h

M
P A

Simple Harmonic Motion 32

6. A cylindrical piston of mass M slides smoothly inside a long

cylinder closed at one end, enclosing a certain mass of gas. The
cylinder is kept with its axis horizontal. If the piston is
disturbed from its equilibrium position, it oscillates simple
harmonically. The period of oscillation will be [IIT-JEE 1981]

1. Two particles executes S.H.M. of same amplitude and

frequency along the same straight line. They pass one another (a)
when going in opposite directions, and each time their h
displacement is half of their amplitude. The phase difference
between them is [MP PMT 1999]
(b) M
(a) 30° (b) 60° Gas
(c) 90° (d) 120°
P A
2. The displacement of a particle varies with time as (c)
(in cm). If its motion is S.H.M.,
then its maximum acceleration is
(d)
(a) (b)
7. A sphere of radius r is kept on a concave mirror of radius of
(c) (d) curvature R. The arrangement is kept on a horizontal table (the
3. A linear harmonic oscillator of force constant surface of concave mirror is frictionless and sliding not rolling).
times and amplitude 0.01 m has a total mechanical energy of If the sphere is displaced from its equilibrium position and left,
160 joules. Its then it executes S.H.M. The period of oscillation will be
[IIT JEE 1989; CPMT 1995; CBSE PMT 1996;
KECT (Med.) 1999; AMU (Engg.) 2000; UPSEAT 2001]
(a) (b)
(a) Maximum potential energy is 100 J
(b) Maximum K.E. is 100 J
(c) Maximum P.E. is 160 J
(c) (d)
(d) Minimum P.E. is zero
4. A particle of mass m is executing oscillations about the origin
8. The amplitude of vibration of a particle is given by
on the x-axis. Its potential energy is , where k
where and c are
is a positive constant. If the amplitude of oscillation is a, then
its time period T is [IIT-JEE 1998] positive. The condition for a single resonant frequency is
[CPMT 1982]
(a) Proportional to (b) Independent of a
(a) (b)
(c) Proportional to (d) Proportional to
(c) (d)
5. Two blocks A and B each of mass m are connected by a
massless spring of natural length L and spring constant K. The 9. A U tube of uniform bore of cross-sectional area A has been set
blocks are initially resting on a smooth horizontal floor with the up vertically with open ends facing up. Now m gm of a liquid
spring at its natural length as shown in figure. A third identical of density d is poured into it. The column of liquid in this tube
block C also of mass m moves on the floor with a speed v along will oscillate with a period T such that
the line joining A and B and collides with A. Then
[IIT-JEE 1993]
v (a) (b)

C A B
L (c) (d)

(a) The kinetic energy of the A-B system at maximum 10. A particle is performing simple harmonic motion along x-axis
compression of the spring is zero
with amplitude 4 cm and time period 1.2 sec. The minimum
(b) The kinetic energy of the A-B system at maximum time taken by the particle to move from x =2 cm to x = + 4 cm
compression of the spring is and back again is given by [AIIMS 1995]
(c) The maximum compression of the spring is (a) 0.6 sec (b) 0.4 sec
(d) The maximum compression of the spring is (c) 0.3 sec (d) 0.2 sec
 33 Simple Harmonic Motion
11. A large horizontal surface moves up and down in SHM with an 17. The bob of a simple pendulum is displaced from its equilibrium
amplitude of 1 cm. If a mass of 10 kg (which is placed on the position O to a position Q which is at height h above O and the
surface) is to remain continually in contact with it, the bob is then released. Assuming the mass of the bob to be m and
maximum frequency of S.H.M. will be time period of oscillations to be 2.0 sec, the tension in the string
[SCRA 1994; AIIMS 1995] when the bob passes through O is
[AMU 1995]
(a) 0.5 Hz (b) 1.5 Hz
(c) 5 Hz (d) 10 Hz
(a)
12. Due to some force F1 a body oscillates with period 4/5 sec and
due to other force F2 oscillates with period 3/5 sec. If both (b)
forces act simultaneously, the new period will be
[RPET 1997] (c)
(a) 0.72 sec (b) 0.64 sec Q

(c) 0.48 sec (d) 0.36 sec h

(d)
13. A horizontal platform with an object placed on it is executing O
S.H.M. in the vertical direction. The amplitude of oscillation is
18. The metallic bob of a simple pendulum has the relative density
. What must be the least period of these . The time period of this pendulum is T. If the metallic bob is
oscillations, so that the object is not detached from the platform immersed in water, then the new time period is given by
[SCRA 1998]
[AIIMS 1999]

(a) 0.1256 sec (b) 0.1356 sec (a) (b)

(c) 0.1456 sec (d) 0.1556 sec
14. A particle executes simple harmonic motion (amplitude = A) (c) (d)
between and . The time taken for it to go
from 0 to A/2 is and to go from A/2 to A is . Then 19. A clock which keeps correct time at , is subjected to
. If coefficient of linear expansion of the pendulum is
[IIT-JEE (Screening) 2001]
. How much will it gain or loose in time
(a) (b) [BHU 1998]
(a) 10.3 seconds / day (b) 20.6 seconds / day
(c) (d)
(c) 5 seconds / day (d) 20 minutes / day
15. A simple pendulum of length L and mass (bob) M is oscillating 20. The period of oscillation of a simple pendulum of length L
in a plane about a vertical line between angular limits and suspended from the roof of a vehicle which moves without
friction down an inclined plane of inclination , is given by
. For an angular displacement , the tension in
[IIT-JEE (Screening) 2000]
the string and the velocity of the bob are T and v respectively.
The following relations hold good under the above conditions (a) (b)
[IIT 1986; UPSEAT 1998]

(a)
(c) (d)

(b) 21. The bob of a simple pendulum executes simple harmonic motion
in water with a period t, while the period of oscillation of the bob
(c) The magnitude of the tangential acceleration of the bob is in air. Neglecting frictional force of water and given that the
density of the bob is (4/3) ×1000 kg/m3. What relationship
(d) between and is true [AIEEE 2004]

16. Two simple pendulums of length 5 m and 20 m respectively are (a) (b)
given small linear displacement in one direction at the same
(c) (d)
time. They will again be in the phase when the pendulum of
shorter length has completed .... oscillations. 22. A spring of force constant k is cut into two pieces such that one
piece is double the length of the other. Then the long piece will
[CBSE PMT 1998; JIPMER 2001, 02] have a force constant of
(a) 5 (b) 1 [IIT-JEE (Screening) 1999]

(c) 2 (d) 3 (a) (b)

 Simple Harmonic Motion 34

(c) (d) (a) 4 Mg/K (b) 2 Mg/K

23. One end of a long metallic wire of length L is tied to the (c) Mg/K (d) Mg/2K
ceiling. The other end is tied to massless spring of spring 28. The displacement y of a particle executing periodic motion is
constant K. A mass m hangs freely from the free end of the given by . This expression
spring. The area of cross-section and Young's modulus of the
may be considered to be a result of the superposition of ...........
wire are A and Y respectively. If the mass is slightly pulled independent harmonic motions [IIT 1992]
down and released, it will oscillate with a time period T equal
(a) Two (b) Three
to [IIT 1993]
(c) Four (d) Five
29. Three simple harmonic motions in the same direction having
(a) (b)
the same amplitude a and same period are superposed. If each
differs in phase from the next by , then
(c) (d) [IIT JEE 1999]

(a) The resultant amplitude is

24. On a smooth inclined plane, a body of mass M is attached
between two springs. The other ends of the springs are fixed to (b) The phase of the resultant motion relative to the first is 90°
firm supports. If each spring has force constant K, the period of (c) The energy associated with the resulting motion is
oscillation of the body (assuming the springs as massless) is times the energy associated with any single
[NSEP 1994] motion
(d) The resulting motion is not simple harmonic
(a)
30. The function represents [AIEEE 2005]

(a) A simple harmonic motion with a period

(b) M (b) A simple harmonic motion with a period
(c) A periodic but not simple harmonic motion with a period
(c)

(d) A periodic but not simple harmonic, motion with a period

(d)
31. A simple pendulum has time period T1. The point of suspension
25. A particle of mass m is attached to a spring (of spring constant is now moved upward according to equation where
k) and has a natural angular frequency -An external force F
. If new time period is T2 then ratio will
(t) proportional to is applied to the
oscillator. The time displacement of the oscillator will be be [IIT-JEE (Screening) 2005]
proportional to [AIEEE 2004]
(a) 2/3 (b) 5/6
(c) 6/5 (d) 3/2
(a) (b)
32. A simple pendulum is hanging from a peg inserted in a vertical
wall. Its bob is stretched in horizontal position from the wall
and is left free to move. The bob hits on the wall the coefficient
(c) (d)
of restitution is . After how many collisions the amplitude
26. A 15 g ball is shot from a spring gun whose spring has a force of vibration will become less than 60°
constant of 600 N/m. The spring is compressed by 5 cm. The
[UPSEAT 1999]
greatest possible horizontal range of the ball for this
(a) 6 (b) 3
compression is (g = 10 m/s2) [DPMT 2004]
(c) 5 (d) 4
(a) 6.0 m (b) 10.0 m
33. A brass cube of side a and density  is floating in mercury of
(c) 12.0 m (d) 8.0 m
density . If the cube is displaced a bit vertically, it executes
27. An ideal spring with spring-constant K is hung from the ceiling S.H.M. Its time period will be
and a block of mass M is attached to its lower end. The mass is
released with the spring initially unstretched. Then the (a) (b)
maximum extension in the spring is
[IIT-JEE (Screening) 2002]
 35 Simple Harmonic Motion

(c) (d) (d)

34. Two identical balls A and B each of mass 0.1 kg are attached to 38. A particle of mass m is attached to three identical springs A, B
two identical massless springs. The spring mass system is and C each of force constant k a shown in figure. If the particle
constrained to move inside a rigid smooth pipe bent in the form of mass m is pushed slightly against the spring A and released
of a circle as shown in the figure. The pipe is fixed in a then the time period of oscillations is
horizontal plane. The centres of the balls can move in a circle
of radius 0.06 m. Each spring has a natural length of 0.06 m (a)
B
and force constant 0.1N/m. Initially both the balls are displaced C
90°
by an angle radian with respect to the diameter
(b)
of the circle and released from rest. The frequency of
O m
oscillation of the ball B is
(a) (c)

A
(b)
/6 /6 (d)
(c)
39. A hollow sphere is filled with water through a small hole in it.
(d) It is then hung by a long thread and made to oscillate. As the
water slowly flows out of the hole at the bottom, the period of
35. A disc of radius R and mass M is pivoted at the rim and is set oscillation will
for small oscillations. If simple pendulum has to have the same
period as that of the disc, the length of the simple pendulum [MP PMT 1994; KCET 1994; RPET 1996; AFMC 2000;
should be CBSE PMT 2000; CPMT 2001; AIEEE 2005]
(a) Continuously decrease
(a) (b)
(b) Continuously increase

(c) (d) (c) First decrease and then increase to original value
(d) First increase and then decrease to original value
36. One end of a spring of force constant k is fixed to a vertical
40. Two simple pendulums whose lengths are 100 cm and 121 cm
wall and the other to a block of mass m resting on a smooth
are suspended side by side. Their bobs are pulled together and
horizontal surface. There is another wall at a distance from then released. After how many minimum oscillations of the
the black. The spring is then compressed by and released. longer pendulum, will the two be in phase again
[DPMT 2005]
The time taken to strike the wall is
(a) 11 (b) 10

M (c) 21 (d) 20
41. The amplitude of a damped oscillator becomes half in one

2x0 x0 minute. The amplitude after 3 minute will be times the

(a) (b) original, where X is [CPMT 1989; DPMT 2002]

(a) (b)

(c) (d) (c) (d)

42. Which of the following function represents a simple harmonic
37. Three masses 700g, 500g, and 400g are suspended at the end of oscillation [AIIMS 2005]
a spring a shown and are in equilibrium. When the 700g mass is (a) (b)
removed, the system oscillates with a period of 3 seconds, when
(c) (d)
the 500 gm mass is also removed, it will oscillate with a period
of 43. A uniform rod of length 2.0 m is suspended through an end and
is set into oscillation with small amplitude under gravity. The
(a) 1 s
time period of oscillation is approximately
(b) 2 s
[AMU (Med.) 2000]
(c) 3 s
700gm
500gm
400gm
 Simple Harmonic Motion 36

(a) 1.60 sec (b) 1.80 sec (d) The P.E. is equal to total energy at time
(c) 2.0 sec (d) 2.40 sec 5. As a body performs S.H.M., its potential energy U. varies with
time as indicated in [AMU (Med.) 2001]

U U

(a) (b)
t
t
1. A particle is executing S.H.M. Then the graph of acceleration
as a function of displacement is U
U
(a) A straight line (b) A circle
(c) (d)
(c) An ellipse (d) A hyperbola
t t
2. The acceleration a of a particle undergoing S.H.M. is shown in
the figure. Which of the labelled points corresponds to the
6. A particle of mass m oscillates with simple harmonic motion
particle being at – xmax [AMU (Med.) 2000]
between points and , the equilibrium position being O.

a (t) 1 Its potential energy is plotted. It will be as given below in the

graph [CBSE PMT 2003]
2 4 t

3 (a) (b)
(a) 4 (b) 3 X1 O X2
(c) 2 (d) 1 X1 O X2
3. The displacement time graph of a particle executing S.H.M. is
as shown in the figure [KCET 2003]
y (c) (d)
X1 O X2
X1 O X2

O
t 7. For a particle executing S.H.M. the displacement x is given by
The corresponding force-time graph of the particle is . Identify the graph which represents the
variation of potential energy (P.E.) as a function of time t and
(a) F (b) F
displacement x [IIT JEE (Screening) 2003]

PE PE
I II III
IV
O O
(c) t (d) t
F
F
t x
(a) I, III (b) II, IV
O O (c) II, III (d) I, IV
t
t
8. The velocity-time diagram of a harmonic oscillator is shown in
4. The graph shows the variation of displacement of a particle the adjoining figure. The frequency of oscillation is
executing S.H.M. with time. We infer from this graph that [CPMT 1989]
+4
y V(in m/sec)
+2
T/2 0.04
T/4 3T/4 t 0.01 0.02 0.03
–4 T(in sec)

(a) The force is zero at time –2

(b) The velocity is maximum at time (a) 25 Hz (b) 50 Hz
(c) The acceleration is maximum at time T (c) 12.25 Hz (d) 33.3 Hz
 37 Simple Harmonic Motion
9. A body of mass 0.01 kg executes simple harmonic motion 14. Acceleration A and time period T of a body in S.H.M. is given
(S.H.M.) about under the influence of a force shown by a curve shown below. Then corresponding graph, between
below : The period of the S.H.M. is [AMU (Med.) 2002] kinetic energy (K.E.) and time t is correctly represented by
F(N)
A
8.0
+ 2.0 x(m)
– 2.0 t
– 8.0
T
(a) 1.05 s (b) 0.52 s
(c) 0.25 s (d) 0.30 s KE KE
(a) (b)
10. For a simple pendulum the graph between L and T will be.
t t
[CPMT 1992]
T T
(a) Hyperbola (b) Parabola
(c) A curved line (d) A straight line
KE KE
11. In case of a simple pendulum, time period versus length is
depicted by [DCE 1999, 2001]
(c) (d)
t t
T T T T

(a) (b)
15. The variation of potential energy of harmonic oscillator is as
shown in figure. The spring constant is
l U (Joule)
l
T 0.04
(c) T (d)

0.01
y (in mm)
(0, 0)
l l 20 mm
12. Graph between velocity and displacement of a particle,
(a) 1 10 N/m
2
(b) 150 N/m
executing S.H.M. is [DPMT 2005]
(c) 0.667  102 N/m (d) 3  102 N/m
(a) A straight line (b) A parabola
16. A body performs S.H.M. Its kinetic energy K varies with time t
(c) A hyperbola (d) An ellipse
as indicated by graph
13. The variation of the acceleration a of the particle executing
S.H.M. with displacement y is as shown in the figure KE KE
(a) (b)
a a
(a) (b)

t t
KE KE
x x (c) (d)

(c) (d)
a a

t t

x x
 Simple Harmonic Motion 38

10. Assertion : The frequency of a second pendulum in an

elevator moving up with an acceleration half the
acceleration due to gravity is 0.612 s–1.
Read the assertion and reason carefully to mark the correct option out
Reason : The frequency of a second pendulum does not
of the options given below:
depend upon acceleration due to gravity.
(a) If both assertion and reason are true and the reason is the
correct explanation of the assertion. 11. Assertion : Damped oscillation indicates loss of energy.
(b) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the Reason : The energy loss in damped oscillation may be
correct explanation of the assertion. due to friction, air resistance etc.
(c) If assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) If the assertion and reason both are false. 12. Assertion : In a S.H.M., kinetic and potential energies
(e) If assertion is false but reason is true. become equal when the displacement is
times the amplitude.
1. Assertion : All oscillatory motions are necessarily periodic
motion but all periodic motion are not Reason : In SHM, kinetic energy is zero when potential
oscillatory. energy is maximum.
Reason : Simple pendulum is an example of oscillatory 13. Assertion : If the amplitude of a simple harmonic oscillator
motion. is doubled, its total energy becomes four times.
2. Assertion : Simple harmonic motion is a uniform motion. Reason : The total energy is directly proportional to the
Reason : Simple harmonic motion is the projection of square of amplitude of vibration of the
uniform circular motion. harmonic oscillator.
3. Assertion : Acceleration is proportional to the 14. Assertion : For an oscillating simple pendulum, the tension
displacement. This condition is not sufficient in the string is maximum at the mean position
for motion in simple harmonic.
and minimum at the extreme position.
Reason : In simple harmonic motion direction of
displacement is also considered. Reason : The velocity of oscillating bob in simple
harmonic motion is maximum at the mean
4. Assertion : Sine and cosine functions are periodic position.
functions.
15. Assertion : The spring constant of a spring is k. When it is
Reason : Sinusoidal functions repeats it values after a divided into n equal parts, then spring constant
definite interval of time. of one piece is k/n.
5. Assertion : The graph between velocity and displacement Reason : The spring constant is independent of material
for a harmonic oscillator is a parabola. used for the spring.
Reason : Velocity does not change uniformly with 16. Assertion : The periodic time of a hard spring is less as
displacement in harmonic motion. compared to that of a soft spring.
6. Assertion : When a simple pendulum is made to oscillate Reason : The periodic time depends upon the spring
on the surface of moon, its time period constant, and spring constant is large for hard
increases. spring.
Reason : Moon is much smaller as compared to earth. 17. Assertion : In extreme position of a particle executing
7. Assertion : Resonance is special case of forced vibration in S.H.M., both velocity and acceleration are zero.
which the natural frequency of vibration of the Reason : In S.H.M., acceleration always acts towards
body is the same as the impressed frequency of mean position.
external periodic force and the amplitude of
forced vibration is maximum. 18. Assertion : Soldiers are asked to break steps while crossing
the bridge.
Reason : The amplitude of forced vibrations of a body
increases with an increase in the frequency of Reason : The frequency of marching may be equal to the
the externally impressed periodic force. natural frequency of bridge and may lead to
resonance which can break the bridge.
[AIIMS 1994]
[AIIMS 2001]
8. Assertion : The graph of total energy of a particle in SHM
19. Assertion : The amplitude of oscillation can never be
w.r.t., position is a straight line with zero slope.
infinite.
Reason : Total energy of particle in SHM remains Reason : The energy of oscillator is continuously
constant throughout its motion. dissipated.
9. Assertion : The percentage change in time period is 1.5%, 20. Assertion : In S.H.M., the motion is ‘to and fro’ and
if the length of simple pendulum increases by periodic.
3%.
Reason : Velocity of the particle
Reason : Time period is directly proportional to length of
(where x is the displacement and k is amplitude)
pendulum.
[AIIMS 2002]
 39 Simple Harmonic Motion
21. Assertion : The amplitude of an oscillating pendulum
decreases gradually with time 1 d 2 a 3 d 4 a 5 a
Reason : The frequency of the pendulum decreases with 6 c 7 c 8 b 9 d 10 c
time [AIIMS 2003] 11 c 12 b 13 a 14 a 15 b
22. Assertion : In simple harmonic motion, the velocity is 16 b 17 c 18 b 19 d 20 c
maximum when acceleration is minimum
21 c 22 c 23 b 24 b 25 a
Reason : Displacement and velocity of S.H.M. differ is 26 c 27 c 28 a 29 b 30 c
phase by [AIIMS 1999] 31 c 32 d 33 b 34 b
23. Assertion : Consider motion for a mass spring system under
gravity, motion of M is not a simple harmonic Time Period and Frequency
motion unless Mg is negligibly small.
Reason : For simple harmonic motion acceleration must 1 b 2 c 3 b 4 d 5 b
be proportional to displacement and is directed 6 a 7 d 8 d 9 d 10 a
towards the mean position 11 b 12 b 13 b 14 b 15 a
[SCRA 1994] 16 d 17 d 18 d
Ma = Kx + Mg

Simple Pendulum
K = force constant 1 c 2 a 3 b 4 b 5 b
X 6 b 7 c 8 c 9 c 10 d
11 d 12 b 13 a 14 d 15 d
16 b 17 b 18 c 19 c 20 c

M = Mass 21 d 22 d 23 c 24 c 25 d
26 a 27 a 28 b 29 d 30 d
31 c 32 c 33 b 34 b 35 a
36 a 37 d 38 b 39 c 40 d
Displacement of S.H.M. and Phase 41 a 42 a 43 a 44 b 45 d
46 d 47 b 48 a 49 a 50 a
1 b,d 2 c 3 d 4 c 5 d 51 c 52 c 53 c 54 d 55 c
6 c 7 c 8 a 9 a,b,d 10 a 56 b 57 c 58 a 59 c 60 a
11 c 12 c 13 c 14 c 15 d 61 b
16 b 17 d 18 a 19 c 20 a
21 b 22 c 23 b 24 c 25 b Spring Pendulum
26 a
1 d 2 d 3 b 4 b 5 b
Velocity of Simple Harmonic Motion 6 c 7 c 8 b 9 a 10 c
11 a 12 b 13 d 14 c 15 a
1 a 2 c 3 c 4 c 5 b
16 d 17 a 18 d 19 b 20 c
6 c 7 d 8 c 9 d 10 b
21 c 22 c 23 d 24 a 25 d
11 a 12 d 13 a 14 b 15 c
26 d 27 b 28 a 29 a 30 a
16 b 17 b 18 a 19 d 20 b
31 b 32 d 33 b 34 b 35 b
21 b 22 c 23 d 24 a 25 a
36 d 37 c 38 d 39 b 40 c
26 c 27 a
41 a 42 b 43 b 44 a 45 b
Acceleration of Simple Harmonic Motion 46 a 47 b 48 d 49 c 50 c
51 b 52 d 53 d 54 a 55 b
1 d 2 c 3 c 4 d 5 a
6 a 7 a 8 d 9 d 10 d Superposition of S.H.M’s and Resonance
11 a 12 a 13 d 14 a 15 a
16 d 17 d 18 d 19 b 20 c 1 c 2 c 3 c 4 c 5 a
21 c 6 c 7 d 8 a 9 b 10 d
11 b 12 c 13 a 14 c
Energy of Simple Harmonic Motion
 Simple Harmonic Motion 40

Critical Thinking Questions

and phase .
1 d 2 b 3 b,c 4 a 5 b,d
6 a 7 b 8 a 9 d 10 b
4. (c)
11 c 12 c 13 a 14 a 15 b,c
16 c 17 a 18 d 19 a 20 a
Another equation is given
21 c 22 b 23 b 24 a 25 b
26 b 27 b 28 b 29 a,c 30 d So, there exists a phase difference of
31 c 32 b 33 a 34 b 35 d
36 c 37 b 38 b 39 d 40 b 5. (d)
41 b 42 a 43 d


Graphical Questions
1 a 2 d 3 d 4 d 5 b
6 d 7 a 8 a 9 d 10 b
11 b 12 d 13 c 14 a 15 b
6. (c) . Its phase at time
16 a

Assertion and Reason 7. (c) From given equation  sec

1 b 2 e 3 a 4 a 5 e
Time taken from mean position to the maximum
6 b 7 c 8 a 9 c 10 c
11 b 12 b 13 a 14 b 15 e displacement sec.
16 a 17 e 18 a 19 a 20 b
8. (a) It is required to calculate the time from extreme position.
21 c 22 b 23 e
Hence, in this case equation for displacement of particle

can be written as

   

Displacement of S.H.M. and Phase

1. (b,d) For S.H.M. displacement and acceleration 9. (a,b,d)

these are maximum at

10. (a) 

mm
2. (c) 
11. (c)

   12. (c)

13. (c) 
3. (d) Equation of motion is . For

  

  14. (c)
 41 Simple Harmonic Motion

15. (d) Standard equation of S.H.M. is not

satisfied by .