WAEC Questions
1. Definitions / Theory
o Define Simple Harmonic Motion.
o State two conditions necessary for a system to perform SHM.
o Define amplitude, period, and frequency in SHM.
o Explain the difference between oscillatory motion and SHM.
2. Practical / Experimental
o Describe how to determine ggg using a simple pendulum.
o State the principle of a mass–spring system and how it can be used to measure
ggg.
o Draw a graph of KE, PE, and total energy versus displacement in SHM.
o Suggest precautions to take when using a pendulum to measure ggg.
3. Calculations
o A pendulum of length [Link] m makes 20 oscillations in 40 seconds. Calculate
the period and frequency.
o A spring stretches 0.05 m under a weight of 0.2 kg. Find the spring constant.
4. Resonance / Forced Vibration
o Define forced vibration and resonance.
o State two examples of resonance in everyday life.
JAMB Questions
1. Multiple Choice / Theory
o The period of a simple pendulum depends on:
a) Mass of the bob
b) Length of the string
c) Amplitude of oscillation (small)
d) Both b and c
o Which of the following systems is an example of SHM?
a) Child swinging at large amplitude
b) Mass on a spring
c) A car moving on a straight road
d) Water flowing in a river
2. Practical / Graphical
o A graph of displacement against time for a pendulum is given. Determine:
Amplitude
Period
Maximum velocity
o Explain why a loaded test tube oscillating vertically in water can be used to
demonstrate SHM.
3. Calculation
o A simple pendulum of length 0.81 m oscillates with a period of 1.8 s. Calculate
the acceleration due to gravity ggg.
o A mass of 0.3 kg is suspended on a spring of spring constant 120 N/m. Find the
period of oscillation.
4. Resonance / Forced Vibration
o Which of the following is a danger of resonance?
a) Bridge collapse
b) Amplification of sound in musical instruments
c) Tuning radio signals
d) Oscillation of a mass on a spring
✅ Tips for Exams
1. WAEC: Focus on definitions, practical procedures, graphs, and simple calculations.
2. JAMB: Focus on conceptual MCQs and straightforward calculations.
3. Energy diagrams, period/frequency relationships, and examples of SHM are always
asked.
4. Resonance is often linked to real-life applications (bridges, musical instruments, tuning
forks).
If you want, I can make a ready-to-use table of 20 top exam questions on SHM with answers
and explanations specifically for WAEC & JAMB. This would be like a mini revision guide.
Do you want me to do that?
yes pls
Perfect! Here’s a mini revision guide: 20 top SHM questions for WAEC & JAMB, complete
with answers and brief explanations. This covers definitions, graphs, calculations, and
practical experiments.
Mini Revision Guide: Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)
No Question Answer / Explanation
Motion in which the restoring force is directly
Define Simple Harmonic
1 proportional to the displacement and acts toward the
Motion (SHM).
equilibrium position.
2 State two conditions for SHM. 1) Existence of an equilibrium position
2) Restoring force proportional to displacement toward
No Question Answer / Explanation
equilibrium.
Maximum displacement of the body from its equilibrium
3 Define amplitude in SHM.
position.
4 Define period and frequency. Period (T): Time for one complete oscillation
Frequency (f): Number of oscillations per second f=1/Tf =
1/Tf=1/T.
1) Simple pendulum (small angles)
5 Give two examples of SHM.
SHM: restoring force ∝ displacement, motion is sinusoidal
2) Mass-spring system
Distinguish SHM from
6 Ordinary oscillation: may not be proportional, not
ordinary oscillation.
necessarily sinusoidal.
7 Explain why a loaded test
Restoring force = difference between weight and upthrust,
tube in water demonstrates
proportional to displacement from equilibrium.
SHM.
8 State the principle of a mass-
law: restoring force ∝ displacement.
Vertical oscillation occurs because spring obeys Hooke’s
spring system for measuring
ggg.
9 State two precautions when
1) Small angular displacement (<15°)
measuring ggg with a
2) Avoid parallax when reading length or timing
pendulum.
Explain forced vibration and Forced vibration: system vibrates due to external periodic
resonance. force
10
Resonance: maximum amplitude occurs when applied
frequency = natural frequency
Give two examples of 1) Wine glass breaking with sound of same frequency
11
resonance. 2) Soldiers’ step causing bridge vibration
12 A pendulum of length 1.0 m
T=40/20=2 sT = 40/20 = 2\text{ s}T=40/20=2 s,
makes 20 oscillations in 40 s.
f=1/T=0.5 Hzf = 1/T = 0.5 \text{ Hz}f=1/T=0.5 Hz
Find period & frequency.
13 Mass = 0.2 kg stretches a F=mg=kxF = mg = kxF=mg=kx →
spring 0.05 m. Find spring k=(0.2×10)/0.05=40 N/mk = (0.2 × 10)/0.05 = 40\text{
constant. N/m}k=(0.2×10)/0.05=40 N/m
A simple pendulum length 0.81 Use T=2π√(L/g)T = 2π√(L/g)T=2π√(L/g) → g≈9.87 m/s²g ≈
14
m has period 1.8 s. Find ggg. 9.87 \text{ m/s²}g≈9.87 m/s²
15 x=Asinωtx = A \sin ωtx=Asinωt →
Derive the formula for velocity
v=dx/dt=Aωcosωt=ω√(A2−x2)v = dx/dt = Aω \cos ωt =
in SHM.
ω√(A² - x²)v=dx/dt=Aωcosωt=ω√(A2−x2)
16 v=Aωcosωtv = Aω \cos ωtv=Aωcosωt →
Derive the formula for
a=dv/dt=−Aω2sinωt=−ω2xa = dv/dt = -Aω² \sin ωt = -ω²
acceleration in SHM.
xa=dv/dt=−Aω2sinωt=−ω2x
Draw energy vs displacement PE: maximum at extremes, KE: maximum at equilibrium,
17
graph for SHM. Total energy: constant horizontal line.
18 Relation between linear & v=rωv = rωv=rω
No Question Answer / Explanation
angular speed.
Relation between linear &
19 a=rαa = rαa=rα
angular acceleration.
Centripetal acceleration in
20 ac=v2/r=rω2a_c = v²/r = rω²ac=v2/r=rω2
circular motion.
🔹 Exam Tips
Always label your graphs in WAEC.
For calculations, show all steps: period → frequency → g.
For resonance questions, mention dangers and applications.
For practical pendulum/spring experiments, mention precautions.
If you want, I can also make a visual one-page “SHM summary chart” with formulas,
graphs, and key points ready for quick WAEC/JAMB revision. It’s very effective for last-
minute study.
Do you want me to make that?