Gradually falling amplitude

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1. Define periodic and oscillatory motions. Give examples of each. [Himachal 09]

Ans. Periodic motion. Any motion that repeats itself over and over again at regular intervals of
time is called periodic or harmnonic motion. The smallest interval of time after which the motion is repeated is
called its time period (T).
Examples of periodic motion :
(i) The motion of any planet around the sun in an elliptical orbit is periodic.
(i) The motion of Halley's comet around the sun is periodic, with aperiod of 76 years.
(iii) The heart beats of a human being are periodic, with a period of about 0.8 second.
Oscillatory motion. Ifabody moves back and forth repeatedly about its mean position, its motion is
said to be oscillatory or vibratory or harmonic motion.
Examples of oscillatory motion:
(i) The swinging motion of the pendulum of a wall clock.
(ii) The oscillations of a mass suspended frunn a spring.
(iin) The vibrations of the string of a guitar.
887
 888 PHYSICS - XI

2. Every oscillatory motion is necessarily periodicbut every periodic motion need not be oscillatory
Justify.
Ans. Distinction between periodic and oscillatory motions. Every oscillatory motion is
necessarily periodic because it is repeated at regular intervals of time. In addition, it is bounde
about one mean position. But every periodic motion need not be oscillatory. For example, the earth
completes one revolution around the sun in 1 year but it is not a to and fro motion about any mean
position. Hence its motion is periodic but not oscillatory.
3. With suitable examples, explain the meaning of aperiodic function. Construct two infinite sets of
periodic functions with period T. Hence stateFourier theorem.
Ans. Periodic function. Any function that repeats its value at regular intervals of its argument is
called
a periodic function. Afunction f (0) will be periodic with period Tif satisfies the property,
f(0+T)= f(0)
For example, the following sine and cosine functions are period with period T:
2Tt 2t
(t) =sin T
and g, (t) =cos
T
We can check the periodicity by replacing tby t +T. Thus
2Tt 2Tt
f (t+T)= sin T t+T)=sin T
+2n= sin
T -= f ()
Similarly, 81 (t +T)=8, ()
It can be easily seen that functions with period T/ n, where n=1,2,3, ..... also repeat their
values after a time T. Hence it is possible to construct two infinite sets of periodic functions such as
2T nt
5, ()= sin T n=1,2,3, 4,...
2T nt
8, (t)= cos n=0,1,2,3, 4, .....
In the set of cosine functions we have included the
constant function g, (t) =1
Fourier theorem. This theorem states that any arbitrary function F (t) with period Tcan be expressed
as the unique combination of sine and cosine functions f, (t) and g.. (t) with
Mathematically, it can be expressed as suitable coefficients.
2Tt 4tt 6t
F(t) = bo +b, COS T + b, cos + b, cos +F...+ a, sin 2Tt + a, sin 4Tt t + a, Sin 6nt +
T T T T
= b, + b, cos ot+ b, cos 2 ot + b, cos 3ot t..... + a, sin ot + a,
sin 2 ot + a, sin 3ot + ..**
or F(1)= bo t b, cos n ot + Ea, sin not, where =2/T
The coefficients b, b, b,..., a4,ag, ag... are called
can be determined uniquely by amathematical method Fourier coefficients. These coethcie
called Fourier analysis. Suppose a
Fourier coefficients except a, and b, are zero, then
2Tt 2T t
F(t)= a, sin + b, coS
T T
This equation is a special periodic motion called simple
harmonic motion (SHM).
 Chapter 13: OSCILLATIONS 889

4. Distinguish between periodic, harmonic and non-harmonic functions. Give examples of each.
Ans. Periodic, harmonic and non-harmonic functions. Any function that repeats its value at
regular intervals of its argument is called a periodic function. The following sine and cosine functions
are periodic with period T :
2T t 2Ttt
f(t) = sin ot = sin and g(t)= cos ot = cOs
T T

Figure 13.1 shows how these functions vary with time t.

Ft)

2T 3T 4T
2T

T/2 3T/2 t’ F
(a)
T T
2

2T t ’
F()
T/2 3T/2

(6)

Figure 13.1 Periodic functions which are harmonic. Figure 13.2 Some non-harmonic periodic functions.

The periodicfunctions which can be represented by asine or cosine curve are called harmonic functions.
All harmonic functions are necessarily periodic but all periodicfunctions are not harmonic. The periodic
functions which cannot be represented by single sine or cosine function are called non-harnmonic functions.
Fig, 13.2 shows some periodic functions which repeat themselves in aperiod Tbut are not harmonic.
Any non-harmonic periodic function can be constructed from two or more harrmonic functions.
One such function is: F(t) =4, sin ot+ a, sin 2 ot
5. What is meant by simple harmonic motion ? Give some examples.
[Delhi 16, 17 ; Central Schools 13]
Ans. Simple harmonic motion. Aparticle is said to execute simple harmonic motion ifit moves to
and fro about a mean position under the action of a restoring force which is directly proportional to its
displacement from the mean position and is always directed towards the mean position.
If the displacement of theoscillating body from the mean position is small, then
Restoring force Displacement
Fcx or F=-kx
This equation defines SHM Here k is a positive constant called force constant or Spring
Jactor and is defined as the restoring force produced per unit displacement. The SI unit of k is [Link]
negative sign in the above equation shows that the restoring force F always acts in the opposite
direction of the displacement x.
890 PHYSICS - XI

Now, according to Newton'ssecond law of motion,

k
F=ma 1na = --kr or a= i.e.,
m

Hence simple harmonic motion may also be defined as follows :

Aparticle is said to possess simple harmonic motion if it moves to and fro about a mean position
under an acceleration which is directly proportional to its displacement from the mean position
and is always directed towards that position.
Examples of simple harmonic motion :
(i) Oscillations of a loaded spring. (ü) Vibrations of a tuning fork.
(iii) Vibrations of the balance wheel of a watch. (iv)
6. State some important characteristics of simple harmonic
Oscillations of a simple pendulum.
motion. [Delhi 17, 19 ; Central Schools 131
Ans. Some important characteristics of SHM:
() The motion of the particle is periodic.
(i) It is the oscillatory motion of simplest kind in
which the particle oscillates back and
forth about its mean position with constant
(ii) Restoring force acting on the particle is
amplitude and fixed frequency.
mean position. proportional to its displacemnent from the
(iv) The force acting on the particle always
opposes the increase in its displacement.
(v) A simple harmonic motion can
function of sine or cosine.
always be expressed in terms of a single harmonic
7. Write down the differential equation for
period of SHM. SHM. Give its solution. Hence obtain expression for time
[Delhi 16]
Ans. Differential equation of SHM : In SHM,
proportional to its displacemnent. Thus the restoring force acting on the particle is
F=-kx
The negative sign shows that F and x
Constant. are oppositely directed. Here k is
spring factor or force
By Newton's second law, F= m
dt2
where m is the mass of the
particle and d'x is its acceleration.
dt2
d'x
=-kx Or d'x k
dt2
d2
Put k
m
-= o. then d'x ..(1)
dt2 Or + o'x=0
This is the differential
solution of equation (1) may be equation of SHM. Here ois
the angular Clearly, a
possible
of the form frequency.
x=A cos (ot + )
 Chapter 13: OSCILLATIONS 891
dx
Then
dt
=-0Asin (ot +o)

and - o Acos(ot + ,)=-ox Or + o'x=0

dt2 dt?
which is same as equation (1). Hence the solution of the equation (1) is
x= A cos (ot + ,) ...(2)
It gives displacement of the harmonic oscillator at any instant t.
Here A is the amplitude of the oscillating particle.
= ot + ,, is the phase of the oscillating particle.
, is the initial phase (at t =0) or epoch.

Time period of SHM:If we replace t by t+" in equation (2), we get

x= Acos ot+|+ ,= Acos (ot +2n+ )= Acos (wt +o)

2n 27
ie., the motion repeats after time interval Hence is the time period of SHM

2T 2T k
T=
Vk/m
m Inertia factor
=2
T=24* Spring factor
8. Define the terms harmonic oscillator, displacement, amplitude, cycle, time period, frequency, angular
frequency, phase and epoch with reference tooscillatory motion.
Ans. Some important terms connected with SHM
() Harmonic oscillator. A particle executing simple harmonic motion is called harmonic
oscillator.
(ii) Displacement. The distance of the oscillating particle from its mean position at any
is called its displacement. It is denoted by x. instant
(ii) Amplitude. The maximum displacement of the oscillating particle on either side of its mean
position is called its amplitude. It is denoted by A. Thus may =tA
(iv) Oscillation or cycle. One complete back and forth motion of a
at the same point is called a cycle or oscillation or vibration. particle starting and ending
(v) Time period. The time taken by a particle to complete one
Or, it is the smallest time interval after which the
oscillation is called its tine period.
oscillatory motion repeats. It is denoted
by T.
(vi) Frequency. It is defined as the number of oscillations
denoted by v (nu). completed per unit time by a particle. It is
1
Frequency, v= T
SI unit of frequency =s= cps= Hz
892 PHYSICS XI

(vii) Angular frequency. It is the quantity obtained by multiplying frequency vby afactor of)
It is denoted by a
2T
Thus, )=2rv= SI unit of angular frequency = rad s.
T
(viii) Phase. The phase of a vibrating particle at any instant gives the
state of the particle ne
regards its position and the direction of motion at that instant. Suppose a simple harmonie
equation is represented by
X=A cos (ot + )
Then phase of the particle is : = ot+ ¢o
(ix) Initial phase or epoch. The phase of avibrating particle
initial phase or epoch. corresponding to time t =0 is called
At t=0, ¢=0
The constant , is called initial phase or epoch. It tells
of the vibrating particle. about the initial state of motion
9. Showthat simple harmonic motion may be
along a diameter of the circle. regarded as the projection of uniform circular motion
Ans. Relation between SHM and
uniform circular
motion. As showWn in Fig. 13.3, consider a particle Pmoving
along a circle of radius A with uniform
Draw PNL XX. As P moves along the angular velocity o.
X,X toY' and Yto X; N moves circle fromm X to Y, Y to
from Xto 0, Oto X,X to O and
Oto X. Thus, as Prevolves along the 0= ot
N moves to and fro about the circumference of the circle, X
N
point
The motion of N about O is said to be
Oalong the diameter XX*.
simple harmonic.
simple harmonic motion may be defined as the Hence
uniform circular motion upon a diameter of acircle. projection of
called reference particle or generating The particle Pis
which the particle P revolves is called particle and the circle along
circle of reference. Figure 13.3 Reference circle.
10. Derive an expression for the
Ans. Displacement in simpledisplacement
of a particle in SHM. [Himachal 09C]

moving in anticlockwise direction withharmonic motion. As shownin Fig. 13.4, consider a partice
centre O. Suppose at time t=0, the uniform angular velocity oalong a circle of radius n
A such that
ZXOA= reference
,: At any time t, particle is at point
reaches the point P such that ZAOP = ot. suppose the particle
Draw PNIXX.
Clearly,
any instant t is displacement of projection N from
x=ON. centre O at
X'
In right-angled N
AONP, PON = ot + o
ON
OP = cos (ot + ,)
Or

A cos (ot + ) or SHM,

x=Acos(ot + ). Figure 13.4 Displacement
in

epoch (+ Q)
 Chapter 13: 0SCILLATIONS 893

This equation gives displacement of aparticle in SHM at any instant t. The quantity ot +o,is
called phase, , is called initial phase or phase constant and A is called amplitude of motion. Thus
Phase

A cos (ot

Displacement Amplitude Angular Initial

frequency phase
11. Prove that the displacement equation : x(t) =a sin ot +bcos ot, represents a simple harmonic
motion. Determine its amplitude and phase constan. [Central Schools 05]
Ans. General expression for SHM. We are given
X=asin ot + b cOs ot ..(1)
Differentiating w.r.t. time t, we get
dx
Wa COS t - ob sin ot
dt
Again,differentiating w.r.t. time t, we get
d'x =-oa sin ot - obcos t =-o (a sin ot +b cos ot)

Or .=-ox i.e., acceleration « displacement

dt2
Hence the equation (1) represents SHM
To determine its amplitude and phase constant, we put
a= Acos ..(2)
and b= Asin ...3)
Then x= A
cos sin ot + Asin cos ot = A(sin ot cos + cos ot sin )
Or x= Asin (ot+ ¢)
This again shows that equation (1) represents SHM of amplitude A and phase constant ¢.
Squaring and adding (2) and (3), we get
a' +b? =A' (cos² + sin? ) =Ax1
Amplitude, A=a' +b?
A sin ¢
Dividing (3) by (2), we get: Acos
= tan o

.:. Phase constant, =tan

12. Derive an expression for the instantaneous velocty of aparticle executing SHM When is the above
paricle velocity (i) maximum and (ii) minimum ? [Delhi 03C; Central Schools 11, 14]
Ans. Expression for the velocity of a particle executing SHM. The displacement of a
particle, executing SHM of amplitude A, at any instant t is given by
x=Acos(ot + ,)
894 PHYSICS XI

dx
Velocity, V=
dt
=-0A sin(«ot+¢,) =-oA1-cos (ot +,) =-oA 1
or
V=-0yA-2 [: x=A cos(ot + ,)l

The abeve equation gives velocity of particle in SHM at any displacement x.

Special Cases :
(i) When the particle is at the mean position, then x=0, so
v(t) =-oA -0 =-0A
This is the maximum velocity which a particle in SHM can execute and is called
velocity amplitude, denoted by vmax
"max 0A: 2 A
T

(ii) When the particle is at the extreme position, then x =t A, so

v=-0A - 4 =0
Thus the velocity of a particle in SHM is zero at either of its extreme positions.
13. Derive an expression for the acceleration of a particle executing SHM. When is the
acceleration
(i) minimum and (ii) maximun ? [Himachal 04, 05; Delhi 03C]
Or
Show that the acceleration of aparticle in SHM is proportional to its displacement from the mean
[Central Schools 04; Delhi 08)
position. Hence write the expression for the time period of SHM.
Ans. Expression for the acceleration of a particle executing SHM. For particle in SFIM,
Displacement, x= Acos(ot +,)
dx
Velocity, V= =-0Asin(ot+ , )
dt
du
Acceleration, a= =-oAcos(ot +) or
dT
displacement
This equation shows that the acceleration of aparticle in SHM is proportional to its
from the mean position and acts in the opposite direction of the displacement.
Special Cases:
acceleration =- o (0) =U.
() When the particle is at the mean position, then x =0, so,
Hence the acceleration of a particle in SHM is zero at the mean position.
0A is
(ii) When the particle is at the extreme position, then x =A, so, acceleration =-Possessand
This is the maximum value of acceleration which a particde in SHM can
called acceleration amplitude, denoted by amax
(2T 2 A
amax
 Chapter 13: OSCILLATIONS 895

Time period in terms of acceleration. The magnitude of acceleration in SHM is

a= o x Or o =a/x

T=
2T 2
or T =2n =2 Displacement
Jalx Va VAcceleration
14. In SHM of aparticle, draw graphs showing variation in (i) displacement (ii) velocity and
(ii) acceleration with time. Hence discUSS the phase relationship between them using proper equations.
[Delhi 20]
Or
Show that in SHM the phase diference between displacement and velocity is n/2, and between
displacement and acceleration it is T. [Delhi 06]
Ans. Phase relationship between particle displacement, velocity and acceleration. For a
particle in SHM, we can write
Displacement, x (t)= Acos ot
dx
Velocity, v(t)=
dt
=-0A sin ot =oA cos| ot + 2
do
Acceleration, a(t) = =-o Acos ot = o Acos (ot + )
dt

The values of x(t) v(t) and a(t) at various instants tfor one complete cycle can be determined
as follows:
’Displacement
T T 3T
Time, t T
4 2 4
3 3T/4
Phase angle, ot=
2t
T
0
2 2
2
-A
T/4 T/2 T
t’

+ A - A 0 + A
Displacement, x() T
max. min. max. min. max.
-’Velocity (a
0 0 + oA 0 min.
Velocity, v() min. max. min. max.
T/2
t’
Acceleration, a (t) 0 + o²A 0 -0²A T/4 3T/4 T
max. min. max. min. max.
Acceleration
- (b)
In Fig. 13.5, we have plotted separately the xversus o'A
t, v versus t and aversus t curves for a simple harmonic T/4)
o
motion. T/2 3T/4i T

Conclusions. From the above graphs, we can

draw the following conclusions : (c)

() Displacement, velocity and acceleration,

all vary harmonically with time. Figure 13.5 Relation between velocity,
displacement and acceleration
(i) The velocity amplitude is o times ; and in SHM
acceleration amplitude is o times the
displacement amplitude A
 896 PHYSICS - XI

(iii) Clearly, the velocity curve lies shifted to the left of the displacement curve by an
interval of T/4. Thus the particle velocity is ahead of its displacement by a phase angle of
T/2 rad.
(iv) Clearly, the acceleration curve lies shifted to the left of the displacement curve by an
interval of T/2. Thus the particle acceleration is ahead of its displacement by a phase angle
uf rad. Or, acceleration is ahead of velocity in phase by n/2 rad.
15. Find the total energy of the particle executing SHM and show graphically the variations of P.E.
and K.E. with time in SHM What is the frequency of these energies with respect to the frequency of the
particle executing SHM ? [Central Schools 16]
Or
Derive the expressions for the kinetic and potential energies ofa harmonic oscillator. Hence show tht
total energy is conserved in SHM. Draw graphs for (a) Energy vs. time and (b) energy vs. displacement.
[Delhi 12, 18 ; Central Schools 10, 11]
Ans. Total energy in SHM. The energy of a harmonic oscillator is partly kineticand partly
potential. As expected for any conservative force, the total mechanical energy (E= K+U) always
remains constant even though both K and U change with time.
() Kineticenergy. At any instant, the displacement of a particle executing SHM is given by
x= A cos (ot + h)
dx
Velocity, dt
=-0A sin(of + %)
Hence kinetic energy of the particle at any displacement x is given by
1 1
K=-mv
2
-mo A sin (ot +)
2
But A² sin (ot + ¢,)= A' [1- cos (ot +¢, )] =4' - 4' cos (ot +do)=A' -x?
1
K=mao A sin (ot +¢,)
2

or
K=mo
2 (A-*')=k(4-*)
2

(i) Potential energy. When the displacement of aparticle from its equilibrium position is x,
the restoring force acting on it is
F=-kx

If we displace the particle further through a small distance dx, then work done against the
restoring force is given by
dW=- F dx =+kx dx
The totalwork done in moving the particle from mean position (x =0) to displacement xis
given by

W=| dW= | kx dx =k ky?

2 0
 Chapter 13:OSCILLATIONS 897

This work done against the restoring force is stored as the potentialenergy of the particle.
Hence potential energy of a particle at displacement xis given by
1 1
u-kx?-mo'x?-mo
2 2 2
Acos² (ot+ h)
(ii) Total energy. At any displacement x, the total energy of aharmonic oscillatory is given by
E= K+U=k(A'-)+kr?
2 2

or E=kA'
2
=mo²
2
A² =21 my² A? [:o=2rv]
Thus the total mechanical energy of a harmonic oscillator is independent of time or
displacement. Hence in the absence of any frictional force, the totalenergy ofa harmonic oscillator is conserved.
Obviously,the total energy of particle in SHM is
() directly proportional to the mass mof the particle,
(i) directly proportional to the square of its frequency v, and
(ii) directly proportionalto the square of its vilbrational amplitude A.
Graphical representation. At the mean position, x =0
Kinetic energy, K=4k(4-0')=}kA? Potential energy, U=*(0)=0
Hence at the mean position, the energy is all kinetic.
At theextreme positions, x =t A
Kinetic energy, K-k(A'- A') =0 Potential energy, U=}kA
Hence at the two extreme positions, the energy is all potential.
Figure 13.6 shows the variations of kinetic energy K, potential energy U and total energy E
with displacement x. At x=0, the energy is all kinetic and for x=t the energy is all potential.
Energy
EK+ u
Energy -E=K+u

K K
T/4 T/2 3T/4 T
X=-A X=+A
Time ()
Displacement
Figure 13.7 K, U
and E as functions of time t
Figure 13.6 K,Uand E as functions of for a harmonic oscillator.
displacement x for a harmonic oscillator.
harmonic oscillator with time t.
Figure 13.7 shows the variations of energies K, Uand E of a
peak values. Thus the
twie in each cycle, both kinetic and potential energies assume their
Clearly,
me period of both kinetic and potential energies is T/2 or the frequency of each is 2v.
898 PHYSICS - XI

16. Showthat the horizontal oscillations of anassless loaded spring are sinple harm0nic. Deduce an
expression for its tine period. (Delhi 18]
Ans. Horizontal oscillations of abody on aspring. Considera massless spring lying on a
frictionless horizontal table. Its one end is attached to a rigid support and the other end to a body of
mass m If the body is pulled towards right through a small distance x and released, it starts
oscillating back and forth about its equilibrium position under the action of the restoring force of
elasticity,
F=-kx Equilibrium F=0
m
where k is the force constant of the spring. The
negative sign indicates that the force is directed
Stretched F=-kx
oppositely to x.
If ais the acceleration of the body, then
r0000000000OOREo
ma =-kx -x4
Compressed F=-kr
k
or a= X=-r or
0O0000000
Thus the body executes simple harmonic
motion. Its time period is given by
2T 2 Figure 13.8 Horizontal oscillations of a
T=:
Jk/m loaded spring.
11 k
Or T=2. Or V=
T 2r Vm
Clearly, the time period Twill be small or frequency v large if the spring is stiff (high k) and
attached body is light (small m).
Lhoongoo00
17. An elastic spring has a mass suspended at its lower end, its upper end being fixed to a rigid
support. The mass is pulled down to acertain distance and released. Show that motionexecuted by it is SHM
and hence find its time period. Does it depend on acceleration due to gravity ? Fobo00000990000
[Himachal 05C, 09C] A000000000000
Ans. Vertical oscillations of a body on a Equilibrium position
Displaced
spring. If aspring is suspended vertically from Relaxed
Equilibrium
rigid support and a body of mass m is attached to its Stretched
lower end, the spring gets stretched to a distance d
due to the weight mg of the body. Because of the
elasticity of the spring, a restoring force equal to kd
begins to act in the upward direction. In the position
of equilibrium,
d
mg = kd d +x
m
If the body be pulled vertically downwards
through a small distance x from its equilibrium
position and then released, it begins to oscillate up
and down about this position. The weight mg of the Figure 13.9
 Chapter 13: OSCILLATIONS 899

body acts vertically downwards while the restoring force k(d + x) due to elasticity acts vertically
upwards. Therefore, the resultant force on the body is
F= mg-k (d + x)=kd -kd -kx [ mg = kd]
or F=-kx
If a is the acceleration of the body, thern: ma =- kx or a= -x=-ox
m

Thus acceleration is proportional to displacement x and is directed opposite to it. Hence the
body executes SHM and its time period is
2T 2T m
T= or T=2n
Vk/m Vk
Obviously, the force of gravity has no effect on the force constant kand hence the time period of the
0scillating mass.
18. Figure 13.10 shous four different spring arTangements. If the mass of each arrangement is displaced
the mass of each spring. O0N00000
from its equilibrium position and released, what is the resulting frequency of vibration in each case ? Neglect
[NCERT]

O00000000
000000000

k
0OO00000 m
00000000000ÚOO m

(a) (b) (c) (a)

Figure 13.10
Or
What is a spring factor ? Derive the expression for resultant spring constant when tuo springs having
constants k, and k, are co1nected in (i) parallel, and (i) in series. [Central Schools 05, 19]
Ans. Spring constant or force constant. It is defined as the restoring force produced per unit
displacement of the spring.
k=Nm-1
Springs connected in parallel. Figs. 13.10(a) and (b) show two springs connected in
Let k and k, be their spring constants. Let y be the extension produced in each spring. parallel.
torces produced in the two springs will be Restoring
F =-k, y and F, =-k, y
The total restoring force is F= F + E =-(k, +k,)y ...(1)
Let k, be the force constant of the parallel combination. Then
F=-k, y ...(2)
900 PHYSICs- XI

From (1) and (2), k, =k +k,

Frequency of vibration of the parallel combination is
1 p 1 k, +k,
p
2 Vm 2T
connected in series.
Springs connected in series. Figs. 13.10(c) and (d) represent two springs
acting in the two
Let x, and x, be the extensions produced in the two springs. The restoring force F
springs is same. F
F
and
F=-k,x=-k,, Or

1 k, +k,
k, --
F +
Total extension, x=X +X= kkz
k, kz
or F= ..3)
k +kz)
Then
Let k, be the force constant of the series combination.
..4)
F=-k, x
From (3) and (4), k, kk,
k +k,
Frequency of oscillation of the series combination is
1 k, 1 k,kz
2 Vm 2r m(k, +kz)
harnonic. Derive an
19. Show that for small oscillations the motion of a simple pendulum is simple Schools 17, 19]
depend on the mass of the bob ? [Delhi 18, 20; Central
expression for its time period. Does it
Ans. Simple pendulum. An ideal simple pendulum consists of apoint-mass suspended by aflexible,
pendulum is
inelastic and weightless string from a rigid support of infinite mass. In practice, a simplerigid support.
obtained by suspending a small metal bob by a long and fine cotton thread from a
-Point of suspension
Expression for time period. n the equilibrium
position, the bob of a simple pendulum lies vertically
below the point of suspension. If the bob is slightly
displaced on either side and released, it begins to T

oscillate about the mean position.

As shown in Fig. 13.11, suppose at any instant
during oscillation, the bob lies at position A when its
4
x=10
displacement is COA=x and the thread makes angle mgcos0
with the vertical. The forces acting on the bob are mg sin -

() Weight mg of the bob acting vertically mg

downwards.
bob
Figure 13.11 Forces acting on the
(ii) Tension T along the string. of a pendulum.
 Chapter 13: OSCILLATIONS 901

The force mg has two rectangular components () the component mg cos acting alon8 the
hread is balanced by the tension Tin the thread and (i) the tangential component mg sin 9 is the
oot force acting on the bob and tends to bring it back to the mean position. Thus, the restoring force is
F=-mg sin 0
arc
If 0 is small, then sin 0 = =

radius
mg a=-x--o'x
F=-mg ma = Or

Thus, the acceleration of the bob is proportional to its displacement x and is directed opposite
to it. Hence for small oscillations, the motion of the bob is simple harmonic. Its time period is
2T 2
T= T=2n

Obviously, the time period of a simple pendulum depends on its length land acceleration due to
gravity g but is independent of the mass mof the bob.
20. What are free, damped and maintained oscillations ? Give examples Show free and damped
oscillations graphically. [Central Schools 14]
Ans. (a) Free oscillations. Ifabody, capable of oscillation, is slightly displaced from its position of
equilibrium and left to itself, it starts oscillating with afrequency of its own. Such oscillations are called free
oscillations. The frequerncy with which a body oscillates freely is called naturalfrequencyand is given by
1
Vo =

In the absence of dissipative forces, such a body vibrates with a constant amplitude and
fixed frequency, as shown in Fig. 13.12. Such oscillations are also called undamped oscillations.
Examples:
(i) The vibrations of the prongs of tunning fork struck against a rubber pad.
(ii) The vibrations of the string of a sitar when pulled aside and released.
(ii) The oscillations of the bob of a pendulum when displaced from its mean position and
released.
-Gradually faling amplitude
Constant amplitude

rigure 13.12 Free or undamped Figure 13.13 Damped oscillations.

oscillations.
(6) Damped oscillations. The oscillations in which the amplitude decreases gradually with the
PSSage of time are called damped oscillations. In most of the oscillations, a part of the
energy of the
902 PHYSICS XI

oscillating system is lost in the form of heat, in overcoming these resistive forces. As aresult,the
amplitude of such oscillations decreases exponentially with time, as shown in Fig. 13.13. Eventually,
these oscillations die out.
Examples :
() A mass suspended from a spring and vibrating in a liquid.
(ii) The oscillations of a swing in air.
(c) Maintained oscillations. If to an oscillating system, energy is continuously supplied from
outside at the same rate at which the energy is lost by it, then its amplitude can be maintained constant. Such
Oscillations are called maintained oscillations. Here, the system oscillates with its own natural frequency.
Examples :
(i) The oscillations of thebalance wheel of a watch in which the main spring provides
the required energy.
(ii) A child's swing in which energy is continuously fed to maintain constant amplitude.
21. Distinguish between forced and resonant oscillations.
Or
What is resonance ? Explain with one example. [Central Schools 17]
[Link] oscillations. When a body oscillates under the influence of an external periodic force,
not with its own natural frequency butwith the frequency of the external periodic force, its oscillations are
said to be forced oscillations. The external agent which exerts the periodic force is called the driver and
the oscillating system under consideration is called the driven body.
Examples : (i) When the stem of a vibrating tuning fork is pressed against a table, a loud
sound is heard. This is because the particles of table are forced to vibrate with the frequency of the
tuning fork.
(ii) The sound boards of all stringed musical instruments like sitar, violin, etc. execute
forced oscillations and the frequency of oscillation is equal to the natural frequency of the
vibrating string.
Suppose an external periodic force of
frequency v is applied to an oscillator of natural
frequency V¡. Asshown in Fig. 13.14, the amplitude
of forced oscillations is very small for v <<Vo and
v>>Vo But when v Vo the amplitude of the forced V’
oscillations becomes very large. The case v =V, is
called resonance and the oscillations are called Figure 13.14 Amplitude a of a forced oscillator
resonant oscillations. as afunction of the frequency vof the driver.
Resonant oscillations and resonance. It isa particular case of forcedoscillations in which the
frequency of the driving force is equal to the natural frequency of the oscillator itself and the amplitude of
oscillations is very large. Such oscillations are called resonant oscillations and phenomenon is called resonance.
natural
Examples : () An aircraft passing near a building shatters its window panes, if the
frequency of the window matches the frequency of the sound waves sent by the aircraft's engine.
(i) The air-column in a resonance tube produces a loud sound when its frequency matcre
the frequency of the tuning fork.
 Chapter 13 : 0SCILLATIONS
903

22. Give an experimental illustration to demonstrate the formation of free, forced and resonant
Oscillations.
Ans. Experimental illustration. As shown in Fig. 13.15, suspend four pendulums A, 5,
and Dfrom an elastic string PQ Set the pendulum Ainto oscillation. It executes free oscillations.
The energy from this pendulum is transferred toother Elastic string
pendulums through the elastic string. Initially, the P

motions of B, Cand Dare irregular. But soon all these

pendulums start oscillating with the frequency of A The
oscillations of B, C and D are forced oscillations. But
pendulums Band D have small amplitudes. This is
because the frequency of Bis much larger than that of A
A
(due to shorter length) and the frequency of D ismuch
smaller than that of A (due to larger length). The
pendulumn Cwhich has same length as the pendulum A D

(and hence the same frequency) oscillates with largest Figure 13.15 I|lustrating free, forced and
amplitude. Hence the oscillations of C are resonant resonant oscillations.
oscillations.
23. Briefly explain the principle underlying the tuning of a radio receiver.
Ans. Principle of tuning of a radio receiver. Tuning of the radio receiver is based on the
principle of resonance. Waves from all stations are present around the antenna. When we tune our
radio to a particular station, we produce a frequency of the radio circuit which matches with the
frequency of that station. When this condition of resonance is achieved, the radio receives and
responds selectively to the inconing waves from that station and thus gets tuned to that station.

Very Short Answer Type Bocard Questions 1 mark each

4. What is oscillatory motion ?

1. What is periodicmotion ? [Himachal 04]
[Himachal 04, 05C]
Ans. The motion which repeats itself over
and over again after a fixed interval of time is Ans. The motion which repeats itself over
called a periodic motion. and over again about a mean position such that it
2. Define periodic time. Give its SI unit. remains confined within well defined limits
[Delhi 96] (known asextreme positions) on either side of the
Ans. The smallest interval of time after which mean position is called oscillatory motion.
a motion repeats itself over and over again is called 5. Can a motion be periodic and not
its periodic time. The SI unit of periodic time is oscillatory ?
second (s). Ans. Yes, for example, uniform circular
3. What is the condition to be satisfied by a
mathematical relation between time and motion is periodic but not oscillatory.
displacement to describe a periodic motion ? 6. What are the two basic characteristics of
[Central Schools 08] an oscillating system ? [Delhi 97]
Ans. A periodic motion repeats after a Ans. The oscillations of a system result
definite time interval T. So from its two basic characteristics, namely,
y(t) =y(t+T) = y(t+2T), etc. elasticity and inertia.