Oscillation

Class: 12 th
Sub: Physics

1M Questions:
1. Define harmonic motion?
Ans: An oscillatory motion obeying harmonic functions is called harmonic motion.

2. Define the term periodic motion.

Ans: Any motion which repeat itself after a definite interval of time is called periodic
motion.
3. Give two examples of periodic motion?
Ans: A body performing periodic motion goes on repeating the same set of movements.

4. Define linear simple harmonic motion.

Ans: Definition: The oscillatory periodic motion in which every particle of the oscillating body
moves to and fro, about its mean position, along a certain fixed path is called the simple
harmonic motion.

5. Define angular simple harmonic motion.

Ans: If the path followed by particles in simple harmonic motion is an arc of circle, it is said to
be angular simple harmonic motion.

6. Define the term period of periodic motion.

Ans: The smallest interval of time after which the to and fro motion is repeated is called its
period (T) of periodic motion.

7. Define the term frequency of periodic motion.

Ans: The number of oscillations completed per unit time is called the frequency (n) of the
periodic motion.

8. When can one say that the oscillation is an complete oscillation?

Ans: A complete oscillation is when the object goes from one extreme to other and back to the
initial position.

9. Mention the conditions required for simple harmonic motion

Ans: i. Oscillation of the particle is always about a fixed point.
ii. The net force or acceleration is always directed towards the fixed point.
 iii. The particle comes back to the fixed point due to restoring force.
10. What is meant by the term harmonic oscillation.
Ans: Harmonic oscillation is that oscillation which can be expressed in terms of a single
harmonic function, such as 𝑥 = 𝑎 sin 𝜔𝑡 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = 𝑎 cos 𝜔𝑡

11. What is meant by non – harmonic oscillation.

Ans: Non – harmonic oscillation is that oscillation which cannot be expressed in terms of single
harmonic function. It may be a combination of two or more harmonic oscillations such as 𝑥 =
𝑎 sin 𝜔𝑡 + 𝑏 sin2 𝜔𝑡

12. Mention a point at which the oscillator has zero velocity but positive acceleration?
Ans: During an oscillation, the oscillator has zero velocity but positive acceleration at the left
(negative) extreme position.

13. Mention the part of the oscillation where velocity and displacement are in same direction.
Ans: During the part when particle is travelling from main position to extreme position, both
velocity and displacement are directed in same direction.

14. State expression of kinetic and potential energy at

i. Mean position
ii. Extreme position.
Ans: i. At mean position x = 0 and velocity is maximum.
1
Kinetic energy (𝐸𝑘 )𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑚𝜔2 𝐴2
2
Potential energy (𝐸𝑝 )𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 0
ii. At extreme position, the velocity of the particle is zero and 𝑥 = ±𝐴
Kinetic energy (𝐸𝑘 )𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 0
1
Potential energy (𝐸𝑝 )𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑚𝜔2 𝐴2
2

15. Write the differential equation for angular S.H.M.

𝑑2 𝜃
Ans: 𝐼 + 𝑐𝜃 = 0
𝑑𝑡 2

16. Define the term 'damped oscillations'.

Ans: Periodic oscillations of gradually decreasing amplitude are called damped harmonic
oscillations and the oscillator is called a damped harmonic oscillator.
 2M Questions:
1. Write short note on series combination of springs.
Ans: i. When all the springs are connected one after the other forming a single chain then it
is termed as series combination of springs.
ii. a. Consider arrangement of two such springs offspring

constant k1 and k2 as shown in fig.

2. Give reason: Every oscillatory motion is periodic but every periodic motion need not
be oscillatory.
Ans: i. In case of oscillatory motion, the object performs set of oscillations and comes back
to its original position. Hence, every oscillatory motion is periodic motion.
ii. On the other hand, circular motion is periodic as it repeats the same set of movements
after definite interval of time but it is not oscillatory as the motion is not to and fro about a
mean position.
Hence, every oscillatory motion is periodic but every periodic motion need not be
oscillatory.

3. Write short note on parallel combination of springs.

Ans: i. When all the springs are connected between same
two points it is termed as parallel combination of springs.
One of the two ends is the support and at the other end,
the stretching force ‘f’ is applied at a suitable point.

iii. a. Irrespective of their spring constants, each spring will

now have the same extension e.
b. Let f1 = k1e, f2 = k2e, … be the individual restoring forces.
c. If kP is the effective spring constant, a single spring of this
spring constant will be steched by the same stretching
force f.
f = kPe = f1 + f2 + … = k1e + k2e + …
kP = k1 + k2 + … = ∑ki
ii. For m identical massless springs of spring constant k each, in parallel kP = mk.

4. Describe reference circle method.

Ans: i. Consider a rod rotating along a vertical circle in the X –Y plane.
ii. If the rod is illuminated parallel to X-axis from either side by a linear source parallel to the
rod, as shown in the figure, the shadow (projection) of rod will be produced on the Y-axis.
iii. The tip of the shadow can be seen to be oscillating about the origin, along the Y-axis.
5. Give graphical representation of displacement, velocity and acceleration against phase
angle, for a particle performing linear S.H.M. from the mean position
Ans:

6. State the values of kinetic energy and potential energy at mean position and extreme
position. What can be concluded about total energy from it?
Ans:
i. At the mean position, 𝑥 = 0 and velocity is maximum.
1
Kinetic energy (𝐸𝑘 )𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑚𝜔2 𝐴2
2
Potential energy (𝐸𝑝 )𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 0

ii. At the extreme positions, the velocity of the particle is zero and 𝑥 = ±𝐴
Kinetic energy (𝐸𝑘 )𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 0
1
Potential energy (𝐸𝑝 )𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑚𝜔2 𝐴2
2

iii. As the particle oscillates the energy changes between kinetic and potential. At the
mean position, the energy is entirely kinetic, while at extreme positions it is entirely
potential. At other positions the energy is partly kinetic and partly potential.
However, the total kinetic energy is always conserved.
7. Graphically represent the variation of K.E., P.E. and T.E. with displacement.
Ans:

8. Mention the laws of simple pendulum.

Ans:
i. The period of a simple pendulum is directly proportional to square root of its length.
𝑇∝𝐿 ... (when g=constant)
ii. The period of a simple pendulum is inversely proportional to the square root of acceleration
due to gravity.
1 ... (when L = constant)
𝑇∝
√𝑔
iii. The period of simple pendulum does not depend on its mass.
iv. The period of simple pendulum does not depend on its amplitude (for small amplitude).

9. Difference between conical pendulum and simple pendulum.

Ans:
No. Conical pendulum Simple pendulum
1. Trajectory and the plane of the motion of Trajectory and the plane of the motion of
the bob is a horizontal circle. the bob is a vertical circle.
2. K.E. and gravitational P.E. are constant. K.E. & gravitational P.E. are interconverted
& their sum is conserved.
3. Horizontal component of the force due to Tangential component of the weight is
tension is the necessary centripetal force the governing force for the energy
(governing force). conversions during the motion.
4. 𝐿 cos 𝜃 𝐿
Period 𝑇 = 2𝜋√ Period 𝑇 = 2𝜋 √
𝑔 𝑔

5. String always makes a fixed angle with the With large amplitude the string can be
horizontal and can never be horizontal. horizontal at some instances.
10. Draw displacement – time graph of damped harmonic oscillations. What can be
concluded from it?
Ans: From graph, it is concluded that amplitude of damped harmonic oscillation decreases
exponentially with time.

11. With the help of an example, explain concept of free oscillation & forced oscillation.
Ans:
i. If an object is allowed to oscillate or vibrate on its own, it does so with its natural
frequency (or with one of its natural frequencies).
ii. For example, if the bob of a simple pendulum of length 𝑙 is displaced and released, it will
1 𝑔
oscillate only with the frequency 𝑛 = √ which is called its natural frequency and the
2𝜋 𝑙
oscillations are free oscillations.
iii. However, by applying a periodic force, the same pendulum can be made to oscillate with
different frequency.
iv. The oscillations then will be forced oscillations and the frequency is driver frequency or
forced frequency.

12. Obtain differential equation of damped harmonic oscillations.

Ans: i. Consider a spring oscillating system of mass ‘m’ is performing damped S.H.M.
Damping force, Fd = – bv …(1) where, b is called damping constant.
Negative sign shows that damping force opposes motion.
ii. For spring constant k, the force on the block from the spring is, Fs = –kx …(2)
iii. Assuming that the gravitational force on the block is negligible compared to Fd and Fs the
total force acting on the mass at any time t is
F= Fd + Fs
ma = Fa + Fs ...(F = ma)
From equations (1) and (2),
𝑚𝑎 = −𝑏𝑣 − 𝑘𝑥
𝑚𝑎 + 𝑏𝑐 + 𝑘𝑥 = 0
𝑑 2𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑚 2 +𝑏 + 𝑘𝑥 = 0
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡
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13. Discuss the formula for displacement of a particle when it starts from mean
position and extreme position respectively.
Ans:
i. If the particle starts S.H.M. from the mean position, 𝑥 = 0 𝑎𝑡 𝑡 = 0
𝑥
∴ 𝜙 = sin−1 ( ) = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝜋
𝐴
Substituting in eq.(1),
𝑥 = ±𝐴 sin(𝜔𝑡)
This is the expression for displacement at any instant if the particle S.H.M. from the
mean position.
Positive sign to be chosen if it starts towards positive and negative sign for starting
towards negative.
ii. If the particle starts S.H.M. from the extreme position, 𝑥 = ±𝐴 𝑎𝑡 𝑡 = 0
𝑥 𝜋 3𝜋
∴ 𝜙 = sin−1 ( ) = 𝑜𝑟
𝐴 2 2
𝑆𝑢𝑏𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑛 𝑒𝑞. (1),
𝜋
𝑥 = 𝐴 sin (𝜔𝑡 + ) 𝑜𝑟
2
3𝜋
𝑥 = 𝐴 sin (𝜔𝑡 + )
2
𝑥 = ±𝐴 cos(𝜔𝑡)
This is the expression for displacement at any instant, if the particle starts S.H.M. from
the extreme position.
iii. Positive sign for starting from positive extreme position and negative sign for
starting from the negative extreme position.

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3M Questions:
1. Define linear SHM. Obtain differential equation of linear SHM.
ANS: Linear S.H.M. is defined as the linear periodic motion of a body, in which force (or
acceleration is always directed towards the mean position and is magnitude is
proportional to the displacement fom the mean position
i) In a linear S.H.M., the force is directed towards the mean position, and its magnitude
is directly proportional to the displacement of the body from the mean position.

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2. State an expression for maximum and minimum values of displacement, velocity and
acceleration of particle performing SHM.
Ans:
i. The general expression for displacement ‘x’ in SHM is x = Asin(wt + ∅)

a. At the mean position, (𝝎t + ∅ ) or 𝝅

Xmin = 0
Thus, at the position, the displacement of the particle performing SHM is minimum (i.e is
zero)
𝝅 𝟑𝝅
b. At the extreme position, (𝝎t + ∅) = or
𝟐 𝟐
𝜋
∴ x = ±Asin( )
2
∴ xmax = ± A
Thus , at the extreme position the displacement of the particle performing SHM is
maximum.
ii. The magnitude of velocity of the particle performing SHM is given by,
v = ± 𝜔√𝐴2 − 𝑥 2
a. At the mean position, x = 0
∴ vmax = ±A𝜔
Thus the velocity of the particle in SHM is maximum at the mean position.
b. At the extreme position, x = ±A
∴ vmin = 0
Thus the velocity of the particle in SHM is maximum at the extreme positions.
iii. The magnitude of the acceleration of the particle in S.H.M is given by, a = 𝝎2x
a. At the mean position (x=0)
∴ amin = 0
Thus, the acceleration of the particle in S.H.M is minimum at the mean position.
b. At the extreme position, x = ±A
∴ amax = 𝜔 2A
Thus, the acceleration of the particle in S.H.M. is maximum at the extreme position.

3. Define the following

Ans:
i. Amplitude: The maximum displacement of a particle performing [Link] its mean
position is called the amplitude of S.H.M.
ii. Period of S.H.M:
The time taken by the particle performing S.H.M. to complete one oscillation is called
the period of S.H.M
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iii. Frequency of S.H.M. : The number of oscillations performed by a particle
performing S.H.M. per unit time is called the frequency of S.H.M.

4. Show that S.H.M is a projection of U.C.M on any diameter.

Ans:
i. Linear S.H.M. is defined as the linear periodic motion
of a body in which the restoring force (or acceleration) is
always directed towards the mean position, and its
magnitude is directly proportional to the displacement
from the mean position.
ii. There is a basic relation between S.H.M. and U.C.M.
that is very useful in understanding S.H.M.
iii. For an object performing U.C.M., the projection of
its motion along any diameter of its path executes S.H.M.
iv. Consider particle ‘P’ is moving along the circumference of a circle of radius ‘a’ with a
constant angular speed of ω in an anticlockwise direction,
as shown in the figure.
v. Particle P along the circumference of the circle has its projection particle on diameter
AB at point M. Particle P is called a reference particle, and in the circle on which it
moves, its projection moves back and forth along the horizontal diameter, AB
vi. The x-component of the displacement of P is always the same as the displacement of
M, the x-component of the velocity of P is always the same as the velocity of M and the
x-component of the acceleration of M.
Suppose that particle P starts from the initial position with initial phase α (angle
between radius OP and the x-axis at the time t = 0). In time t, the angle between OP and
x-aaxis is ( ωt + α ) as particle P moving with constant angular velocity (ω) as shown in
figure.

𝒙
cos( ωt + α ) =
𝒂

∴ x = acos(ωt + α)

This is the expression for displacement of particle M at time t.

As the velocity of the particle is the time rate of change of displacement, then we have

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It shows that the acceleration of particle M is directly proportional to its displacement, and
its direction is opposite to that of displacement. Thus, particle M performs simple harmonic
motion, but M is a projection of the particle performing U.C.M.; hence, S.H.M. is a
projection of U.C.M. along the diameter of the circle.

5. Assuming the expression for displacement particle starting from extreme position,
explain graphically the variation of velocity and acceleration w.r.t. time.
Ans:

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6. Discuss the composition of two S.H.M's along the same path having same period. Find
the resultant amplitude and initial phase

Ans:

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7. Discuss analytically the composition of two linear SHMs having same period and along
the same path. Obtain the expression for resultant amplitude Find the resultant
𝜋
amplitude when the phase difference is [Link] radians ii.
2
Ans: Refer [Link] 6 and the following cases.

8. Define ideal simple pendulum. Show that, under certain conditions, simple pendulum
performs linear simple harmonic motion’

Ans: Practical simple pendulum – In practice a small but heavy sphere can be regarded as
point mass and a light string whose weight is negligible compared with weight of the bob
can be taken as a weightless fibre.
Suppose that a simple pendulum of length ‘L’ is displaced through a small angle θ and
released. It oscillates two sides of its equilibrium position. At displaced position, force
acting on the bob are (1) its weight mg (2) the tension T in the string. Resolved ‘mg’ into
two components ‘mg sinθ’ to ⊥ the string and ‘mg cos θ’ parallel to
the string. The component ‘mg cos’ is balanced by the tension in the string. The
component ‘mg sinθ’ is unbalanced. This acts as restoring force.
F = - mg sinθ -ve sign indicates that force is opposite.
But θ is very small , sinθ = θ

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Condition for simple pendulum:

(1) Bob must be small but heavy sphere.
(2) It must be suspended by light string.
(3) It must be supported by rigid support.
(4) Amplitude must be very small.

9. Derive an expression for the period of a magnet vibrating in a uniform magnetic

field and performing S.H.M.
Ans:
i. If a bar magnet is freely suspended in the plane of a uniform magnetic field, it remains in
equilibrium with its axis parallel to the direction of the field.
If it is given a small angular displacement θ about an axis passing through its centre,
perpendicular to itself and to the field, and released, it performs angular oscillations.
ii. Let μ be the magnetic dipole moment and B the magnetic field. In the deflected position, a
restoring torque acts on the magnet that tends to bring it back to its equilibrium position.

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Iii. The magnitude of this torque is τ = µBsinθ

If θ is small, sinθ ≈ θ
∴ τ = µBθ
iv. For clockwise angular displacement θ, the restoring torque is in the anticlockwise
direction.
∴ τ = Iα = –μBθ

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4M Questions:
1. How does restoring force in spring mass oscillator work ? Explain with diagrams
Ans:

i. Consider a rectangular block placed on a smoothfrictionless horizontal surface. One

end of a spring is attached to a rigid wall and the other end to the block. The block of
mass m is pulled towards the right and released.

ii. The block will begin its to and fro motion on either side of its equilibrium position.
This motion is linear simple harmonic motion.

[Link] (b) shows the equilibrium position in which the spring exerts no force on the
block.

iv. If the block is displaced towards the right

from its equilibrium position, the force
exerted by the spring on the block is
directed towards the left as shown in figure
(a).

v. If the block is displaced towards left from

its equilibrium position, the force exerted by
the spring on the block is directed towards
the right as shown in figure (c).

vi. On account of its elastic properties, the

springtends to regain its original shape and
size and therefore it exerts a restoring force
on the block.

vii. This is responsible to bring it back to the original position. This force is proportional
to the displacement but its direction is opposite to that of the displacement.

viii. If x is the displacement, then restoring force 'f is given by,

f=-kx where, k is a constant that depends upon the elastic properties of the spring. It is
called the force [Link] negative sign indicates that the force and displacement are
oppositely directed.

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2. State the differential equation of linear simple harmonic motion. Hence obtain the
expression for acceleration, velocity and displacement of a particle performing linear S.
H. M.

Ans:

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3. Prove the law of conservation of energy for a particle performing simple harmonic
motion. Hence graphically show the variation of kinetic energy and potential energy w.
r. t. instantaneous displacement

ANS: i. Suppose a particle of mass m performing linear S.H.M. is at point P which is at a

distance x from the mean position O as shown in figure.

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vii. From equations (1), (2) and (3), it is observed that total energy of a particle performing
linear S.H.M. at any point in its path is constant. Hence, total energy of linear
S.H.M. remains conserved.
viii. a. Graph of variation of kinetic energy w. r. t. instantaneous displacement.
b. Graph of variation of potential energy w.r.t. instantaneous displacement

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