Problem Set - 4
Physics of Waves (Coupled Oscillations) - PH11003 (Autumn 2024-25)
24th August, 2024
1 Problems
Q1. Two equal masses m are attached with two identical massless springs of stiffness s as indicated in
the figure given below. Find the normal frequencies and the ratios of amplitudes of the normal modes.
Q2. Consider the model of a linear triatomic molecule with the two outer atoms of equal mass m
connected to a central atom of mass M by two identical springs of stiffness s as shown in figure below.
Find the normal frequencies and normal modes of vibration of the system.
1
Q3. Consider, two identical pendulums having general displacement x1 and x2 respectively are coupled
by a spring.
Here, x1 = c1 eiω1 t + c2 eiω2 t
x2 = c1 eiω1 t − c2 eiω2 t , where c1 and c2 are real constants and ω1 = √ω1+k
0
, ω2 = √ω1−k
0
Assume that, at t = 0, x1 = x0 , x2 = 0, x˙1 = 0, x˙2 = 0.
What are the displacements of two pendulums for a small value of k?
Q4. Suppose two pendulums of different masses m1 and m2 but having the same natural frequency ω0
are suspended from a common thick thread. Due to coupling one pendulum exerts on the other a force
proportional to the acceleration of the former.
(i) Justify that this proportionality constant can be taken to be the same for both the pendulums.
(ii) Set up the coupled equations and find the normal frequencies.
Assume that at t = 0, velocities of both are zero, displacement of first pendulum is x0 and that of the
second is zero.