b) The motion is SHM with amplitude $a+b$

(c) The motion is SHM with amplitude $a^{2}+b^{2}$

(d) The motion is SHM with amplitude $\sqrt{a^{2}+b^{2}}$

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Answer (d) According to the question, the displacement

$$ \begin{aligned} & \text { Let } \\ & y=a \sin \omega t+b \cos \omega t \\ & \text { Let } \\ & a=A \sin \phi \text { and } b=A \cos \phi \\ & \quad \text { Now, } \quad a^{2}+b^{2}=A^{2} \sin ^{2} \phi+A^{2} \cos ^{2} \phi \\ & =A^{2} \Rightarrow A=\sqrt{a^{2}+b^{2}} \\ & y=A \sin \phi \cdot \sin \omega t+A \cos \phi \cdot \cos \omega t \\ & =A \sin (\omega t+\phi) \\ & \frac{d y}{d t}=A \omega \cos (\omega t+\phi) \\ & \frac{d^{2} y}{d t^{2}}=-A \omega^{2} \sin (\omega t+\phi)=-A y \omega^{2}=(-A \omega^{2}) y \\ & \Rightarrow \quad \frac{d^{2} y}{d t^{2}} \propto(-y) \end{aligned} $$

Hence, it is an equation of SHM with amplitude $A=\sqrt{a^{2}+b^{2}}$.

  • (a) The motion is oscillatory but not SHM: The given displacement equation ( y = a \sin \omega t + b \cos \omega t ) can be rewritten in the form ( y = A \sin (\omega t + \phi) ), which is the standard form of simple harmonic motion (SHM). Therefore, the motion is indeed SHM, not just oscillatory.

  • (b) The motion is SHM with amplitude ( a + b ): The amplitude of SHM is determined by the resultant of the coefficients of the sine and cosine terms, which is given by ( \sqrt{a^2 + b^2} ). The sum ( a + b ) does not correctly represent the amplitude of the motion.

  • (c) The motion is SHM with amplitude ( a^2 + b^2 ): The amplitude of SHM is the square root of the sum of the squares of the coefficients of the sine and cosine terms, which is ( \sqrt{a^2 + b^2} ). The expression ( a^2 + b^2 ) represents the square of the amplitude, not the amplitude itself.

7. Four pendulums $A, B, C$ and $D$ are suspended from the same

elastic support as shown in figure. $A$ and $C$ are of the same length, while $B$ is smaller than $A$ and $D$ is larger than $A$. If $A$ is given a transverse displacement,

(a) $D$ will vibrate with maximum amplitude

(b) $C$ will vibrate with maximum amplitude

(c) $B$ will vibrate with maximum amplitude

(d) All the four will oscillate with equal amplitude

Show Answer

Answer (b) According to the question, $A$ is given a transverse displacement.

Through the elastic support the disturbance is transferred to all the pendulums.

$A$ and $C$ are having same length, hence they will be in resonance, because their time period of oscillation.

$$ T=2 \pi \sqrt{\frac{l}{g}} \text { and hence, frequency is same. } $$

So, amplitude of $A$ and $C$ will be maximum.

Note In this problem, we have assumed that the support is perfectly elastic and there is no damping. Hence, oscillation is considered as undamped.

  • Option (a) is incorrect: Pendulum $D$ has a different length compared to $A$. Since the time period of oscillation depends on the length of the pendulum, $D$ will not be in resonance with $A$. Therefore, $D$ will not vibrate with maximum amplitude.

  • Option (c) is incorrect: Pendulum $B$ has a shorter length than $A$. This difference in length means that $B$ will have a different time period of oscillation and will not be in resonance with $A$. Consequently, $B$ will not vibrate with maximum amplitude.

  • Option (d) is incorrect: The pendulums have different lengths, which means they have different time periods of oscillation. Only pendulums with the same length (and thus the same time period) will resonate and have maximum amplitude. Therefore, not all four pendulums will oscillate with equal amplitude.

8. Figure shows the circular motion of a particle. The radius of the circle, the period, sense of revolution and the initial position are indicated on the figure. The simple harmonic motion of the $x$-projection of the radius vector of the rotating particle $P$ is

(a) $x(t)=B \sin (\frac{2 \pi t}{30})$

(b) $x(t)=B \cos (\frac{\pi t}{15})$

(c) $x(t)=B \sin (\frac{\pi t}{15}+\frac{\pi}{2})$

(d) $x(t)=B \cos (\frac{\pi t}{15}+\frac{\pi}{2})$

Show Answer

Answer (a) Let angular velocity of the particle executing circular motion is $\omega$ and when it is at $Q$ makes and angle $\theta$ as shown in the diagram.

Clearly,

$\theta=\omega t$

Now, we can write

$$ \begin{aligned} & O R=O Q \cos (90-\theta) \\ & =O Q \sin \theta=O Q \sin \omega t \\ & =r \sin \omega t \quad[\because O Q=r] \\ & {[\because r=B]} \\ & =B \sin \frac{2 \pi}{T} t=B \sin (\frac{2 \pi}{30} t) \end{aligned} $$

$$ \Rightarrow \quad x=r \sin \omega t=B \sin \omega t $$

Clearly, this equation represents SHM.

  • Option (b): $x(t)=B \cos (\frac{\pi t}{15})$

    • This option is incorrect because it uses the cosine function instead of the sine function. The initial position of the particle at $t=0$ is at the maximum positive displacement along the x-axis, which corresponds to the sine function starting from zero. Additionally, the angular frequency $\frac{\pi}{15}$ is half of the correct angular frequency $\frac{2\pi}{30}$.
  • Option (c): $x(t)=B \sin (\frac{\pi t}{15}+\frac{\pi}{2})$

    • This option is incorrect because it includes a phase shift of $\frac{\pi}{2}$, which is not present in the correct equation. The phase shift would imply that the particle starts from a different initial position, which is not the case here. Additionally, the angular frequency $\frac{\pi}{15}$ is half of the correct angular frequency $\frac{2\pi}{30}$.
  • Option (d): $x(t)=B \cos (\frac{\pi t}{15}+\frac{\pi}{2})$

    • This option is incorrect for two reasons: it uses the cosine function instead of the sine function, and it includes a phase shift of $\frac{\pi}{2}$. The cosine function with a phase shift of $\frac{\pi}{2}$ would effectively be a sine function, but the angular frequency $\frac{\pi}{15}$ is still incorrect as it is half of the correct angular frequency $\frac{2\pi}{30}$.

9. The equation of motion of a particle is $x=a \cos (\alpha t)^{2}$. The motion is

(a) periodic but not oscillatory

(b) periodic and oscillatory

(c) oscillatory but not periodic

(d) neither periodic nor oscillatory

Show Answer

Answer (c) As the given equation is

$$ x=a \cos (\alpha t)^{2} $$

is a cosine function. Hence, it is an oscillatory motion.

Now, putting $t+T$ in place of $t$

$$ \begin{aligned} x(t+T) & =a \cos [\alpha(t+T)]^{2} \quad[\because x(t)=acos(\alpha t)^{2}] \\ & =a \cos [\alpha t^{2}+\alpha T^{2}+2 \alpha t T] \neq x(t) \end{aligned} $$

where, $T$ is supposed as period of the function $\omega(t)$.

Hence, it is not periodic.

  • (a) periodic but not oscillatory: The given equation ( x = a \cos (\alpha t)^2 ) describes an oscillatory motion because it involves a cosine function, which inherently represents oscillations. Therefore, the motion cannot be periodic but not oscillatory.

  • (b) periodic and oscillatory: Although the motion is oscillatory due to the cosine function, it is not periodic. This is because substituting ( t + T ) into the equation does not yield the same function as ( x(t) ), indicating that there is no fixed period ( T ) for which the motion repeats itself.

  • (d) neither periodic nor oscillatory: The motion is oscillatory as it involves a cosine function, which represents oscillations. Therefore, the motion cannot be classified as neither periodic nor oscillatory.

10. A particle executing $S H M$ has a maximum speed of $30 cm / s$ and a maximum acceleration of $60 cm / s^{2}$. The period of oscillation is

(a) $\pi$ sec

(b) $\frac{\pi}{2}$ sec

(c) $2 \pi sec$

(d) $\frac{\pi}{t} \sec$

Show Answer

Answer (a) Let equation of an SHM is represented by $y=a \sin \omega t$

v =$\frac{d y}{d t}=a \omega \cos \omega t $

$\Rightarrow \quad(v)_{\max } =a \omega=30 $

$\text { Acceleration }(A) =\frac{d x^{2}}{d t^{2}}=-a \omega^{2} \sin \omega t $

$A_{\max } =\omega^{2} a=60 $

$\text { Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get } \omega(\omega a) =60 \Rightarrow \omega(30)=60 $

$\Rightarrow \quad \omega =2 rad / s $

$\Rightarrow \quad \frac{2 \pi}{T} =2 rad / s \Rightarrow T=\pi sec$

  • Option (b) $\frac{\pi}{2}$ sec is incorrect because the period of oscillation $T$ is given by $T = \frac{2\pi}{\omega}$. Given $\omega = 2 , \text{rad/s}$, the correct period is $T = \pi , \text{sec}$, not $\frac{\pi}{2} , \text{sec}$.

  • Option (c) $2 \pi$ sec is incorrect because, using the same formula $T = \frac{2\pi}{\omega}$ and given $\omega = 2 , \text{rad/s}$, the period is $T = \pi , \text{sec}$, not $2 \pi , \text{sec}$.

  • Option (d) $\frac{\pi}{t}$ sec is incorrect because it does not provide a valid period for the given $\omega = 2 , \text{rad/s}$. The correct period is $T = \pi , \text{sec}$, and $\frac{\pi}{t}$ does not match this value.

Multiple Choice Questions (More Than One Options)

11. When a mass $m$ is connected individually to two springs $S_1$ and $S_2$, the oscillation frequencies are $v_1$ and $v_2$. If the same mass is attached to the two springs as shown in figure, the oscillation frequency would be

(a) $v_1+v_2$

(b) $\sqrt{v_1^{2}+v_2^{2}}$

(c) $(\frac{1}{v_1}+\frac{1}{v_2})^{-1}$

(d) $\sqrt{v_1^{2}-v_2^{2}}$

Show Answer

Thinking Process

To solve this question, we have to find equivalent spring constant of the system when mass is connected in between.

Answer (b)

Consider the diagram, two springs can be considered as parallel.

Hence,

$$ \begin{aligned} k_{eq} & =\text { Equivalent spring constant } \\ & =k_1+k_2 \end{aligned} $$

Time period of oscillation of the spring block- system

$$ \begin{aligned} T & =2 \pi \sqrt{\frac{m}{k_{\text {eq }}}}=2 \pi \sqrt{\frac{m}{k_1+k_2}} \\ \Rightarrow \quad v & =\frac{1}{T}=\frac{1}{2 \pi} \times \sqrt{\frac{k_1+k_2}{m}} \\ & =\text { Equivalent oscillation frequency. } \end{aligned} $$

When the mass is connected to the two springs individually

$$ \begin{aligned} & v_1=\frac{1}{2 \pi} \sqrt{\frac{k_1}{m}} \\\ & v_2=\frac{1}{2 \pi} \sqrt{\frac{k_2}{m}} \end{aligned} $$

From Eqs. (i), (ii) and (iii),

$$ \begin{aligned} & v=\frac{1}{2 \pi}[\frac{k_1}{m}+\frac{k_2}{m}]^{1 / 2} \\ & =\frac{1}{2 \pi}[\frac{4 \pi^{2} v_1^{2}}{1}+\frac{4 \pi^{2} v_2^{2}}{1}]^{1 / 2} \\ & {[\because \text { from Eq. (ii) } \frac{k_1}{m}=4 \pi^{2} v_1^{2} \text { and from Eq. (iii), } \frac{k_2}{m}=4 \pi^{2} v_2^{2}]} \\ & =\frac{2 \pi}{2 \pi}[v_1^{2}+v_2^{2}]^{1 / 2} \Rightarrow v=\sqrt{v_1^{2}+v_2^{2}} \end{aligned} $$

Note Do not confuse with parallel and series combinations of springs.

  • Option (a) (v_1 + v_2): This option is incorrect because the frequencies of oscillation do not simply add up when two springs are combined in parallel. The correct approach involves considering the combined spring constant and the resulting frequency, which is derived from the square root of the sum of the squares of the individual frequencies.

  • Option (c) ((\frac{1}{v_1} + \frac{1}{v_2})^{-1}): This option is incorrect because it represents the formula for combining frequencies in series, not in parallel. When springs are in series, the effective spring constant is different, and the resulting frequency would be calculated differently.

  • Option (d) (\sqrt{v_1^2 - v_2^2}): This option is incorrect because the square root of the difference of the squares of the frequencies does not represent the correct physical relationship for the combined system. The correct formula involves the sum of the squares of the individual frequencies, not their difference.

12. The rotation of earth about its axis is

(a) periodic motion

(b) simple harmonic motion

(c) periodic but not simple harmonic motion

(d) non-periodic motion

Show Answer

Answer $(a, c)$

The rotation of earth about its axis is periodic because it repeats after a regular interval of time.

The rotation of earth is obviously not a to and fro type of motion about a fixed point, hence its motion is not SHM.

  • Option (b) simple harmonic motion: The rotation of the Earth about its axis is not a simple harmonic motion because simple harmonic motion involves oscillatory motion where an object moves back and forth about an equilibrium position. The Earth’s rotation is a continuous circular motion, not an oscillatory one.

  • Option (d) non-periodic motion: The rotation of the Earth about its axis is not non-periodic because it occurs at regular intervals. Non-periodic motion does not repeat at regular intervals, whereas the Earth’s rotation repeats every 24 hours.

13. Motion of a ball bearing inside a smooth curved bowl, when released from a point slightly above the lower point is

(a) simple harmonic motion

(b) non-periodic motion

(c) periodic motion

(d) periodic but not $SHM$

Show Answer

Answer $(a, c)$

Consider the motion of the ball inside a smooth curved bowl.

For small angular displacement or slightly released motion, it can be considered as angular SHM.

When the ball is at an angle of $\theta$ the restoring force $(g \sin \theta) m$ acts as shown.

$$ \begin{aligned} \because & m a & =m g \sin \theta \\ \Rightarrow & a & =g \sin \theta \end{aligned} $$

$$ \Rightarrow \quad \frac{d^{2} x}{d t^{2}}=-g \sin \theta=-g \times \frac{x}{R} \quad[\therefore \sin \theta \simeq \theta=x / R] $$

Hence ,motion is SHM

$$ \begin{matrix} \Rightarrow & d 2 x / d t^{2} \propto(-x) \\ \Rightarrow & \omega & =\sqrt{g / R} \\ & & \text { Time period } T=\frac{2 \pi}{\omega}=2 \pi \sqrt{\frac{R}{g} .} . \end{matrix} $$

As motion is SHM, hence it must be periodic.

  • (b) non-periodic motion: The motion of the ball bearing inside a smooth curved bowl is periodic because it repeats itself after a fixed interval of time. Non-periodic motion does not repeat at regular intervals, which is not the case here.

  • (d) periodic but not $SHM$: For small angular displacements, the motion of the ball bearing can be approximated as simple harmonic motion (SHM). The restoring force is proportional to the displacement, which is a characteristic of SHM. Therefore, the motion is not only periodic but also SHM.

14. Displacement versus time curve for a particle executing SHM is shown in figure. Choose the correct statements.

(a) Phase of the oscillator is same at $t=0 s$ and $t=2 s$

(b) Phase of the oscillator is same at $t=2 s$ and $t=6 s$

(c) Phase of the oscillator is same at $t=1 s$ and $t=7 s$

(d) Phase of the oscillator is same at $t=1 s$ and $t=5 s$

Show Answer

Answer $(b, d)$

It is clear from the curve that points corresponding to $t=2 s$ and $t=6 s$ are separated by a distance belongs to one time period. Hence, these points must be in same phase.

Similarly, points belong to $t=1 s$ and $t=5 s$ are at separation of one time period, hence must be in phase.

  • At ( t = 0 , \text{s} ) and ( t = 2 , \text{s} ), the particle is at different positions in its cycle. ( t = 0 , \text{s} ) corresponds to the maximum displacement, while ( t = 2 , \text{s} ) corresponds to the equilibrium position. Therefore, the phase of the oscillator is not the same at these times.

  • At ( t = 1 , \text{s} ) and ( t = 7 , \text{s} ), the particle is at different positions in its cycle. ( t = 1 , \text{s} ) corresponds to a point where the particle is moving towards the equilibrium position, while ( t = 7 , \text{s} ) corresponds to a point where the particle is moving away from the equilibrium position. Therefore, the phase of the oscillator is not the same at these times.

15. Which of the following statements is/are true for a simple harmonic oscillator?

(a) Force acting is directly proportional to displacement from the mean position and opposite to it

(b) Motion is periodic

(c) Acceleration of the oscillator is constant

(d) The velocity is periodic

Show Answer

Thinking Process

We have to write equation for the SHM and then find out velocity as well as acceleration corresponding to the displacement.

Answer $(a, b, d)$

Let the equation for the SHM is $x=a \sin \omega t$.

Clearly, it is a periodic motion because it involves sine function.

$$ \text { Velocity } v=\frac{d x}{d t}=\frac{d}{d t}(a \sin \omega t)=a \omega \cos \omega t $$

Velocity is also periodic because of cosine function.

Acceleration,

$$ A=\frac{d v}{d t}=\frac{d^{2} x}{d t^{2}}=-a \omega^{2} \sin \omega t $$

[ $\because$ Acceleration is a sine function, hence cannot be constant]

$$ =-(\omega^{2} a) \sin \omega t=-\omega^{2} x $$

Force,

$$ \begin{aligned} F & =\text { mass } \times \text { acceleration } \\ & =m A=-m \omega^{2} x \end{aligned} $$

Hence, force acting is directly proportional to displacement from the mean position and opposite to it.

  • Option (c): The acceleration of the oscillator is not constant. The acceleration in simple harmonic motion is given by ( A = -a \omega^2 \sin \omega t ), which is a sine function. Since the sine function varies with time, the acceleration is not constant.

16. The displacement-time graph of a particle executing SHM is shown in figure. Which of the following statement is/are true?

$\begin{matrix} \text { (a) The force is zero at } t=\frac{3 T}{4} & \text { (b) The acceleration is maximum at } t=\frac{4 T}{4}\end{matrix} $

$\begin{matrix} \text { (c) The velocity is maximum at } t=\frac{T}{4} & \text { (d) The PE is equal to KE of oscillation at } t=\frac{T}{2}\end{matrix} $

Show Answer

Answer $(a, b, c)$

Consider the diagram

From the given diagram; it is clear that

(a) A $t=\frac{3 T}{4}$, the displacement of the particle is zero. Hence, the particle executing SHM will be at mean position i.e., $x=0$. So, acceleration is zero and force is also zero.

(b) At $t=\frac{4 T}{4}$, displacement is maximum i.e., extreme position, so acceleration is maximum.

(c) At $t=\frac{T}{4}$, corresponds to mean position, so velocity will be maximum at this position.

(d) At $t=\frac{2 T}{4}=\frac{T}{2}$, corresponds to extreme position, $so KE=0$ and $PE=$ maximum.

  • Reason for (d) being incorrect: At ( t = \frac{T}{2} ), the particle is at the extreme position. At this position, the kinetic energy (KE) is zero and the potential energy (PE) is maximum. Therefore, the statement that the potential energy (PE) is equal to the kinetic energy (KE) of oscillation at ( t = \frac{T}{2} ) is incorrect.

17. A body is performing SHM, then its

(a) average total energy per cycle is equal to its maximum kinetic energy

(b) average kinetic energy per cycle is equal to half of its maximum kinetic energy

(c) mean velocity over a complete cycle is equal to $\frac{2}{\pi}$ times of its maximum velocity

(d) root mean square velocity is $\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}$ times of its maximum velocity

Show Answer

Answer $(a, b, d)$

Let the equation of a SHM is represented as $x=a \sin \omega t$

Assume mass of the body is $m$.

(a) Total mechanical energy of the body at any time $t$ is

$$ E=\frac{1}{2} m \omega^{2} a^{2} $$

Kinetic energy at any instant $t$ is

$$ \begin{matrix} K & =\frac{1}{2} m v^{2}=\frac{1}{2} m[\frac{d x}{d t}]^{2} & {[\because v=\frac{d x}{d t}]} \\ & =\frac{1}{2} m \omega^{2} a^{2} \cos ^{2} \omega t & {[\because x=a \sin \omega t]} \\ \Rightarrow \quad K_{\max } & =\frac{1}{2} m \omega^{2} a^{2}=E & {[\because \text { for } k_{\max }, \cos \omega t=1] \ldots \text { (ii) }} \end{matrix} $$

(b) $KE$ at any instant $t$ is

K = $\frac{1}{2} m \omega^{2} a^{2} \cos ^{2} \omega t $

$(K_{av}) \text { for a cycle } =\frac{1}{2} m \omega^{2} a^{2}[(\cos ^{2} \omega t)_{av}] \text { for a cycle } $

$ =\frac{1}{2} m \omega^{2} a^{2}[\frac{0+1}{2}] $

$ =\frac{1}{4} m \omega^{2} a^{2}=\frac{K_{\max }}{2}$

[from Eq. (ii)]

(c) Velocity $=v=\frac{d x}{d t}=a \omega \cos \omega t$

$$ \begin{aligned} v_{\text {mean }} & =\frac{v_{\text {max }}+v_{\text {min }}}{2} \\ & =\frac{a \omega+(-a \omega)}{2}=0 \end{aligned} $$

[For a complete cycle]

(d) $v_{\text {rms }}=\sqrt{\frac{v_{\text {max }}^{2}+v_2^{2}}{2}}=\sqrt{\frac{0+a^{2} \omega^{2}}{2}}=\frac{a \omega}{\sqrt{2}}$

$$ \Rightarrow \quad V_{rms}=\frac{V_{\max }}{\sqrt{2}} $$

  • Option (c) is incorrect because:

    The mean velocity over a complete cycle of SHM is zero, not (\frac{2}{\pi}) times its maximum velocity. This is because the velocity is a sinusoidal function that averages out to zero over one complete cycle.

18. A particle is in linear simple harmonic motion between two points. $A$ and $B, 10 cm$ apart (figure.) take the direction from $A$ to $B$ as the positive direction and choose the correct statements.

$$ \begin{aligned} & \ddot{A} \\ & A O=O B=5 cm \\ & B C=8 cm \end{aligned} $$

(a) The sign of velocity, acceleration and force on the particle when it is $3 cm$ away from $A$ going towards $B$ are positive

(b) The sign of velocity of the particle at $C$ going towards $B$ is negative

(c) The sign of velocity, acceleration and force on the particle when it is $4 cm$ away from $B$ going towards $A$ are negative

(d) The sign of acceleration and force on the particle when it is at points $B$ is negative

Show Answer

Answer $(a, c, d)$

Consider the diagram.

(a) When the particle is $3 cm$ away from $A$ going towards $B$, velocity is towards $A B$ i.e., positive.

In SHM, acceleration is always towards mean position $(O)$ in this case. Hence, it is positive.

(b) When the particle is at $C$, velocity is towards $B$ hence positive.

(c) When the particle is $4 cm$ away from $B$ going towards $A$ velocity is negative and acceleration is towards mean position $(O)$ hence negative.

(d) Acceleration is always towards mean position $(O)$. When the particle is at $B$ acceleration and force are towards $B A$ that is negative.

  • (b) The sign of velocity of the particle at $C$ going towards $B$ is negative

    Reason: When the particle is at $C$ and moving towards $B$, the velocity is actually positive because it is moving in the positive direction from $A$ to $B$. Therefore, the statement that the velocity is negative is incorrect.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

19. Displacement versus time curve for a particle executing SHM is shown in figure. Identify the points marked at which (i) velocity of the oscillator is zero, (ii) speed of the oscillator is maximum.

Show Answer

Answer In SHM y-t graph, zero displacement values correspond to mean position; where velocity of the oscillator is maximum.

Whereas the crest and troughs represent extreme positions, where displacement is maximum and velocity of the oscillator is minimum and is zero. Hence,

(a) $A, C, E, G$ are either crest or trough having zero velocity.

(b) speed is maximum at mean positions represented by $B, D, F, H$ points.

20. Two identical springs of spring constant $k$ are attached to a block of mass $m$ and to fixed supports as shown in figure. When the mass is displaced from equilibrium position by a distance $x$ towards right, find the restoring force.

Show Answer

Answer Consider the diagram in which the block is displaced right through $x$.

The right spring gets compressed by $x$ developing a restoring force $k x$ towards left on the block. The left spring is stretched by an amount $x$ developing a restoring force $k x$ towards left on the block as gven in the free body diagram of the block.

Hence, total force (restoring) $=(k x+k x) \quad[\because$ Both forces are in same direction $]$ $=2 k x$ towards left

21. What are the two basic characteristics of a simple harmonic motion?

Show Answer

Answer The two basic characteristics of a simple harmonic motion

(i) Acceleration is directly proportional to displacement.

(ii) The direction of acceleration is always towards the mean position, that is opposite to displacement.

22. When will the motion of a simple pendulum be simple harmonic?

Show Answer

Answer Consider the diagram of a simple pendulum.

The bob is displaced through an angle $\theta$ shown.

The restoring torque about the fixed point $O$ is

If $\theta$ is small angle in radians, then $\sin \theta \approx \theta$

$$ \tau=-m g \sin \theta $$

$\Rightarrow \quad \tau \approx-m g \theta \Rightarrow \tau \propto(-\theta)$

Hence, motion of a simple pendulum is SHM for small angle of oscillations.

23. What is the ratio of maximum acceleration to the maximum velocity of a simple harmonic oscillator?

Show Answer

Thinking Process

We have to find velocity by differentiating the equation representing displacement and acceleration by differentiating the equation relating velocity and time.

Answer Let $x=A \sin \omega t$ is the displacement function of SHM.

Velocity,

$$ \begin{aligned} v & =\frac{d x}{d t}=A \omega \cos \omega t \\ v_{\max } & =A \omega|\cos \omega t|_{\max } \\ & =A \omega \times 1=\omega A \end{aligned} $$

$[\because|\cos \omega t|_{\max }=1] \ldots(i)$

Acceleration, $a=\frac{d v}{d t}=-\omega A \cdot \omega \sin \omega t$

$$ \begin{aligned} & =-\omega^{2} A \sin \omega t \\ |a_{\max }| & =|(-\omega^{2} A)(+1)| \\ |a_{\max }| & =\omega^{2} A \end{aligned} $$

From Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get

$ \frac{v_{\max }}{a_{\max }}=\frac{\omega A}{\omega^{2} A}=\frac{1}{\omega} $

$\Rightarrow \frac{a_{\max }}{v_{\max }}=\omega$

24. What is the ratio between the distance travelled by the oscillator in one time period and amplitude?

Show Answer

Answer The diagram represents

the motion of a particle executing SHM between $A$ and $B$.

Total distance travelled while it goes from $A$ to $B$ and returns to $A$ is

$$ \begin{aligned} & =A O+O B+B O+O A \\ & =A+A+A+A=4 A \quad[\because O A=A] \end{aligned} $$

Amplitude $=OA=A$

Hence, ratio of distance and amplitude $=\frac{4 A}{A}=4$

25. In figure, what will be the sign of the velocity of the point $P^{\prime}$, which is the projection of the velocity of the reference particle $P . P$ is moving in a circle of radius $R$ in anti-clockwise direction.

Show Answer

Answer As the particle on reference circle moves in anti-iclockwise direction. The projection will move from $P$ ’to $O$ towards left.

Hence, in the position shown the velocity is directed from $P^{\prime} arrow P^{\prime \prime}$ i.e., from right to left, hence sign is negative.

26. Show that for a particle executing SHM, velocity and displacement have a phase difference of $\pi / 2$.

Show Answer

Answer Let us assume the displacement function of SHM

where,

$$ x=acos \omega t $$

$$ \text { where, } \quad \begin{aligned} a & =\text { amplitude of motion } \\ \text { velocity } v & =\frac{d x}{d t} \end{aligned} $$

or

$$ \begin{aligned} \frac{d x}{d t} & =a(-\sin \omega t) \omega=-\omega asin \omega t \\ v & =-\omega asin \omega t \\ & =\omega acos(\frac{\pi}{2}+\omega t) \quad[\because \sin \omega t=-\cos (\frac{\pi}{2}+\omega t)] \end{aligned} $$

Now, phase of displacement $=\omega t$

Phase of velocity $=\frac{\pi}{2}+\omega t$

$\therefore$ Difference in phase of velocity to that of phase of displacement

$$ =\frac{\pi}{2}+\omega t-\omega t=\frac{\pi}{2} $$

27. Draw a graph to show the variation of $P E, K E$ and total energy of a simple harmonic oscillator with displacement.

Show Answer

Answer Potential energy (PE) of a simple harmonic oscillator is

where,

$$ \begin{aligned} & =\frac{1}{2} k x^{2}=\frac{1}{2} m \omega^{2} x^{2} \\ k & =\text { force constant }=m \omega^{2} \end{aligned} $$

When, PE is plotted against displacement $x$, we will obtain a parabola.

When $x=0, PE=0$

When $x= \pm A, PE=$ maximum

$$ \begin{aligned} & =\frac{1}{2} m \omega^{2} A^{2} \\ \text { KE of a simple harmonic oscillator } & =\frac{1}{2} m v^{2} \\ & =\frac{1}{2} m[\omega \sqrt{A^{2}-x^{2}}]^{2} \quad[\because v=\omega \sqrt{A^{2}-x^{2}}] \\ & =\frac{1}{2} m \omega^{2}(A^{2}-x^{2}) \end{aligned} $$

This is also parabola, if plot KE against displacement $x$.

$$ \begin{matrix} \text { i.e., } & KE=0 \text { at } x= \pm A \\ \text { and } & KE=\frac{1}{2} m \omega^{2} A^{2} \text { at } x=0 \end{matrix} $$

$$ \begin{aligned} & \begin{matrix} =\frac{1}{2} m \omega^{2} x^{2}+\frac{1}{2} m \omega^{2}(A^{2}-x^{2}) \end{matrix} \\ & =\frac{1}{2} m \omega^{2} x^{2}+\frac{1}{2} m \omega^{2} A^{2}-\frac{1}{2} m \omega^{2} x^{2} \\ & TE=\frac{1}{2} m \omega^{2} A^{2} \end{aligned} $$

Which is constant and does not depend on $x$.

Plotting under the above guidelines KE, PE and TE versus displacement $x$-graph as follows

28. The length of a second’s pendulum on the surface of earth is $1 m$. What will be the length of a second’s pendulum on the moon?

Show Answer

Answer A second’s pendulum means a simple pendulum having time period $T=2 s$.

For a simple pendulum, $\quad T=2 \pi \sqrt{\frac{l}{g}}$

where, $l=$ length of the pendulum and

$g=$ acceleration due to gravity on surface of the earth.

$$ T_{e}=2 \pi \sqrt{\frac{l_{e}}{g_{e}}} $$

On the surface of the moon,

$$ \begin{aligned} & T_{m}=2 \pi \sqrt{\frac{l_{m}}{g_{m}}} \\ & \frac{T_{e}}{T_{m}}=\frac{2 \pi}{2 \pi} \sqrt{\frac{l_{e}}{g_{e}}} \times \sqrt{\frac{g_{m}}{l_{m}}} \end{aligned} $$

$T_{e}=T_{m}$ to maintain the second’s pendulum time period.

$$ \therefore \quad 1=\sqrt{\frac{l_{e}}{l_{m}} \times \frac{g_{m}}{g_{e}}} $$

But the acceleration due to gravity at moon is $1 / 6$ of the acceleration due to gravity at earth, i.e.,

$$ g_{m}=\frac{g_{e}}{6} $$

Squaring Eq. (iii) and putting this value,

1 = $\frac{l_{e}}{l_{m}} \times \frac{g_{e} / 6}{g_{e}}=\frac{l_{e}}{l_{m}} \times \frac{1}{6} $

$\Rightarrow \frac{l_{e}}{6 l_{m}} =1 \Rightarrow 6 l_{m}=l_{e} $

$\Rightarrow l_{m} =\frac{1}{6} l_{e}=\frac{1}{6} \times 1=\frac{1}{6} m$

Short Answer Type Questions

29. Find the time period of mass $M$ when displaced from its equilibrium position and then released for the system shown in figure.

Show Answer

Thinking Process

To predict the nature of the motion, we have to displace the mass slightly and find the acceleration due to the restoring force.

Answer For the calculation purpose, in this situation we will neglect gravity because it is constant throughout and will not effect the net restoring force.

Let in the equilibrium position, the spring has extended by an amount $x_0$.

Now, if the mass is given a further displacement downwards by an amount $x$. The string and spring both should increase in length by $x$.

But, string is inextensible, hence the spring alone will contribute the total extension $x+x=2 x$, to lower the mass down by $x$ from initial equilibrium mean position $x_0$. So, net extension in the spring $(=2 x+x_0)$.

Now force on the mass before bulling (in the $x_0$ extension case)

But

$$ \begin{aligned} F & =2 T \\ T & =k x_0 \\ F & =2 k x_0 \end{aligned} $$

[where $k$ is spring constant]

When the mass is lowered down further by $x$,

$$ F^{\prime}=2 T^{\prime} $$

But new spring length $=(2 x+x_0)$

$\therefore \quad F^{\prime}=2 k(2 x+x_0)$

Restoring force on the system.

Using Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get

$$ F_{\text {restoring }}=-[F^{\prime}-F] $$

$$ \begin{aligned} F_{\text {restoring }} & =-[2 k(2 x+x_0)-2 k x_0] \\ & =-[2 \times 2 k x+2 k x_0-2 k x_0] \\ & =-4 k x \end{aligned} $$

or

$$ M a=-4 k x $$

where,

$$ a=\text { acceleration } $$

$\Rightarrow$

$$ a=-(\frac{4 k}{M}) x $$

(As, $F=m a)$

k, $M$ being constant.

$$ \therefore \quad a \propto-x $$

Hence, motion is SHM.

Comparing the above acceleration expression with standard SHM equation $a=-\omega^{2} x$, we get

$$ \therefore \quad \text { Time period } T=\frac{2 \pi}{\omega}=\frac{2 \pi}{\sqrt{\frac{4 k}{M}}}=2 \pi \sqrt{\frac{M}{4 k}} $$

30. Show that the motion of a particle represented by $y=\sin \omega t-\cos \omega t$ is simple harmonic with a period of $2 \pi / \omega$.

Show Answer

Answer We have to convert the given combination of two harmonic functions to a single harmonic (sine or cosine) function.

Given, displacement function

$$ \begin{aligned} y & =\sin \omega t-\cos \omega t \\ & =\sqrt{2}(\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} \cdot \sin \omega t-\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} \cdot \cos \omega t) \\ & =\sqrt{2}[\cos (\frac{\pi}{4}) \cdot \sin \omega t-\sin (\frac{\pi}{4}) \cdot \cos \omega t] \\ & =\sqrt{2}[\sin (\omega t-\frac{\pi}{4})]=\sqrt{2}[\sin (\omega t-\frac{\pi}{4})] \end{aligned} $$

Comparing with standard equation

$$ y=a \sin (\omega t+\phi), \text { we get }=\omega=\frac{2 \pi}{T} \Rightarrow T=\frac{2 \pi}{\omega} $$

Clearly, the function represents SHM with a period $T=\frac{2 \pi}{\omega}$.

31. Find the displacement of a simple harmonic oscillator at which its PE is half of the maximum energy of the oscillator.

Show Answer

Answer Let us assume that the required displacement be $x$.

$\therefore$ Potential energy of the simple harmonic oscillator $=\frac{1}{2} k x^{2}$

where,

$$ k=\text { force constant }=m \omega^{2} $$

$$ PE=\frac{1}{2} m \omega^{2} x^{2} $$

Maximum energy of the oscillator

$$ TE=\frac{1}{2} m \omega^{2} A^{2} $$

where,

$$ A=\text { amplitude of motion } $$

Given,

$PE=\frac{1}{2} TE$

$\Rightarrow \quad \frac{1}{2} m \omega^{2} x^{2}=\frac{1}{2}[\frac{1}{2} m \omega^{2} A^{2}]$

$\Rightarrow \quad x^{2}=\frac{A^{2}}{2}$

or

$$ x=\sqrt{\frac{A^{2}}{2}}= \pm \frac{A}{\sqrt{2}} $$

Sign $\pm$ indicates either side of mean position.

32. A body of mass $m$ is situated in a potential field $U(x)=U_0(1-\cos \alpha x)$ when, $U_0$ and $\alpha$ are constants. Find the time period of small oscillations.

Show Answer

Answer Given potential energy associated with the field

$$ U(x)=U_0(1-\cos \alpha x) $$

Now,

$$ \text { force } F=-\frac{d U(x)}{d x} $$

$$ [\because \text { for conservatine force } f, \text { we can write } f=\frac{-d u}{d x}] $$

[We have assumed the field to be conservative]

$$ \begin{aligned} & F=-U_0 \alpha^{2} x \\ & m \omega^{2}=U_0 \alpha^{2} \\ & \omega^{2}=\frac{U_0 \alpha^{2}}{m} \text { or } \omega=\sqrt{\frac{U_0 \alpha^{2}}{m}} \\ & \text { Time period } T=\frac{2 \pi}{\omega}=2 \pi \sqrt{\frac{m}{U_0 \alpha^{2}}} \end{aligned} $$

$$ F=-\frac{d}{d x}(U_0-U_0 \cos \alpha x)=-U_0 \alpha \sin \alpha x $$

$[\because$ for small oscillations $\alpha x$ is small, $\sin \alpha x \approx \alpha x]$

Note The motion is SHM only for small oscillations and hence, the time period is valid only in case of small oscillations.

33. A mass of $2 kg$ is attached to the spring of spring constant $50 Nm^{-1}$. The block is pulled to a distance of $5 cm$ from its equilibrium position at $x=0$ on a horizontal frictionless surface from rest at $t=0$. Write the expression for its displacement at anytime $t$.

Show Answer

Thinking Process

The spring-block system will perform SHM about the mean position with an amplitude of $5 cm$.

Answer Consider the diagram of the spring block system. It is a SHM with amplitude of $5 cm$ about the mean position shown.

Given, $\quad \quad \quad$ spring constant $k=50 N / m$

$$ m=\text { mass attached }=2 kg $$

$\therefore \quad$ Angular frequency $\omega=\sqrt{\frac{k}{m}}=\sqrt{\frac{50}{2}}=\sqrt{25}=5 rad / s$

Assuming the displacement function

$$ y(t)=A \sin (\omega t+\phi) $$

where, $\phi=$ initial phase

But given at $t=0, y(t)=+A$

or

$$ \begin{aligned} & y(0)=+A=A \sin (\omega \times 0+\phi) \\ & \sin \phi=1 \Rightarrow \phi=\frac{\pi}{2} \end{aligned} $$

$\therefore$ The desired equation is $y(t)=A \sin (\omega t+\frac{\pi}{2})=A \cos \omega t$

Putting $A=5 cm, \omega=5 rad / s$

we get, $y(t)=5 \sin 5 t$

where, $t$ is in second and $y$ is in centimetre.

34. Consider a pair of identical pendulums, which oscillate with equal amplitude independently such that when one pendulum is at its extreme position making an angle of $2^{\circ}$ to the right with the vertical, the other pendulum makes an angle of $1^{\circ}$ to the left of the vertical. What is the phase difference between the pendulums?

Show Answer

Answer Consider the situations shown in the diagram (i) and (ii)

(i)

(ii)

Assuming the two pendulums follow the following functions of their angular displacements

and

$$ \begin{aligned} & \theta_1=\theta_0 \sin (\omega t+\phi_1) \\ & \theta_2=\theta_0 \sin (\omega t+\phi_2) \end{aligned} $$

As it is given that amplitude and time period being equal but phases being different.

Now, for first pendulum at any time $t$

From Eq. (i), we get

$$ \theta_1=+\theta_0 $$

[Right extreme]

$\Rightarrow$

$$ \begin{aligned} \theta_0 & =\theta_0 \sin (\omega t+\phi_1) \text { or } 1=\sin (\omega t+\phi_1) \\ \sin \frac{\pi}{2} & =\sin (\omega t+\phi_1) \\ (\omega t+\phi_1) & =\frac{\pi}{2} \end{aligned} $$

$$ \Rightarrow \quad \sin \frac{\pi}{2}=\sin (\omega t+\phi_1) $$

or

Similarly, at the same instant $t$ for pendulum second, we have

$$ \theta_2=-\frac{\theta_0}{2} $$

where $\theta_0=2^{\circ}$ is the angular amplitude of first pendulum. For the second pendulum, the angular displacement is one degree, therefore $\theta_2=\frac{\theta_0}{2}$ and negative sign is taken to show for being left to mean position.

From Eq. (ii), then

$$ \begin{aligned} -\frac{\theta_0}{2} & =\theta_0 \sin (\omega t+\phi_2) \\ \sin (\omega t+\phi_2) & =-\frac{1}{2} \Rightarrow(\omega t+\phi_2)=-\frac{\pi}{6} \text { or } \frac{7 \pi}{6} \\ (\omega t+\phi_2) & =-\frac{\pi}{6} \text { or } \frac{7 \pi}{6} \end{aligned} $$

$$ \Rightarrow $$

From Eqs. (iv) and (iii), the difference in phases

or

$$ \begin{gathered} (\omega t+\phi_2)-(\omega t+\phi_1)=\frac{7 \pi}{6}-\frac{\pi}{2}=\frac{7 \pi-3 \pi}{6}=\frac{4 \pi}{6} \\ (\phi_2-\phi_1)=\frac{4 \pi}{6}=\frac{2 \pi}{3}=120^{\circ} \end{gathered} $$

Long Answer Type Questions

35. A person normally weighing $50 kg$ stands on a massless platform which oscillates up and down harmonically at a frequency of $2.0 s^{-1}$ and an amplitude $5.0 cm$. A weighing machine on the platform gives the persons weight against time.

(a) Will there be any change in weight of the body, during the oscillation?

(b) If answer to part (a) is yes, what will be the maximum and minimum reading in the machine and at which position?

Show Answer

Answer In this case acceleration is variable. In accelerated motion, weight of body depends on the magnitude and direction of acceleration for upward or downward motion.

(a) Hence, the weight of the body changes during oscillations

(b) Considering the situation in two extreme positions, as their acceleration is maximum in magnitude.

we have,

$$ m g-N=m a $$

$\because$ At the highest point, the platform is accelerating downward.

$$ \begin{matrix} \Rightarrow & N=m g-m a \\ \text { But } & a=\omega^{2} A \\ \therefore & N=m g-m \omega^{2} A \\ \text { where, } & A=\text { amplitude of motion. } \\ \text { Given, } & m=50 kg, \text { frequency } v=2 s^{-1} \\ \therefore & \omega=2 \pi v=4 \pi rad / s \\ \therefore & A=5 cm=5 \times 10^{-2} m \\ & N=50 \times 9.8-50 \times(4 \pi)^{2} \times 5 \times 10^{-2} \\ & =50[9.8-16 \pi^{2} \times 5 \times 10^{-2}] \\ & =50[9.8-7.89] \\ & =50 \times 1.91 \\ & =95.5 N \end{matrix} $$

$$ \begin{matrix} \text { But } & a=\omega^{2} A & \text { [in magnitude] } \end{matrix} $$

When the platform is at the lowest position of its oscillation,

It is accelerating towards mean position that is vertically upwards.

Writing equation of motion

or

$$ N-m g=m a=m \omega^{2} A $$

$$ \begin{aligned} N & =m g+m \omega^{2} A \\ & =m[g+\omega^{2} A] \end{aligned} $$

Putting the data

$$ \begin{aligned} N & =50[9.8+(4 \pi)^{2} \times 5 \times 10^{-2}] \\ & =50[9.8+(12.56)^{2} \times 5 \times 10^{-2}] \\ & =50[9.8+7.88] \\ & =50 \times 17.68=884 N \end{aligned} $$

Now, the machine reads the normal reaction. It is clear that

maximum weight $=884 N$

(at lowest point)

minimum weight $=95.5 N$

(at top point)

36. A body of mass $m$ is attached to one end of a massless spring which is suspended vertically from a fixed point. The mass is held in hand, so that the spring is neither stretched nor compressed. Suddenly, the support of the hand is removed. The lowest position attained by the mass during oscillation is $4 cm$ below the point, where it was held in hand.

(a) What is the amplitude of oscillation?

(b) Find the frequency of oscillation?

Show Answer

Thinking Process

When we have given the support of hand, net force $=0$ and when it is released, all of its PE will convert into $KE$.

Answer (a) When the support of the hand is removed, the body oscillates about a mean position.

Suppose $x$ is the maximum extension in the spring when it reaches the lowest point in oscillation.

Loss in PE of the block $=m g x$

where,

$m=$ mass of the block

Gain in elastic potential energy of the spring

$$ =\frac{1}{2} k x^{2} $$

As the two are equal, conserving the mechanical energy,

we get,

$$ m g x=\frac{1}{2} k x^{2} \text { or } x=\frac{2 m g}{k} $$

Now, the mean position of oscillation will be, when the block is balanced by the spring.

If $x^{\prime}$ is the extension in that case, then

$$ \begin{aligned} & F & =+k x^{\prime} \\ \text { But } & F & =m g \\ \Rightarrow & m g & =+k x^{\prime} \\ \text { or } & x^{\prime} & =\frac{m g}{k} \end{aligned} $$

Dividing Eq. (iii) by Eq. (iv),

$$ \begin{aligned} & & \frac{x}{x^{\prime}} & =\frac{2 m g}{k} / \frac{m g}{k}=2 \\ \Rightarrow & & x & =2 x^{\prime} \end{aligned} $$

But given $x=4 cm$ (maximum extension from the unstretched position)

$$ \begin{aligned} \therefore & 2 x^{\prime} & =4 \\ \therefore & x^{\prime} & =\frac{4}{2}=2 cm \end{aligned} $$

But the displacement of mass from the mean position to the position when spring attains its natural length is equal to amplitude of the oscillation.

$$ \therefore \quad A=x^{\prime}=2 cm $$

where, $A=$ amplitude of the motion.

(b) Time period of the oscillating system depends on mass spring constant given by

$$ T=2 \pi \sqrt{\frac{m}{k}} $$

It does not depend on the amplitude.

But from Eq. (iii),

$ \frac{2 m g}{k} =x $

$\frac{2 m g}{k} =4 cm=4 \times 10^{-2} m $

$\therefore \frac{m}{k} =\frac{4 \times 10^{-2}}{2 g}=\frac{2 \times 10^{-2}}{g} $

$\therefore \frac{k}{m} =\frac{g}{2 \times 10^{-2}} $

$ \text { and } \text { (maximum extension) } $

$\therefore \quad \text { frequency }=\frac{1}{T}=\frac{1}{2 \pi} \sqrt{\frac{k}{m}} $

$ =\frac{1}{2 \times 3.14} \sqrt{\frac{g}{2 \times 10^{-2}}} $

$ =\frac{10}{6.28} \times 2.14 \sqrt{\frac{4.9}{10^{-2}}}=\frac{1}{6.28} \times \sqrt{4.9 \times 100}$

Note The block during oscillation cannot go above the position it was released, as it is given that there is no velocity in the upward direction either by the system or external agent.

37. A cylindrical log of wood of height $h$ and area of cross-section $A$ floats in water. It is pressed and then released. Show that the log would execute SHM with a time period.

$$ T=2 \pi \sqrt{\frac{m}{A \rho g}} $$

where, $m$ is mass of the body and $\rho$ is density of the liquid.

Show Answer

Thinking Process

To find the time period for the SHM displace the log from equilibrium position by a small displacement and then find the restoring force.

Answer Consider the diagram.

Let the log be pressed and let the vertical displacement at the equilibrium position be $x_0$. At equilibrium,

$$ m g=\text { buoyant force }=(\rho A x_0) g \quad[\because m=V \rho=(A x_0) \rho] $$

When it is displaced by a further displacement $x$, the buoyant force is $A(x_0+x) \rho g$

$\therefore \quad$ Net restoring force $=$ Buoyant force - Weight

$$ \begin{aligned} & =A(x_0+x) \rho g-m g \\ & =(A \rho g) x \end{aligned} $$

$$ [\because m g=\rho A x_0 g] $$

As displacement $x$ is downward and restoring force is upward, we can write

where

$$ \begin{aligned} F_{\text {restoring }} & =-(A \rho g) x \\ & =-k x \\ k & =\text { constant }=A \rho g \end{aligned} $$

So, the motion is SHM

Now,

$$ \text { Acceleration } a=\frac{F_{\text {restoring }}}{m}=-\frac{k}{m} x $$

Comparing with

$$ a=-\omega^{2} x $$

$\Rightarrow$

$$ \omega^{2}=\frac{k}{m} \Rightarrow \omega=\sqrt{\frac{k}{m}} $$

$\Rightarrow$

$$ \frac{2 \pi}{T}=\sqrt{\frac{k}{m}} \Rightarrow T=2 \pi \sqrt{\frac{m}{k}} $$

$\Rightarrow$

$$ T=2 \pi \sqrt{\frac{m}{A \rho g}} $$

38. One end of a $V$-tube containing mercury is connected to a suction pump and the other end to atmosphere. The two arms of the tube are inclined to horizontal at an angle of $45^{\circ}$ each. A small pressure difference is created between two columns when the suction pump is removed. Will the column of mercury in $V$-tube execute simple harmonic motion? Neglect capillary and viscous forces. Find the time period of oscillation.

Show Answer

Answer Consider the diagram shown below

Let us consider an infinitesimal liquid column of length $d x$ at a height $x$ from the horizontal line.

If $\rho=$ density of the liquid

$$ A=\text { cross-sectional area of } V \text {-tube } $$

PE of element $d x$ will be given as

$$ PE=d m g x=(A \rho d x) g x \quad[\because d m=p V=p A d x] $$

where

$A \rho d x=d m=$ mass of element $d x$

$\therefore$ Total PE of the left column

$$ \begin{aligned} & =\int_0^{h_1} A \rho g x d x \\ & =A \rho g \int_0^{h_1} x d x \\ & =A \rho g|\frac{x^{2}}{2}|_0^{h_1}=A \rho g \frac{h_1^{2}}{2} \end{aligned} $$

But,

$$ \begin{aligned} h_1 & =l \sin 45^{\circ} \\ PE & =\frac{A \rho g}{2} l^{2} \sin ^{2} 45^{\circ} \end{aligned} $$

In a similar way,

$$ \begin{aligned} \text { PE of right column } & =\frac{A \rho g}{2} l^{2} \sin ^{2} 45^{\circ} \\ \text { Total PE } & =\frac{A \rho g}{2} l^{2} \sin ^{2} 45^{\circ}+\frac{A \rho g}{2} l^{2} \sin ^{2} 45^{\circ} \\ & =2 \times \frac{1}{2} A \rho g l^{2}(\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}})^{2}=\frac{A \rho g l^{2}}{2} \end{aligned} $$

If due to pressure difference created y element of left side moves on the right side, then liquid present in the left arm $=l-y$

liquid present in the right arm $=l+y$

$\therefore \quad$ Total PE $=A \rho g(l-y)^{2} \sin ^{2} 45^{\circ}+A \rho g(l+y)^{2} \sin ^{2} 45^{\circ}$

or

Changes in P E = $PE _{final }-P E _{initial }$

$$ \begin{aligned} \Delta PE & =\frac{A \rho g}{2}[(l-y)^{2}+(l+y)^{2}-l^{2}] \\ & =\frac{A \rho g}{2}[l^{2}+y^{2}-2 l y+l^{2}+y^{2}+2 l y-l^{2}] \\ & =\frac{A \rho g}{2}[2(l^{2}+y^{2})] \\ & =A \rho g(l^{2}+y^{2}) \end{aligned} $$

If $v$ is the change in velocity of the total liquid column, then change in KE

$$ \begin{aligned} \Delta KE & =\frac{1}{2} m v^{2} \\ m & =A \rho(2 l) \end{aligned} $$

But

$\therefore \quad \Delta KE=\frac{1}{2} A \rho 2 l v^{2}=A \rho l v^{2}$

From Eqs. (iv) and (v),

$$ \Delta PE+\Delta KE=A \rho g(l^{2}+y^{2})+A \rho l v^{2} $$

System being conservative.

$\therefore$ Change in total energy $=0$

From Eq. (vi),

$$ A \rho g(l^{2}+y^{2})+A \rho l v^{2}=0 $$

Differentiating both sides with respect to time $(t)$, we get

But, $\quad \frac{d y}{d t}=v$ and $\frac{d v}{d t}=a$

[acceleration]

$\Rightarrow \quad A \rho g(2 y v)+A \rho l(2 v) a=0$

$\Rightarrow \quad(g y+l a) 2 A \rho v=0$

$2 A \rho v=$ constant and $2 A \rho v \neq 0$

$\therefore \quad l a+g y=0$

$$ \begin{matrix} a+(\frac{g}{l}) y=0 \\ \frac{d^{2} y}{d t^{2}}+(\frac{g}{l}) y=0 \end{matrix} $$

This is the standard differential equation for SHM of the form

$ \frac{d^{2} y}{d t^{2}}+\omega^{2} y $ =0

$\therefore \quad =\sqrt{\frac{g}{l}} $

$T=\frac{2 \pi}{\omega} =2 \pi \sqrt{\frac{l}{g}}$

39. A tunnel is dug through the centre of the earth. Show that a body of mass $m$ when dropped from rest from one end of the tunnel will execute simple harmonic motion.

Show Answer

Answer Consider the situation shown in the diagram.

The gravitational force on the particle at a distance $r$ from the centre of the earth arises entirely from that portion of matter of the earth in shells internal to the position of the particle. The external shells exert no force on the particle.

More clearly,

let $g^{\prime}$ be the acceleration at $P$.

So,

$g^{\prime}=g(1-\frac{d}{R})=g(\frac{R-d}{R})$

From figure,

$R-d=y$

$\Rightarrow$

$g^{\prime}=g \frac{y}{R}$

Force on body at $p$,

$F=-m g^{\prime}=\frac{-m g}{R} y$

$\Rightarrow$

$F \propto-y \quad$ [where, $y$ is distance from the centre]

So, motion is SHM.

For time period, we can write Eq. (i)

As

$$ m a=-\frac{M g}{R} y \Rightarrow a=-\frac{g}{R} y $$

Comparing with $a=-\omega^{2} y$

$$ \begin{aligned} \omega^{2} & =\frac{g}{R} \\ \Rightarrow \quad(\frac{2 \pi}{T}) & =\frac{g}{R} \Rightarrow T=2 \pi \sqrt{\frac{R}{g}} \end{aligned} $$

40. A simple pendulum of time period $1 s$ and length $l$ is hung from a fixed support at 0 . Such that the bob is at a distance $H$ vertically above $A$ on the ground (figure) the amplitude is $\theta_0$ the string snaps at $\theta=\theta_0 / 2$. Find the time taken by the bob to hit the ground. Also find distance from $A$ where bob hits the ground. Assume $\theta_0$ to be small, so that $\sin \theta_0 \simeq \theta_0$ and $\cos \theta_0 \simeq 1$.

Show Answer

Thinking Process

We have to consider $\theta=\theta_0$ as reference point that is when $\theta=\theta_0$ the time will be considered as $t=0$. Then, equation of rectilinear motion will be applied.

Answer Consider the diagram.

Let us assume $t=0$ when $\theta=\theta_0$, then $\theta=\theta_0 \cos \omega t$

Given a seconds pendulum $\omega=2 \pi \Rightarrow \theta=\theta_0 \cos 2 \pi t$

At time $t_1$ let $\theta=\theta_0 / 2$

$$ \begin{matrix} \therefore & \cos 2 \pi t_1 & =1 / 2 \Rightarrow t_1=\frac{1}{6} \\ \frac{d \theta}{d t} & =-(\theta_0 2 \pi) \sin 2 \pi t & {[\because \cos 2 \pi t_1=\cos \frac{\pi}{3} \Rightarrow 2 \pi t_1=\frac{\pi}{3}]} \\ & \text { [from Eq. (i)] } \end{matrix} $$

At

$$ \begin{aligned} t & =t_1=\frac{1}{6} \\ \frac{d \theta}{d t} & =-\theta_0 2 \pi \sin \frac{2 \pi}{6}=-\sqrt{3} \pi \theta_0 \end{aligned} $$

Negative sign shows that it is going left.

Thus, the linear velocity is

$$ u=-\sqrt{3} \pi \theta_0 l \text { perpendicular to the string. } $$

The vertical component is

$$ u_{y}=-\sqrt{3} \pi \theta_0 l \sin (\theta_0 / 2) $$

and the horizontal component is

$$ u_{x}=-\sqrt{3} \pi \theta_0 l \cos (\theta_0 / 2) $$

At the time it snaps, the vertical height is

$$ H^{\prime}=H+l(1-\cos (\theta_0 / 2)) $$

Let the time required for fall be $t$, then

$$ \begin{aligned} & H^{\prime}=u_{y} t+(1 / 2) g t^{2} \quad \text { (notice } g \text { also in the negative direction) } \\ & \text { or } \quad \frac{1}{2} g t^{2}+\sqrt{3} \pi \theta_0 l \sin \frac{\theta_{o}}{2} t-H^{\prime}=0 \\ & \therefore \quad t=\frac{-\sqrt{3} \pi \theta_0 l \sin \frac{\theta_0}{2} \pm \sqrt{3 \pi^{2} \theta_0^{2} l^{2} \sin ^{2} \frac{\theta_0}{2}+2 g H^{\prime}}}{g} \\ & =\frac{-\sqrt{3} \pi l \frac{\theta_o^{2}}{2} \pm \sqrt{3 \pi^{2}(\frac{\theta_o^{4}}{4}) l^{2}+2 g H^{\prime}}}{g}[\because \sin \frac{\theta_0}{2} \simeq \frac{\theta_0}{2} \text { for small angle }] \end{aligned} $$

Given that $\theta_0$ is small, hence neglecting terms of order $\theta_0^{2}$ and higher

$$ t=\sqrt{\frac{2 H^{\prime}}{g}} $$

$$ \begin{aligned} & \text { Now, } \quad H^{\prime} \approx H+l(1-1) \quad[\therefore \cos \theta_0 / 2 \approx 1] \\ & \begin{aligned} & =H \\ \Rightarrow \quad t & =\sqrt{\frac{2 H}{g}} \end{aligned} \end{aligned} $$

The distance travelled in the $x$-direction is $u_{x} t$ to the left of where the bob is snapped

$$ \begin{aligned} & X=U x t=\sqrt{3} \pi \theta_0 l Cos(\frac{\theta_0}{2}) \sqrt{\frac{2 H}{g}} s \\ & \text { As } \theta_0 \text { is small } \Rightarrow \cos (\frac{\theta_0}{2}) \approx 1 \\ & X=\sqrt{3} \pi \theta_0 l \sqrt{\frac{2 H}{g}}=\sqrt{\frac{6 H}{g}} \theta_0 l \pi \end{aligned} $$

At the time of snapping, the bob was at a horizontal distance of $l \sin (\theta_0 / 2) \approx l \frac{\theta_0}{2}$ from $A$.

Thus, the distance of bob from $A$ where it meets the ground is

$$ \begin{aligned} & =\frac{l \theta_0}{2}-X=\frac{l \theta_0}{2}-\sqrt{\frac{6 H}{g}} \theta_0 l \pi \\ & =\theta_0 l(\frac{1}{2}-\pi \sqrt{\frac{6 H}{g}}) \end{aligned} $$



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