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SIMPLE HARMONIC
MOTION
 QUIZRR 3

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

Oscillatory Motion :

It a body moves to and fro on the same path about a mean position, it is called as oscillatory
motion. For example : Swinging pendulum, vibratory motion of a mass attached to a spring.

Periodic Motion :

A motion which repeats itself after equal intervals of time is called a periodic motion. Each
oscillatory motion is a periodic motion, but every periodic motion is not oscillatory. For example,
a body moving in a circle is an example of periodic motion but it is not oscillatory motion.

Simple Harmonic Motion

It is a special type of periodic oscillatory motion in which :

(i) Particle oscillates on a straight line.
(ii) The acceleration of the particle is always directed towards a fixed point on the line.
(iii) The magnitude of acceleration is proportional to the displacement of the particle from the
fixed point.
This fixed point is called the mean position. Now, from the definition, we can write the equation
of simple harmonic motion as,
a = ă 2x
Where 2 is a positive constant.

Extreme Eqvilibrium Extreme

Position (mean) position Position

A O P B

A A

The above figure shows a basic example of SHM. The particle starts from O towards B with some
velocity. Each moment the acceleration of the particle is directed towards point O. Hence, due to
this negative acceleration the velocity of the particle becomes zero at B and it starts gaining
velocity as it goes from B to O. The value of acceleration becomes zero when it reaches point O.
This motion is again repeated.
Hence, this type of motion is called simple harmonic motion.

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T he Causes of Oscillation

Consider a particle free to move on x-axis, is being upon by a force given by,
F = ă kxn
Here, k is a positive constant.
Now, following cases are possible depending on the value of n.
(i) If n is even integer (0, 2, 4, .... etc), force is always along negative x-axis, whether x is a
positive or negative. Hence, the motion of the particle is not oscillatory. If the particle is
released from any position on the x-axis (except at x = 0) a force in negative direction of x-
axis acts on it and it moves rectilinearly along negative x-axis.
(ii) If n an odd integer (1, 3, 5 .... etc), force is along negative x-axis for x > 0, along positive
x-axis for x < 0 and zero for x = 0. Thus, the particle will oscillate about stable equilibrium
position, x = 0. The force in this case is called the restoring force. Of these, if n = 1, i.e. F
= ă kx the motion is said to be SHM.

Example 1

Describe the motion of a particle acted upon by a force

(i) F = ă2 (x ă 2)3
(ii) F = ă2 (x ă 2)2
(iii) F = ă2 (x ă 2)
Solution :
(i) F = ă2(x ă 2)3
F = 0 at x= 2
Force is along negative x-direction for x > 2
and it is along positive for x < 2. Thus, the motion of the particle is oscillatory (but not simple
harmonic) about x = 2.
(ii) F = 0 for x = 2, but force is always along negative x-direction for any value of x except at x
= 2.
Thus, the motion of the particle is rectilinear along negative x-direction.
(iii) Let, us take x ă 2 = X, then the given force can be written as,
F = ă 2X
This is the equation of SHM. Hence, the particle oscillates simple harmonically about
X = 0 or x = 2.

Example of SHM (spring-mass system)

If the spring is un stretched, there is no net force on the mass - in other words, the system is in
equilibrium. However, if the mass is displaced from equilibrium, the spring will exert a restoring

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force, which is a force that tends to restore it to the equilibrium position. In the case of the spring-
mass system, this force is the elastic force, which is given by HookeÊs Law, F = ăkx, where F is
the restoring force, x is the displacement, and k is the spring constant.

Any system that undergoes simple harmonic motion exhibits two key features.
1. When the system is displaced from equilibrium there must exist a restoring force that tends
to restore it to equilibrium.
2. The restoring force must be proportional to displacement, or approximately so.
The spring-mass system satisfies both
Once the mass is displaced it experiences a restoring force, accelerating it, causing it to start going
back to the equilibrium position. As it gets closer to equilibrium the restoring force decreases; at
the equilibrium position the restoring force is 0. However, at x = 0, the mass has some momentum
due to the impulse of the force that has acted on it; this causes the mass to shoot past the
equilibrium position, in the case, compressing the spring. The restoring force then tends to slow
it down, untill the velocity reaches 0, whereby it will attempt to reach equilibrium position again.
As long as the system does not lose energy, the mass will continue to oscillate like so; thus, the
motion is termed periodic motion. Further analysis will show that in the case of the spring-mass
system the motion is simple harmonic.

Equation of Simple Harmonic Motion

The necessary and sufficient condition for a motion to be simple harmonic (Linear) is
F = ăkx

d2 x
i.e. m = ăkx
dt2

d2 x 2 2 k
or 2 = – x with  =
dt m

The solution of the above equation will be seen in a chapter called differential equations in
mathematics.
Hence, we are directly proceeding to the answer of this equation.
Which is,
x = A sin (t + ) ...(1)

Definitions :

1. Simple Harmonic Oscillator : Any object that oscillates about a stable equilibrium position
and experiences a restoring force approximately described by HookeÊs law. Examples of
simple harmonic oscillators include: a mass attached to a spring, a molecule inside a solid,
a car stuck in a ditch being „rocked out‰ and a pendulum.

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2. Amplitude : It is the maximum displacement of the particle from its mean position.
Equation (1) gives the displacement of the particle. The value of ÂxÊ is maximum when sin
(t + ) is maximum i.e., sin (t + ) =  1
 xmax = A
 A is the amplitude of simple harmonic motion.

3. Time Period : Periodic functions f (t) with period T are those functions of the variable ÂtÊ
which have the property,
f (t + T) = f (t) .... (5)
Both sin (t + ) and cos (t + ) will repeat their values if the angle (t + ) increases by
2 or its multiple. As T is the 2 smallest time for repetition.
 (t + T) +  = t +  + 2

2T
 T =    or T =


k
Since  =
m

m
 T = 2 ...(6)
k

4. Frequency And Angular Frequency

Frequency is defined as the number of oscillations per second or simply the reciprocal of time
period.

1  1 k
= = =
T 2 2 m

1 k
= ... (7)
2 m

The constant is called the angular frequency. The angular frequency and period in simple
harmonic motion are independent of the amplitude.

5. Phase : The quality  = t +  is called the phase. It determines the state of the particle
in simple harmonic motion.
When the particle is at mean position, x = 0
i.e., A sin (t + ) = 0
 t +  = n; n = 0, 1, 2, 3, ....

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 QUIZRR 7

(i) consider n = 0  t +  = 0
 x= 0
and v =  A cos (t + ) = A
i.e., the particle is crossing the mean position and is moving towards the positive direction.
(ii) consider n = 1
 t +  = 
 x= 0
and v = ăA
i.e., again the particle is crossing the mean position but now it is moving towards the
negative direction.
When the particle is at extreme position, x = xmax
i.e., A sin (t + ) =  A

 3
 (t + ) = , ,  = 0
2 2

(2n  1) 
i.e., (t + ) =  ; n  0,1,2  =
2 2

 consider n = 1, = 

3 3
 t +  =  =
2 2

 x= ăA = 2
and v = 0
i.e., the particle is at extreme left and again its velocity is zero.

From above it is clear that as time increases the phase increases. An increases of 2 brings
the particle to the same status in the motion. Thus, a phase t + is equivalent to a phase
Similarly, the acceleration of the particle is given by,

d2x
 – 2 A sin (t  )
dt2

 2n  1 
It is zero when phase (t + ) = 0 and maximum (2A) when phase (t + ) =   .
 2 

Graphically the variation of position, velocity and acceleration with the phase is shown
below.

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 8 QUIZRR
x v
A A=v0

4
O 2 
O  = t+
2

ăA ăV0

a
a0 = 2A

4
O 2 

ăa0

6. Phase Constant
The constant term  in the equation (3) is called phase constant or initial phase or epoch
of the particle. This constant depends on the choice of the instant t = 0
Suppose we choose t = 0 at an instant when the particle is passing through its mean position
towards right (i.e. positive direction). Then the phase  = t +  has to be zero.
Since t = 0 this means  = 0. So the equation of displacement becomes
x = A sin t
If we choose t = 0 when the particle is at its extreme position in the positive direction. The

 
phase   at this instant and hence   . Therefore equation of displacement becomes
2 2

x = A cos t
The sine form and cosine form are basically equivalent. The value of phase constant, however,
depends on the form chosen; for example


x = A sin (t + ) = A sin (t + + ´)
2

x´= A cos (t + ´)

Important Relation :

1. Posit ion
It mean position is at origin, the position (x) depends on time in general as :

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 QUIZRR 9

x(t) = A sin (t + )

Thus,
(1) at mean position, x = 0
(2) at extremes, x = +A, ăA

2. Velocity
The expression of velocity at any time instant t.
as x = A sin (t + ) ...(1)

dx
V(t) = = A w cos(t  ) ... (2)
dt

From equation 1,

x
sin (t + ) =
A

A 2  x2
or cos (t + ) = ... (3)
A

using equation (3) in (1)

 V ( x)   A 2  x2  

Also,
(1) Velocity is minimum at extremes because the particle is at rest. i.e. V = 0 at extreme
position (x + A)
(2) Velocity has maximum magnitude at mean position

V max  wA at mean position ( x  0)

3. Acceleration :
as v = A  cos (t + )

dv
and a =
dt
 a = ă 2 A sin (t + )

or at any position x, a( x)  ă 2 x
(1) Acceleration is always directed towards the mean position
(2) Magnitude of acceleration is minimum at mean position and maximum at extremes.
a min = 0 at mean position

a max = 2 A at extremes

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10 QUIZRR
In SHM the acceleration is proportional and opposite to the displacement.
In figure x, v and a as functions of time are illustrated.
x

+A
(a)
t

ăA
x=A sin t

+A
(b)
t

ăA
v= dx =A cos t
dt

+2A
(c)
t

ă2A
a= dv =ă2 A sin t
dt

Graphs of (a) displacement, (b) velocity and (c) acceleration vs. time in SHM.

Example 2
A particle executes simple harmonic motion of amplitude 4 cm and a period 3 sec. Find the
speeds of the particle at (i) 2 cm from the mean position and (ii) at the mean position.
Solution :
Speed of the particle at a distance x from the mean position is given by
2
v =  A 2  x2 = A 2  x2
T

2 2
(i) When x = 2 cm, v = 4  22 = 7.26 cm/sec
3
(ii) At the mean position x = 0,
2 2
v = A = .A =  4 = 8.378 cm/sec
T 3

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 QUIZRR 11

Example 3

A particle executes S.H.M. of period  sec and amplitude 2 cm. Find the acceleration of it
when it is (i) at the maximum displacement from the mean position and (ii) at 1 cm from the
mean position.
Solution :
Acceleration a at displacement x is given by
a = 2x

2
 2  4 2
(i) When x (amplitude) = 2 cm, a =    2 =  2 = 8 cm/sec2
 
T 2

2
 2  4 2
(ii) When x = 1 cm, a =    1 =  1 = 4 cm/sec2
 
T 2

Example 4

A particle executes S.H.M. of time period 10 s. The displacement at any instant is given by
the relation x = 10 sin t. Find (i) velocity of the body 2 s after it passes through the mean
position and (ii) the acceleration 2 s after it passes the mean position (Amplitude is given
in cm).
Solution :
(i) Velocity at any instant t is given by v = Acos t

2 2
Here A = 10 cm,  = =
T 10

2  2 
When t = 2 s, v = 10  cos   2
10  10 

= 2 cos(0.4)
= 1.942 cm/s
(ii) Acceleration at any instant t is given by
a = ă A2 sin t

Force and Energy in Simple Harmonic Motion

In the above article we found that the acceleration of a body in SHM is a = ă 2x. Applying the
 
equation of motion F  m a, we have,

F = ăm2x = – kx

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12 QUIZRR

k
where, =
m

Thus, in SHM the force is proportional and opposite to the displacement.

That is when the displacement is to the right (positive) the force points to the left, and when the
displacement is to the left (negative) the force points to the right. Thus, the force is always
pointing toward the origin O. Such type of force appears when an elastic body such as a spring
is deformed. That is why the constant k = m2 is sometimes called the elastic constant. Further,
since

2 k
 = =
T m

m 1 k
 T = 2 and, f =
k 2 m

Kinetic Energy
The kinetic energy of the particle is,

1 1
K= mv2 = m A 2 sin 2 (t  )
2 2

Since, sin2  = 1 ă cos2 

and using x = A cos (t + ) for the displacement, we can also express the kinetic energy as,

1
K = m2 A 2 [1 ă cos2 (t  )]
2

which can be written as,

1 1
K= m2 (A 2 ă x2 ) = k(A 2 ă x2 )
2 2

From this expression we can see that, the kinetic is maximum at the centre (x = 0) and zero at
the extremes of oscillation (x =  A).

Potential Energy

To obtain the potential energy we use the relation,

dU dU
F = ă or = kx (as F = ăkx)
dx dx

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

 QUIZRR 13

U x

  dU =  kx dx
0
0

1 2 1
 U= kx = m2 x2
2 2

Thus, the potential energy has a minimum value at the centre (x = 0) and increases as the particle
approaches either extreme of the oscillation (x = A).

Total Energy

Total energy can be obtained by adding potential and kinetic energies. Therefore,

1 1
K= K+ U= m2 (A 2 ă x2 )  m2 x2
2 2

1
= m2 A 2
2

1
or E= kA 2 (as m2 = k)
2

Which is a constant quantity. This was to be expected since the force is conservative.
Therefore, we may conclude that, during an oscillation, there is a continuous exchange of kinetic
and potential energies. While moving away from the equilibrium position, the potential energy
increases at the expense of the kinetic energy. When the particle moves towards the equilibrium
position, the reserve happens.

E, U, K

E= 1 kA2 U= 1 kx2
2 2

K = 1 k(A2ăx2)
2
x
ăA +A

Figure shows the variation of total energy (E), potential energy (U) and kinetic energy (K) with
displacement (x).

Note : In SHM, F = ăkx or a = ă2x, Făx graph or a ă x graph is a straight line passing through
origin with negative slope. The corresponding graphs are shown below.

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14 QUIZRR
a
F
F= ă 2x
F= ă kx
x
x

(b)
(a)
Slope = ă 2
Slope = ă k

TABLE OF RELATIONS
S. Name of the equation Expression of the Remarks
No. equation
1. Displacementătime x = A cos ( t + ) x varies between +A and ăA

 dx 
2. Velocity ă time  v = v = ă A sin ( t + )
dt 
v varies between + A and ă A


 dv 
3. Accelerationătime  a = a = ă A2 cos ( t + ) a varies between + A2 and ăA2
 dt 

 1 2 1 1
4. Kinetic energyătime  K = mv  K = mA 2 2 sin 2 ( t  ) K varies between 0 and mA 2 2
 2  2 2

 1 2 2  1 1
5. Potential energyătime  U = m x  K = m2 A 2 cos2 ( t  ) U varies between mA 2 2 and 0
 2  2 2

1
6. Total energyătime (E = K + U) E= m 2 A 2 E is constant
2

7. Velocityădisplacement v =  A 2 ă x2 v = 0 at x =  A and at x = 0
v =  A
8. Accelerationădisplacement a = 2x a = 0 at x = 0
a = 2 A at x =  A
1
9. Kinetic energyădisplacement K = m2 (A 2 ă x2 ) K = 0 at x =  A
2

1
K = m2 A 2 at x = 0
2

1 1
10. Potential energyădisplacement U = m2 x2 U = 0 at x = 0 U = m2 A 2
2 2
at x =  A

1
11. Total energyădisplacement E = m2 A 2 E is constant
2

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 QUIZRR 15

Please Note :

(1) From the above table we see that x, v and a are sine or cosine function of time. So. they
all oscillate simple harmonically with same angular frequency . Phasse difference between


x and a is  and between any other two is .
2

(2) We have read that potential energy in zero at mean position and maximum at extreme
positions and kinetic energy is maximum at mean position and zero at extreme positions. But
the correct statement is like this,
At mean position  K is maximum and U is minimum (it may be zero also, but it is not
necessarily zero).
at extreme positions  K is zero and U is maximum.
U(J) U(J) U(J)

x(m) x(m) x(m)

2 ă2
(a) (b) (c)

Thus, in figure (a), oscillations will take place about the mean position x = 0 and minimum
potential energy at mean position is zero.
In figure (b) mean position is at x = 2 m and the minimum potential energy in this position
is 5 J.
In figure (c) mean position is at x = ă 2 m and the minimum potential energy in this position
is again zero.

Example 6

The potential energy of a particle oscillating on x-axis is given as

U = 20 + (x ă 2)2
Here U is in joules and x in metres. Total mechanical energy of the particle is 36J.
(a) State whether the motion of the particle is simple harmonic or not.
(b) Find the mean position.
(c) Find the maximum kinetic energy of the particle.

dU
Solution. (a) F = – = ă 2 (x ă 2)
dx

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16 QUIZRR
By assuming x ă 2 = X, we have F = ă 2X
Since, F  ă X
The motion of the particle is simple harmonic
(b) The mean position of the particle is X = 0 or x ă 2 = 0, which gives x = 2m
(c) Maximum kinetic energy of the particle is,
Kmax = E ă Umin = 36 ă 20
= 16 J
Note : Umin is 20 J at mean position or at x = 2m.

Angular Simple Harmonic Motion

A body free to rotate about a given axis can make angular oscillations. For example, a wooden
stick nailed to a wall can oscillate about its mean position in the vertical plane.
The conditions for an angular oscillation to be angular simple harmonic motion are
(i) when a body is displaced through an angle from the mean postion ( = 0;  = 0), the
resultant torque (acts which) is proportional to the angle displaced,
(ii) this torque is restoring in nature and it tries to bring the body towards the mean position.
It the angular displacement of the body at an instant is , then resultant torque on the
body,
 = ă k O .....(1)
If the moment of inertia is I, the angular acceleration is

 k
 =   
I I

d 2 k
or, = ă 2; where  = .....(2)
dt 2 I

Solution of equation (2) is,

 = 0 sin (t + ) .....(3)
where 0 is the maximum angular displacement on either side.
Angular velocity at time ÂtÊ is given by

d
 = = 0 cos (t + ) .....(4)
dt

Simple Pendulum

A point mass suspended by a massless inextensible string from a rigid support constitutes a
simple pendulum. In reality neither point mass nor massless string exist. So we can never

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

 QUIZRR 17

construct a simple pendulum strictly according to its definition. A small heavy spherical mass
suspended from a light inextensible string constitutes an approximate simple pendulum.
Now when the pendulum is pulled to one side and released, it will swing to and fro describing
an arc of a circle in a vertical plane (as the string is inextensible), i.e., the displacement involved
in the motion is angular. So the motion of a simple pendulum is angular and oscillatory. Here
restoring torque about S is developed due to the weight of the pendulum as shown in Fig., i.e.,
 = ă mg  CE = ă mg L sin 
[negative sign is used as direction of torque is opposite to displacement].

m 
L
T

D
A E C
B mg

If  is small sin  = , so
 = ă mgL ...(1)
i.e., restoring torque is linear, so motion will be angular simple harmonic,
Now as in case of rotational motion :

2  d   d 2 
2

a s I  m L a n d   2 
2
 = I = m L  dt 2  ...(2)
   dt 

So from Eqns. (1) and (2),

d 2 d 2q g
mL2 = ă mgL i.e., = – 
dt 2 dt 2
L

d 2 g
i.e., = ă 2 with   2 = ...(3)
dt 2 L

Eqn. (3) is the standard equation of angular simple harmonic motion with time period
T = (2/); so here

L
T0 = 2  ...(4)
g

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18 QUIZRR
Note :
(1) If  is not small, sin  . the motion will be oscillatory but not simple barmonic.
(2) Also here tension  mg cos  but tension (ă mg cos ) = (mv2/L) as the mass m moves in the
arc of a circle of radius L.

(3) If a simple pendulum is in a carriage which is accelerating with acceleration a , then
  
g eff = g – a


e.g., if the acceleration a is upwards, then

 l
g eff = g + a and T = 2
ga


If the acceleration a is downwards, then (g > a)

 l
g eff = g ă a and T = 2
g–a


It the acceleration a is in horozontal direction, then


g eff = a 2 + g2

In a freely falling lift geff = 0 and T = , i.e., the pendulum will not oscillate.
 
(ii) If in addition to gravity one additional force F , (e.g., electrostatic force F e ) is also acting
on the bob, then in that case,

  F
g eff = g +
m

Here, m is the mass of the bob.

Example 7

A simple pendulum of lenght l is suspended from the ceiling of a cart which is sliding
without friction on an inclined plane of inclination . What will be the time period of the
pendulum.
Solution :
 
Here, point of suspension has an acceleration. a = g sin  (down the plane). Further, g can be
resolved into two components g sin  (along the plane) and g cos  (perpendicular to plane).

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

 QUIZRR 19

in
in gs os
gs gc
a=

  
g eff = g – a

= g cos  (perpendicular to plane)

T = 2  l
g eff

= 2 l
g cos 

l
Note : If  = 0Ĉ, T = 2  which is quiet obvious.
g

Example 8
A simple pendulum consists of a small sphere of mass m suspended by a thread of length
l. The sphere carries a positive charge q. The pendulum is placed in a uniform electric field
of strength E directed vertically upwards. With what period will pendulum oscillate if the
electrostatic force acting on the sphere is less than the gravitational force ?
Solution :
The two forces acting on the bob are shown in figure

W – Fe
geff in this case will be
m

m g – qE qE
or, geff = =g –
m m

l
 T = 2
g eff

l
= 2
qE
g–
m

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

20 QUIZRR
Example 9

Two simple pendulums of length 1 m and 16 m respectively are both given small displacement
in the same direction at the same instant. They will be again in phase after the shorter
pendulum has completed n oscillations. Calculate n.
Solution :

In case of simple pendulum as T = 2  L / g , i.e., T = K L , so the time period of shorter

pendulum will be small, i.e., it will complete more oscillations in the same time than the longer
pendulum. So if for the first time the two pendulums are in same phase when the shorter one
has completed n oscillations, y y
nTs = (n ă 1)TL, O O
1K
2
i.e., nK L s = (n ă 1)K L L

K K
or n 1 = (n ă 1) 1 6 , 4K
3
i.e., 3n = 4 3K
2
or n = (4/3), 2K
t t
i.e., the two pendulums will be in the same phase for the first
time when the shorter pendulum has completed (4/3) oscillations.

Example 10

A light rod of length L2 has a small ball of mass m 2 fixed at one end and another ball of
mass m 1 fixed on it at a distance L1 from the free end. The rod is supported at its end O and
is free to rotate about a horizontal axis at O. The rod is slightly displaced from its equilibrium
vertical position and released. Find the frequency of its oscillations about O and the length
of the equivalent simple pendulum.
Solution :
When this pendulum is displaced from vertical by an angle  the restoring torque

 = 1 + 2 = m1gL1 sin  + m2gL2 sin 

i.e.,  = ă (m1L1 + m2L2)g (if  is small) ...(1)

As restoring torque is linear, so motion (Fig.) is angular simple harmonic. Now as

 = I =  m 1 L1  m 2 L22  d 2 /dt 2  a s I  m1 L21  m 2 L22  ...(2)

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

 QUIZRR 21

So from Eqns. (1) and (2),

O
d 2  m 1 L1  m 2 L2 
2 = – g
dt  m1 L21  m 2 L22  L1

d 2 L2
or = ă 2 
dt 2
m1g

(m 1 L1 + m 2 L 2 ) g 
with 2 =
(m 1 L21 + m 2 L22 ) m2g

This is the standard equation of angular SHM with time period T = (2/). So here

  m1 L21  m 2 L22  
1 /2

T = 2  
  m1 L1  m 2 L2  g 

1   m1 L1  m 2 L2  g 
i.e., f = 2   m L2  m L2 
  1 1 2 2  

Furthermore as for a simple pendulum

T = 2
L
so L=
(m 1 L12 + m 2 L22 )
g (m 1 L1 + m 2 L 2 )

Example 11

A simple pendulum of length L and mass m has a spring of force constant k connected to
it at a distance h below its point of suspension. Find the frequency of vibrations of the
system for small values of amplitude.
Solution :
As shown in Fig. if the pendulum is given a small angular displacement . the spring will also
stretch by y (= h tan ). So here restoring torque about S will be due to both force of gravity and
elastic force of the spring,

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

22 QUIZRR
i.e., s

 = ă [mg (L sin ) + k (h tan )h]


Now as for small , tan  = sin  =  h
L ky
So  = ă (mgL + kh2)
y
i.e., restoring torque is linear, so motion is angular SHM.
Now as  = I = mL2(d 2/dt2) [as I = mL2]
mg
d 2
= ă (mgL + kh2)
2
So mL
dt 2

d 2  m gL  kh 2 
or = ă2 with        2 =  
dt 2  m L2 

This is the standard equation of angular SHM with frequency f = (/2); so here

1 m gL  kh 2
f =
2 m L2

1 g k
Note : If h = L, f =  . This result reduces to f = (1/2) g / L for k  0, justifying the
2 L m

correctness of our result.

Spring Pendulum

A point mass suspended from a massless spring constitutes a linear harmonic spring pendulum.
If y is a small extension or compression in the spring from the equilibrium state, the restoring
force produced is given by

d2 y  d2 y 
F = ă ky, i.e., m = ă ky  asF  ma  m 
dt2  dt2  k

d2 y k d2 y k m
or = ă y i.e., = ă 2y with   2 =
dt 2
m dt2 m
(A)
This is the standard equation of linear simple harmonic motion with time period T = (2/). So
here

m 1  k
T= 2   or f =  
 k 2  m 

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

 QUIZRR 23

This is the required result and from this it is clear that :

(1) Time period of a spring pendulum is independent of acceleration due to gravity. This is why
a clock based on spring pendulum will keep proper time everywhere on a hill or moon or in
a satellite and time period of a spring pendulum will not change inside a liquid if damping
effects are neglected.
(2) Time period of a spring pendulum depends on the mass suspended, i.e.,

T  m or (
f  1/ m )
i.e., greater the mass greater will be the inertia and so lesser will be the frequency of
oscillations and greater will be the time period.
(3) The time period depends on the force constant k of the spring, i.e.,

(
T  1/ k ) or f  k

i.e., greater the force constant greater will be the frequency and lesser will be the time
period. [The force constant k of a spring is inversely proportional to its natural length.]
(4) If the spring has a mass M and mass m is suspended from it, effective mass is given by

meff = m + (M/3) so that T = 2 meff  / k

(5) If two masses of mass m1 and m2 are connected by a spring and made to oscillate on
horizontal surface, the reduced mass m is given by

1 1 1 m
= m +m so that T = 2
m 1 2 k

R
k L
m1 m2 m
k

mg
(A) (B)

(6) If a spring pendulum, oscillating in a vertical plane is made to oscillate on a

horizontal surface, (or an inclined plane) time period will remain unchanged.
However, equilibrium position for a spring in a horizontal plane is the position
ky0 L + y0
of natural length of spring as weight is balanced by reaction [Fig. (B)]. While
in case of vertical motion equilibrium position will be L + y0 with ky0 = mg
(Fig.)

mg

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

24 QUIZRR
(7) If the stretch in a vertically loaded spring is y0 then for equilibrium of mass m
ky0 = mg, i.e., (m/k) = (y0/g)

m y
T =2 = 2 0
k g

Here is must be kept in mind that time period is independent of ÂgÊ as with change in g, y0
will aslo change in such a way that y0/g[=m/ k) remains constant.
(8) Composite-spring pendulum : If a spring pendulum is constructed by using two springs
and a mass, the following three situations are possible :

k2
k1 k2 k1 k2
m m m
k1

(A) (B) (C)

for these cases we have respectively

(A) (B) (C)
1 1 1
  k = k1 + k2 k = k1 + k2
k k1 k2

m( k1  k2 ) m m
So T  2 T  2 T  2
k1 k2 (k1 + k2 ) (k1 + k2 )

Example 12

Two masses m 1 and m 2 are suspended together by a massless spring of spring

constant k. When the masses are in equilibrium m 1 is removed without disturbing
the system. Find the angular frequency and amplitude of oscillation of m 2. k
Solution :
As m1 is removed, the mass m2 will oscillate and so m1
m2
m2 2 k
T  2 i.e.,  
k T m2

Furthermore, the stretch produced by m1g will set the amplitude, i.e.,
m1g = kA i.e., A = (m1g/k)

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

 QUIZRR 25

O scilations of a Fluid Column

Initially the level of liquid in both the columns is same. The area of cross-section of the tube is
uniform. If the liquid is depressed by x in one limb, it will rise by x along the length of the tube
is the other limb. Here, the restoring force is provided by the hydrostatic pressure difference.
F = ă(P) A = ă (h1 + h2)  gA
x
= ă  gA (sin  1 + sin  2) x
x
Let, m be the mass of the liquid in the tube. Then,
1 2
ma = ă  gA (sin  1 + sin  2) x
Since, F or a is proportional to ăx, the motion of the liquid column in simple harmonic in nature,
time period of which is given by,

x
T = 2
a

m
or T = 2 gA(sin + sin )
1 2

Note : For a U-tube if the liquid is filled to the height l,  1 = 900 =  2 and m = 2 (lA  )

l
So, T = 2
g

l
Thus, we see that the expression T = 2 comes in pictures at three places
g

(i) Time period of a simple pendulim for small oscillations.

l
(ii) Time period of a spring-block system in vertical position.
(iii) Time period of a liquied coloumn ina U-tube filled to a height l.
But l has different meanings at different places.

COMPOSITION OF TWO SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTIONS

If the particle is acted upon by two separate forces each of which can produce a simple harmonic
motion, the resultant motion of the particle is a combination of two simple harmonic motions.
  
Let r1 denote the position of the particle at time t of the force F1 alone acts on it. Similarly, at r2

denote the position at the time ÂtÊ if the force F2 alone acts on it.

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

26 QUIZRR
According to NewtonÊs second law of motion,
 
md 2 r 1  md 2 r 2 
= F 1 and =F2
dt2 dt 2

 
 d 2 r1 d 2 r 2   
Adding them, m + =F1 + F2 
 dt 2 dt 2 
 

d2    
 m (r 1 + r 2 ) =F1 + F 2
dt2

  
But F 1 + F2 is the resultant force acting on the particle and so the position of r of the particle
when both the forces acted act is given by

d 2 r  
m 2  F1  F2
dt

Comparing equations (i) & (ii) we can show that

     
r  r1  r2 and v  v1  v2

If these conditions are met at t = 0, the actual position of the particle is given by the vetor sum
 
of r1 & r2 .

COMPOSITION OF TWO SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTIONS IN THE SAME DIRECTION

 
Let the direction be x-axis and the simple harmonic motions produced by two forces F1 & F 2 be

x1 = A1 sin t

x2 = A 2 sin (t  ) respectively

From above discussion, the resultant position of the particle is then,

x = x1 + x2 = A 1 sin t  A 2 sin (t  )

Put, A1 + A2 cos  = A cos 

A2 sin = A sin 

 A1  A 2 cos 
2
 A=  (A 2 sin )2

A= A 2  A 2  2A1 A 2 cos  ...(i)

1 2

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

 QUIZRR 27

and x = Acos  sin t + A sin  cos t

x = A sin (t + ) ...(20)

A 2  sin 
and tan  = A  A cos  ...(21)
1 2

The amplitude of resultant simple harmonic motion is given by

A= A 2  A 2  2A1 A 2 cos  ...(22)

1 2
 
It is maximum when  = 0 A2 A

Amax = (A 1  A 2 ) 2 = A1 + A2

It is minimum when cos  = ă1 i.e.  =  

 
A1
Amin = (A 1  A 2 ) 2
= A1 ă A2

Thus, we can see that this is similar to the vector addition. The same method of vector addition
can be applied to the combination of more than two simple harmonic motions.

Example 12

Find the displacement equation of the simple harmonic motion obtained by combining the
motions.

   
x 1 = 2 sin t, x 2 = 4sin  t   and x 3 = 6 sin  t  
 6  3

Solution :
The resulant equation is,
x = A sin (t + )
Ax = 2 + 4 cos 300 + 6 cos 600 = 8.46
and Ay = 4 sin 300 + 6cos 300 = 7.2

A3 = 6
A = ( x ) 2  ( y ) 2 y

A2 = 4
= (8.46)2  (7.2) 2 30Ĉ
30Ĉ x
= 11.25 A1 = 2

 y 7.2
tan  = = = 0.85
A x 8.46

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

28 QUIZRR
ă1
or  = tan (0.85) = 40.40
Thus, the displacement equation of the combined motion is,
x = 11.25 sin (t + )
where  = 40.40

Example 14
A body of mass m falls from a height h on to the pan of a spring balance. The masses of
the pan and spring are negligible. The spring constant of the spring is k. Having stuck the
pan the body starts performing harmonic oscillations in the vertical direction. Find the
amplitude and energy of oscillation.
Solution :
Suppose by falling down through a height h, the mass m compresses the m
spring balance by a length x.
h
The P.E. lost by the mass = mg (h + x)
This is stored up as energy of the spring by compression

1 2 k
= kx
2

1 2 1 2
 mg(h + x) = kx or kx ă mgx ă mgh = 0
2 2

2mgx 2mgh
or x2 ă ă = 0
k k
Solving this quadratic equation, we get

2
2mg  2mg   8mgh 
     mg mg 2 kh
x= k  k   k  =  1+
k k mg
2

mg
In the equilibrium position, the spring will be compressed through the distance and hence
k
the amplitude of oscilation is

mg 2 kh
A= 1+
k mg

 2 kh 
2
1 1  mg 
Energy of oscillation = kA2 = k    1+ 
2 2  k   mg 

(mg)2
= mgh +
2k

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

 QUIZRR 29

Example 15
A block with a mass 2 kg hangs without vibrating at the end of a spring of spring constant
500 N/m, which is attached to the ceiling of an elevator. The elevator is moving upwards
g
with an acceleration . At t = 0, the acceleration suddenly ceases.
3
(a) What is the angular frequency of oscillation of the block after the accelration ceases ?
(b) By what amount is the spring stretched during the time when the elevator is
accelerating ?
(c) What is the amplitude of oscillation and initial angle observed by a rider in the
elevator ?
Take the upward direction to be positive. Take g = 10.0 m/s2.
Solution :

k kx
(a) Angular frquency  =
m
g
a=
3
500
 =
2

 = 15.81 rad/s Ans.

(b) Equation of motion of the block (while elevator is accelerating) is,

g
kx ă mg = ma = m
3

4 mg (4) (2) (10)

x= = 0.053m Ans.
3k (3) (500)

x = 5.3 cm
(c) (i) In equilibrium when the elevator has zero accelration, the equation of motion is,
kx0 = mg kx0

mg (2) (10)
x0 = = = 0.04m
k 500
= 4cm
 Amplitude A = x ă x0 = 5.3 ă 4.0 x = +A
= 1.3 cm. Ans.
(ii) At time t = 0, block is at x = ăA. Therefore,
substituting x = ăA and t = 0 in equation,
Mean position
x = A sin (t + )

3
We get initial phase.  = Ans.
2 x = ăA

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

30 QUIZRR
Example 16

A ring of radius r is suspended from a point

on its circumference. Determine its angular
frequency of small oscillations.
Solution :
It is a physical pendulum, the time period of which is,

I
T = 2
mgl

Here, I = moment of inertia of the ring about point of suspension

= mr2 + mr2
= 2mr2
and l = distance of point of suspention from centre of gravity
= r

2mr2 2r
 T = 2 = 2
mgr g

2
 Angular frequency  =
T

g
or  =
2r

Example 17

A pendulum clock is mounted in an elevator which starts going up with a constant

acceleration a (< g). At a height h the acceleration of the car reverses, its magnitude
remaining the same. How soon after the start of the motion will the clock show the right
time again ?
Solution :

2h  1 2
Time of ascent t1 =  h  2 at 
a  

1
T  g

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

 QUIZRR 31

T´ g
 =
T ga

g
or T´ = T
ga

 g 
T = (T ă T´) = T  1  
 g  a 


Time gained in time t1,

 T 
t1 =   .t1
 T´ 

2h  g  a 
=  ă 1  ⁄ (i)
a  g 

If t2 be the time of decent,

T´ g
In this case, =
T ga

g
or T´ = T
ga

 g 
or T = T ă T´ = T   1

 ga 

 T 
Time lost in time t2, t2 =   t2
 T´ 

 ga
or t2 = t2 1   ... (ii)
 g 

The clock will show the right time again if,

t1 = t2

2h  g  a   ga
   1 = t2 1  
a  g   g 

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

32 QUIZRR

2h  g  a  g 
 t2 =  
a  g  g  a 

Total time t = t1 + t2

2h  ga  ga
or t=  
a  g  g  a 

Example 18

The rod PQ of mass, M is attached as shown to a spring of spring constant K. A small block
of mass, m is placed on the rod at its free end P. If end P is moved down through a small
distance x’ and released determine the period of vibration.
Solution :
Method I : Using energy equation
Moment of inertia of the system about Q is

 ML2 
I =   mL2 
 3 
k
where L is the length of rod.
m
Q
1 2 P 
Elastic potential energy of the spring = kx
2 b

1 2 L
Rotational energy of the rod PQ = I
2

By the law of conservation of energy,

1 2 1 2
I  k x = constant
2 2

1  ML2 2  v´
2
 x´ 2 b2 
  m L  2  k  2  = constent
2 3 L  L 

x´ b
where x = .
L

x’ is the displacement of m and v’ is the velocity of m.

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

 QUIZRR 33

Differentiating with respect to time,

M 
 3 m 2 dv´ 1 2 dx´ dx´
  L  2v´  kb  2 x´ = 0; where = v = velocity of m
 2  dt 2 dt dt
 

dv´ kb2 x´
Acceleration of the block, = 
dt M  2
  mL
3 

Acceleration of the block is directly proportional to its linear displacement.

This r epr esent s an S.H.M. wit h angular fr equency  given by

kb2
2 =
M  2
  mL
 3 

M  2
  mL
2  3 
Period of vibration = 2
 kb2

Method II : Using torque equation

When the system is displaced through small  angle, tension in the string,
T = kx = k(b), ( x = b)
..
 Restoring torque in the clockwise direction  = ăT  b = ăkb2  = ă I

ML2
where I =  mL2
3 T
b
Q
  
..  kb2   kb2 
  = ă    = ă   
 I    M  m  L2 
  
  3  

kb2
This is an angular S.H.M. with angular frequency,  =
M  2
  mL
3 

M  2
2   m L
= 2  
3
 Period of vibration =
 kb2

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

34 QUIZRR
Example 19
A Simple pendulum of length L and mass m is suspended in a car that is travelling with a
constant speed V around a circular track of radius R. If the pendulum makes small oscillations
about its equilibrium position, what will be the frequency of oscillations ?
Solution :

mV 2
When the car comes round a circle it is an accelerated frame of reference. A fictitious force
R
is to be introduced to the simple pendulum as a centrifugal force. If be the angular displacement
of the pendulum in its new equilibrium position, then
S cos  = mg

mV 2
S sin  =
R

Where S is the tension in the string. S
2
 mV 2 
S= (mg)  
2
 mv2
 R 
R

V4 mg
= m g 
2

R2
Let the pendulum be slightly displaced so that it makes an angle (+ d) with the verticle and
then let go.
Sx
The forces = S sin d  Sd =
Lx
where x is the linear displacement and L and length of the pendulum and x = Ld.
Sx
The restoring force/unit displacement =
L

S
=
L
The period of oscillation of the pendulum

m m Lm
T = 2 = 2 = 2
k S/L S

Lm L
= 2 1/2
= 2 1/ 2
 V  4
 2 V4 
m  g2  2  g + 2 
 R   R 

1/ 2
 2 V4 
g  2 
1 1  R 
Frequency, =
T 2 L

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

 QUIZRR 35

Example 20

A particle of mass m is performing simple harmonic motion in a straight line with amplitude
r and period T. Find the law of force. When at a distance kr from the centre of oscilation,
it collides with a stationary particle of the same mass and coalesces with it. If the law of
force is the same, find the new period of oscillation and the amplitude.
Solution.
Amplitude given = r

2
Period = T; hence angular frequency,  =
T

The equation of motion is therefore

4 2 m
ma = ă x ... (1)
T2

With the initial condition,

T
x = r when v = 0, t =
4

42mx
The law of force is therefore Fx = ă at distance x.
T2

The solution of the equation can be obtained by integrating equation (1) with the given initial
condition.

4 2
Putting 2 = , a = ă2 x ...(2)
T2

Multiplying by 2x and integrating,

(v)2 = ă 2x2 + C
where the integration constant C is given by the condition.
When x = r, v = 0  C = + 2r2
Hence (v)2 = 2 (r2 ă x2)

or v =  r2  x2 ...(3)

dx
Integrating again,  r  x2
2 =  t + C

where C is the integration constant.

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

36 QUIZRR

 x
or sin ă1   = t + C
r

At t = 0, x = 0, and so, C = 0
x = r sin (t) ...(4)

T
This also satisfies the condition, that x = r when t = .
4

When the particle is at a distance kr from the centre of oscillation

i.e., x = kr ...(5)
the velocity of the particle is
v2 = 2 [r2 ă (kr)2]

4 2
= (1  k2 ) r 2
T2

2r
 v= 1  k2 ...(6)
T

If it collides with a stationary particle of same mass m and coalesces with it, the law of conservation
of linear momentum for this collision gives,
m . v = 2 m . v´ ...(7)
where vÊ is the new velocity of the new system.

v 1 2r
Hence v´= = . 1  k2
2 2 T

r
= 1  k2 ...(8)
T

dx
Putting vÊ = , where x is the new coordinate for the particle now of mass 2m, we have
dt

 dx  r
 dt  = 1  k2 ...(9)
  x kr T

Since the law of force remains the same, we have

(2m)a = ă 2mx

2
or a=  x ...(10)
2

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

 QUIZRR 37

or a = ă ´2x
where Ê = the new angular velocity


=
2

The new periodic time,

2 2 2 2 2
T´ = = =
´  2 / T

= 2T

Hence after the collision, the combined mass 2m will oscillate with the new period 2T.
Also, if rÊ be the new amplitude, we will have

2
 dx 
  = ´2 (r´2 ă x2) ...(11)
 dt 

Putting the condition (9) in this,

2
 r 2 
 T 1 k  = ´2 (r´2 ă k2r2)
 

2 r 2 (1  k)2 4 2
or = (r´2 ă k2r2)
T2 T´ 2

2 r 2 (1  k)2 4 2
or = (r´2 ă k2r2)
T2 2T´ 2

or r2(1 ă k2) = 2(r´2 ă k2r2)

or r2(1 + k2) = 2r´2

r2
r´2 = (1  k2 )
2

1
Hence r´ = r (1  k2 )
2

1
Thus the new amplitude of oscillation = r (1  k2 )
2

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

38 QUIZRR
Example 21

A ball is suspended by a thread of length  at the point O on the wall, forming a small angle
 with the vertical. Then the thread with the ball was deviated through small angle
 ( > ) and set free. Assuming the collision of the ball against the wall to be perfectly
elastic, find the oscillation period of such a pendulum.
Solution.
As is a small angle, the motion of the ball is S.H.M. After perfectly elastic collision the velocity
of the ball is simply reversed. As shown in figure, the time period of one oscillation will be

T T T O
T´ =   t  t=  2t
4 4 2

 
 T 
where T = 2 or =  T
g 2 g t 4
T
 =  sin t t 4
Cm
v =  sin t, where t is the time taken from B to A. A B

1   
t= sin ă1   = sin ă1  
  g 

       
T´ =  2 sin ă1   = 2   sin ă1   
g g  g 2   

Example 22

A uniform cylindrical pulley of mass M and radius R can freely rotate

about the horizontal axix O. The free end of a thread tightly wound on
the pulley carries a dead weight A. At a certain angle it counter balances O
a point mass m fixed at the rim of the pulley. Find the frequency of small m 
oscillations of the arrangement.
Solution :
A
Considering rotational equilibrium about O, we have
m´g R = mg R sin , where mÊ is mass of A
 m´ = m sin 
Consider a small angular displacement by in the clockwise direction. O

Then unbalanced torque  in the clockwise direction m
= m´ gR ă mgR sin ( + )
m´ A
SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION
 QUIZRR 39

1
Moment of inertia of the system = MR 2  m´R 2  mR 2
2

For the rotational motion

1  d 2
  MR 2  m´R 2  mR 2  2 = m´ g R ă mg R sin ( + )
2  dt

Putting m´ = m sin , we have

1 2d 
2

 MR 2
 ( m sin  )R 2
 mR  2 = mgR sin  ă mgR sin ( + )
2  dt

1 2 d 2
R [M  2m sin   2m] 2 = mgR sin  ă mgR [sin  cos  + cos  sin ]
2 dt

1 2 d 2
R [M  2m sin   2m] 2 = mgR sin  ă mgR sin  ă mgR  cos 
2 dt

Because sin  =  and cos  = 1 when  is small

d2
[MR + 2mR (1 + sin)] = ă 2 mg  cos 
dt2

d2 2mg cos

2 =ă .
dt MR  2mR (1  sin )

d2
 is proportional to .
dt2

The motion is simple harmonic.

2mg cos 
2 =
MR  2mR(1+sin)

2
 period =


 1 2mg cos 
Frequency = =
2 2 MR  2mR(1  sin )

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

40 QUIZRR
Example 23

Figure shows a system consisting of a massless pulley, a spring of force constant k and a
block of mass m. If the block is slighty displaced vertically down from its equilibrium
position and released, find the period of its vertical oscillation in cases (a ), (b) and (c ).

k k

m
k

m m

(a) (b) (c)

Solution :
(a) In equilibrium, kx0 = mg ...(i)
When further depressed by an amount x, net restoring force (upwards) is,
F = ă{k(x + x0) ă mg}
F = ă kx (as kx0 = mg)

k
or a = x
m
x0
x
 T = 2 x
a

m
or T = 2
k

(b) In this case if the mass m moves down a distance x from its equilibrium position, then pulley

x x
will move down by . So, the extra force in spring will be k . Now, as the pulley is massless,
2 2

kx kx
this force is equal to extra 2T or T = . This is also the restoring force of the mass.
2 4
Hence,

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

 QUIZRR 41

kx
F = ă
4 kx
2
k
or a =  x
4m
kx kx
4 4
x
or T = 2
a kx
4
m
4m
or T = 2
k

(c) In this situation if the mass m moves down a distance x from its equilibrium position, the
pulley will also move by x and so the spring will stretch by 2x. Therefore, the spring force
will be 2kx. The restoring force on the block will be 4kx. Hence,
F = ă4kx

4k 2kx 2kx
or a = ă .x
m

x
 T = 2
a 4kx

m m
or T = 2
4k

Example 24

As mass m is connected to a spring of mass m s and oscillates in SHM on a smooth horizontal

surface. The force constant of the spring is k. Find the time period of oscillation.
Solution.
Let l be the length of the spring. Suppose V be the speed of mass m in its displaced position y.
Since the spring is not massless it will also have some kinetic energy. To find this kinetic energy
consider a segment of spring of length ÂdxÊ at a distance x from the fixed end. As the velocity of
different segments will be different in an oscillating spring, we assume that velocity of the
x
dx V

y
SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION
42 QUIZRR
segment is directly proportional to its distance from the fixed end, so for this segment.

ms x
dm = dx and v = .V
l l

So, the kinetic energy of this segment,

2
1 1  ms  x 
dKs = ( dm)(v ) = 
2
dx   V 
2 2 l  l 

 Ks =  dK
0
s

1
Integrating we get, Ks = ms V 2
6

The mechanical energy of the system in displaced position of the block will be,
E = kinetic energy of mass + kinetic energy of spring + elastic potential energy

1 1 1
E= mV 2  ms V 2  ky2
2 6 2

Since, E = constant

dE  dV  1 dV dy
 = 0 or mV.    3 ms V dt  ky. dt = 0
dt  dt 

dV dy
Substituting = a and = V
dt dt

 ms 
We have,  m  3  .a = ă ky
 

a  ă y
Therefore, motion is simple harmonic in nature.

y
T = 2
a

ms
m
or T = 2 3
k

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

 QUIZRR 43

Example 25

Calculate the angular frequency of the system shown in figure.

A
Friction is absent everywhere and the threads, spring and pulleys k
are massless. Given that m A = m B = m. B

Solution :
Let x0 be the extension in the spring in equilibrium. Then equilibrium of A and B give,
T = kx0 + mg sin  ...(i)
and 2T = mg ...(ii)
Here, T is the tension in the string. Now, suppose A is further displaced by a distance x from its

x
mean position and v be its speed at this moment. Then B lower by and speed of B at this
2

v
instant will be . Total energy of the system in this position will be,
2

2
1 1 1  v
E = k( x  x0 )  mA v  mB    mA ghA  mB g hB
2 2

2 2 2  2

1 1 1 x
or E = k( x  x0 ) 2  mv2  mv2  mgx sin   mg
2 2 8 2

1 5 x
or E = k( x  x0 ) 2  mv2  mgx sin   mg
2 8 2

Since, E is constant,

dE
= 0
dt

dx 5  dv   dx  mg  dx 
or 0 = k( x  x0 )  mv    mg(sin )  dt   2 .  dt 
dt 4  dt     

dx
Substituting, =v
dt

dv
= a
dt

mg
and kx0 + mg sin  = [From Eqs. (i) and (ii)]
2

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

44 QUIZRR

5
We get, m a = ăkx
4

Since, a  ă x
Motion is simple harmonic, time period of which is,

x 5m
T = 2 = 2
a 4k

2 4k
 = =
T 5m

Example 26

Consider the earth as a uniform sphere of mass M and radius R. Imagine a straight smooth
tunnel made through the earth which connects any two points on its surface. Show that
the motion of a particle of mass m along this tunnel under the action of gravitation would
be simple harmonic. Hence, determine the time that a particle would take to go from one
end to the other through the tunnel.
Solution :
Suppose at some instant the particle is at radial distance r from centre of earth O. Since the
particle is constrained to move along the tunnel, we define its position as distance x from C.
Hence, equation of motion of the particle is,
max = Fx
This gravitational force on mass m at distance r is, r x x ă axix

O C
GMmr
F = (towards O)
R3

GMmr  x 
Therefore, Fx = ă F sin  =   
R3  r 

GMm
=  .x
R3

Since, Fx  ă x, motion is simple harmonic in nature. Further,

GMm GM
max =  3
. x or ax =  3 .x
R R

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

 QUIZRR 45

 Time period of oscillation is,

x R3
T = 2 = 2
ax GM

T
The time taken by particle to go from one end to the other is .
2

T R3
 t = = 
2 GM

Example 27

A solid sphere (radius = R) rolls without slipping in a cylindrical through (radius = 5R). Find
the time period of small oscillations.

5R

Solution :
For pure rolling to take place, v = R
´ = angular velocity of COM of sphere C about O

v R 
= = =
4R 4R 4

d´ 1 d
 =
dt 4 dt
´
O
  
or ´ =
4
C
v
a
 = for pure rolling
R

g sin  5 g sin 
where, a = =
I 7
1
mR 2

2
as, I = mR 2
5

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

 46 QUIZRR

5 g sin 
 ´=
28 R

For small , sin    , being restoring in nature,

5g
´ = ă 
28R

 28R
 T = 2 = 2
´ 5g

Example 28

As a submerged body moves through a fluid, the particles of the fluid,

flow around the body and thus acquired kinetic energy. In the case of
a sphere moving in an ideal fluid, the total kinetic energy acquired by

1
the fluid is Vv2 where is the mass density of fluid, V the volume of
4
sphere and v is the velocity of the sphere. Consider a 0.5 kg hollow spherical shell of radius
8 cm which is held submerged in a tank of water by a spring of force constant 500 N/m.
(a) Neglecting fluid friction, determine the period of vibration of the shell when it is
displaced vertically and then released.
(b) Solve part (a ) assuming that the tank is accelerated upward at the constant rate of 8
m/s2. Density of water is 103 kg/m 3.
Solution :
(a) Let F be the upthrust and W the weight of the sphere. In equilibrium let x0 F + kx0
be the compression of the spring, then

F + kx0 = W W
or kx0 = W ă F ...(i)

If the sphere is further compressed by x, then total energy of the system will be

1 1 1
E = ă(W ăF).x  k( x  x0 ) 2  mv2  Vv2
2 2 4

Since, friction is absent, total energy remains constant, hence

dE
= 0
dt

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

 QUIZRR 47

dx dx  dv  1  dv 
or 0 = ă (W  F).  k( x  x0 )  mv    2 Vv  dt  ...(ii)
dt dt  dt   

dx dv
From Eqs. (i) and (ii) with substitutions = v and = a, we get
dt dt

k
a = .x
1
V  m
2

 a  ă x
Oscillations are simple harmonic, time period of which will be

1
x m  V
T = 2 = 2 2
a k

1 4
0.5   103     (0.08)3
= 2 2 3
k

T = 0.352 s
(b) When it is accelerated upwards with an acceleration ÂaÊ

F( g  a)
F´ = g F + kx0
a
W W
Now, F´ + kx0 ă W =   a
 g

W  a
kx0 = .a  W  F  1  
g  g

a
or kx0 = (W ă F)  (W ă F)
g

 a
or kx0 = (W ă F)  1   ...(iii)
 g

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

48 QUIZRR
When displaced downwards, total energy would be

( g  a) 1 1 1
E = ă (W ă F) . x  k( x  x0 )2  mv2  Vv2
g 2 2 4

dE
Substituting = 0
dt

 a  dx dx dv 1 dv
or 0 = ă (W ă F)  1    k( x  x0 )  mv.  vV. ...(iv)
 g  dt dt dt 2 dt

From Eqs. (iv) and (iii) we get the same result as was obtained in part (a), i.e.,
T = 0.352 s

Example 29

A thin rod of length L and uniform cross-section is pivoted at its

lowest point P inside a stationary homogeneous and non-viscous liquid
d1
(as shown in figure). The rod is free to rotate in a vertical plane about d2
a horizontal axis passing through P. The density d 1 of the material of
the rod is smaller than the density d 2 of the liquid. The rod is displaced P
by small angle  from its equilibrium position and then released. Show
that the motion of the rod is simple harmonic and determine its angular
frequency in terms of the given parameters. [JEE 1996]
Solution :
Let S be the area of cross-section of the rod. In the displaced position, as shown in figure, weight
(W) and upthrust (FB) both pass through its centre of gravity G.
Here, W = (volume) ï (density of rod) ï g
W = (SL) (d 1)g
FB = (volume) ï (density of liquid) ï g FB
= (SL)(d 2)g r1
Q
G
Given that d 1 < d 2. Therefore, W < FB 
W
Therefore, net force acting at G will be : P
F = FB ă W = (SLg)(d 2 ă d 1) upwards
Restoring torque of this force about point P is:

 = F  r = (SLg)(d 2 ă d 1)(QG)

L 
or = ă (SLg)(d 2 ă d 1)  sin  
 2 

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

 QUIZRR 49

Here, negative sign shows the restoring nature of torque

 SL2 g (d2  d1 ) 
or =   ...(i)
 2 

As sin    for small values 

From Eq. (i), we see that
  ă x
Hence, motion of the rod is simple harmonic.
Rewriting Eq. (i) as

d 2  SL2 g (d2  d1 ) 
I =    ...(ii)
dt2  2 

Here, I = moment of inertia of rod about an axis passing through P.

ML2 ( SLd1 )L2

I = =
3 3

Substituting this value of I in Eq. (ii), we have

d2  3 g (d2  d1 ) 
=  
dt2 2 d1 L 

Comparing this equation with standard differential equation of SHM, i.e.,

d2
= ă 2 
dt2

The angular frequency of oscillation is

3 g( d2  d1 )
 =
2d1L

Example 30
Two identical balls A and B, each of mass 0.1 kg. are attached to two identical massless
springs. The spring-mass system is constrained to move inside a rigid smooth pipe bent in
the form of a circle as shown in figure. The pipe is fixed in a horizontal plane. The centres
of the ball can move in a circle of radius 0.06 metre. Each spring has a natural length of
0.06 metre and spring constant 0.1 N/m. Initially, both the balls are displaced by an angle

= radian with respect to the diameter PQ of the circle (as shown in figure) and released
6
from rest.

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

 50 QUIZRR
(i) Calculate the frequency of oscillation of ball A.
(ii) Find the speed of ball A when A and B are at the two ends of A B
m
the diameter PQ.
/6 0.06/6
P Q
(iii) What is the total energy of the system?

[JEE 1993]

Solution :
(i) Given : Mass of each ball A and B, m = 0.1 kg
Radius of circle, R = 0.06 m A B
Natural length of spring, O
/6 /6
l0 = 0.06 = R (Half circle)
and spring constant, k = 0.1 N/m
In the stretched position elongation in each spring (x = R)
Spring in lower side is stretched by 2x and on upper side compressed by 2x.
Therefore, each spring will exert a force 2kx on each block.
Hence, a restoring force, F = 4kx will act on A in the direction shown in figure.
Restoring torque of this force about origin,
 = ăF . R = ă (4kx)R = ă (4kR)R
or  = ă4kR2 .   ...(i)
Since,  ă  each ball executes angular SHM about origin O.
Eq. (i) can be rewritten as
I  = ă4kR2 or (mR2) = ă4kR2

 4k 
  =  
m
kx

1 acceleration
=4

 Frequency of oscillation, f = A
2 displacement
F


O
1  1 4k
= =
2  2 m

Substituting the values, we have

1 4  0.1 1
f = = Hz
2 0.1 

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

 QUIZRR 51

(ii) In stretched position, potential energy of the system is

1 
P.E. = 2  k 2 x = 4kx2
2

2 

and in mean position, both the balls have only kinetic energy, Hence

1 
K.E. = 2  mv2  = mv2
2 

From energy conservation

P.E. = K.E.  4kx2 = mv2

k k
v = 2x = 2R
m m

Substituting the values

 0.1
v = 2(0.06)  
 6  0.1

or v = 0.0628 m/s

(iii) Total energy of the system,

E = P.E. in stretched position
or = K.E. in mean position
E = mv2 = (0.1)(0.0628)2 J
or E = 3.9  10ă4 J

Example 31
Two balls will masses m 1 = 1 kg and m 2 = 2 kg are
slipped on a thin smooth horizontal rod. The balls m1 m2
k
are interconnected by a light spring of spring
constant 24 N/m. The left hand ball is imparted the
initial velocity v1 = 12 cm/s. Find (a ) the oscillation
frequency of the system, (b) the energy and amplitude
of oscillation.
Solution :
(a) As discussed earlier;

k
 2o = where 0 is the natural frequency of oscillation.
m1 m2
m1  m2
SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION
52 QUIZRR

k m1 m2
2o =  where ø =
m1  m2
called reduced mass.

k 1 k
  = ;  = = 2.65  10ă2/s
ø 2 ø

(b) The initial velocity given to the mass m1 is v1.

For undamped oscillation, this initial energy will remain constant.

1
Hence total energy of S.H.M of two balls is given as E = øV12
2

If amplitude of oscillation is A, then

1 1
øV12 = kA 2
2 2

 v1 = 0A

v1
 A=
o

So on putting the values, we get A = 2 cm

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION