CONTENT

Solution to Chapter 12, 13 and 14

Topics Page no.

12. Kinetic Theory of Gases 1

13. Oscillations 42

14. Waves 104

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12. Kinetic Theory of Gases
Exercise
Very short answer questions (VSA)
1. Given a sample of 1 cm3 of hydrogen and 1 cm3 of oxygen both at NTP. Which sample has a larger
number of molecules?
Solution
Both the samples contain the same number of molecules in accordance with Avogadro’s Law.
2. State Boyle’s law.
Solution
At a given temperature, the pressure of a given mass of an ideal gas varies inversely with volume.
3. At what temperature all molecular motion ceases?
Solution
Since the mean square velocity is directly proportional to the absolute temperature, the molecules of a
gas stop moving at absolute zero.
4. Is temperature less than absolute zero possible? If not, why?
Solution
The temperature is on account of the translational molecular motion. At absolute zero, this molecular
motion completely stops. Obviously, a temperature less than absolute zero is not possible.
5. The number of molecules in a container is doubled. What will be the effect on the total kinetic energy of
the gas and the pressure of the gas?
Solution
Both total kinetic energy and the pressure of the gas get doubled.
6. What is the expression for the average translational kinetic energy of a gas molecule?
Solution
3
K av = k B T ; k B → Boltzmann constant T → absolute temperature of the gas
2
7. How the kinetic energy of gas depends on its temperature?
Solution
Kinetic energy is directly proportional to absolute temperature.
8. Name two factors on which the degrees of freedom of a gas depends.
Solution
Atomicity and temperature.
9. How many degrees of freedom does a monoatomic gas molecule have?
Solution
Three.
10. State the law of equipartition of energy.
Solution
When a gas is in thermal equilibrium, the total energy is equally distributed in all possible energy modes,
1
with each mode having an average energy equal to k B T .
2
k B → Boltzmann constant T → absolute temperature of the gas

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1PBDBEPS-Kinetic Theory of Gases

11. Does the value of γ depend upon the atomicity of the gas?
Solution
Yes.
12. Define Avogadro’s number and give its value.
Solution
The number of molecules in 1 g mol of a substance is called Avogadro’s number.
Its value is N A = 6.023 × 1023 .
13. What do you understand by the term ‘collision frequency’?
Solution
Collision frequency is the number of collisions suffered by a molecule in one second.
14. What do you understand by the term ‘mean free path of a molecule’?
Solution
Mean free path of a molecule is the average distance travelled by the molecule between two successive
collisions.
15. What microscopic property of an ideal gas doubles when the absolute temperature is doubled?
Solution
Average kinetic energy of the molecules.
16. What macroscopic property of an ideal gas doubles when the absolute temperature is doubled while
keeping the pressure constant?
Solution
Volume.
17. Write expression for RMS velocity
Solution
3RT
vrms =
M

Short answer questions (SA - 2 Marks)

18. If the volume of a gas sample is increased. What happens to the pressure which is exerted by the gas and
why?
Solution
When the volume of a gas is increased, its pressure decreases on account of the fact that:
• the molecules have to travel a longer distance between impacts on the container walls and
• these impacts are now distributed over a large area
19. Explain with the help of kinetic theory, why the pressure of a gas on its container walls rises when the
volume is reduced.
Solution
When the volume of gas is reduced, its pressure increases on account of the fact that:
• the molecules have to travel a shorter distance between impacts on the container walls and
• these impacts are now distributed over a smaller area

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 1PBDBEPS-Kinetic Theory of Gases

20. In terms of kinetic theory of gases, explain why the pressure of a gas in a closed container increases
when the gas is heated.
Solution
When the temperature of a gas increased, its pressure increases due to the following two reasons:
• With an increase in temperature, the velocity of the gas molecules increases and as such they strike
the walls of the container more often than before.
• Due to an increased velocity, each impact is more powerful than before.
21. Write expression for average velocity
Solution
8RT
vavg =
πM
vavg → average velocity
R → gas constant
T → Temperature
M → molar mass
22. What are the different ways of increasing the number of molecular collisions per unit time in a gas?
Solution
The number of molecular collisions per unit time in a gas can be increased by
• increasing the temperature
• increasing the number of molecules and
• decreasing the volume
23. Write the expression for most probable speed
Solution
2RT
vmp =
M
vmp → most probable speed
R → gas constant
T → Temperature
M → molar mass
24. A vessel is filled with a gas at a pressure of 76 cm of mercury at a certain temperature. The mass of the
gas is increased by 50 % by introducing more gas in the vessel at the same temperature. Calculate the
resultant pressure of the gas.
Solution
P∝m
P2 m2 P2 1.5 m
= or = or P2 = 114 cm of mercury
P1 m1 76 m
25. What is the physical significance of molar gas constant R ?
Solution
It represents the work done in increasing the temperature of 1 mol of gas through 1 K .

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1PBDBEPS-Kinetic Theory of Gases

26. What happens to the random motion when an ideal gas undergoes free expansion (i.e., expansion into a
vacuum)?
Solution
No work is done by the gas and so there is no change of its internal energy which is entirely kinetic.
Hence, there is no change in random motion.
27. Why there is practically no atmosphere on the surface of Moon?
Solution
The escape velocity for a body on the surface of Moon is nearly 2.5 km s −1 . This value is very small as
compared to the corresponding value for Earth. Since the molecular velocities generally exceed
2.5 km s −1 therefore practically all the molecules have escaped from the Moon’s atmosphere. Thus, there
is now practically no atmosphere on the surface of Moon.
28. Equal masses of temperature and diatomic gases at the same temperature are given equal quantities of
heat. Which gas will undergo a larger temperature rise and why?
Solution
We know that average translational kinetic energy per molecule is proportional to absolute temperature.
The monoatomic gas molecules possess only translational kinetic energy while diatomic gas molecules
possess translational, rotational and vibrational energies. Hence, monoatomic gas will undergo a large
temperature rise.
29. Under what conditions do the real gases obey more strictly the gas equation P V = R T ? Explain.
Solution
The essential properties of the molecules of an ideal gas are zero volume of the molecules and no mutual
force between them. At low pressure, the volume of a gas is large so that the volume of the molecules is
negligible as compared to the volume of gas. At high temperature, the kinetic energy of molecules is
quite large so that effect of intermolecular forces on the motion of the molecules is negligible. Hence at
low pressure and high temperature (is lower density) a real gas is approximately ideal. Consequently, the
gas equation gives more accurate results.

Short answer Questions (SA - 3 Marks)

30. Two vessels of the same size are at the same temperature. One of them holds 1 kg of H 2 gas and the
other holds 1 kg of N 2 gas. (a) Which of the vessels contains more molecules? (b) Which of the vessels
is under greater pressure and why? (c) In which vessel is the average molecular speed greater? How
many times greater?
Solution
(a) Hydrogen.
 N × 1000 
Number of molecules in 1 kg of H 2 contains  A  = 500 N A .
 2 
 N × 1000 
Number of molecules in 1 kg of N 2 contains  A  ≈ 36 N A .
 28 
(b) Hydrogen.
As P = nV k B T and k B , T are constants, P ∝ nV .
Since the number of the molecules per unit volume nV is more in case of hydrogen than in case of
nitrogen, hydrogen exerts more pressure than nitrogen.

4
 1PBDBEPS-Kinetic Theory of Gases

(c) Hydrogen.
( vrms ) H ρN 14
= = = 3.74 or ( vrms ) H = 3.74 ( vrms ) N
( vrms ) N ρH 1
31. A certain mass of gas is heated first in a small vessel of volume V1 and then in a large vessel of volume
V2 . Draw the P − T graph for the two cases.
Solution
From perfect gas equation, P V = R T
v1
1 v2
For a given temperature, P ∝ . P
V
Therefore, when the gas is heated in a small vessel (volume V1 ), the pressure
will increase more rapidly than when heated in a large vessel (volume V2 ).
As a result, the slope of P − T graph will be more in case of a small vessel T
than that of the large vessel (see Figure).
32. Explain mean speed, rms speed and most probable speed of gas molecules.
Solution
Refer Module
33. There are N molecules of a gas in a container. If the number of molecules is increased to 2 N ; how
does it affect (a) gas pressure (b) kinetic energy of molecules and (c) rms speed of molecules?
Solution
If the number of molecules is increased to 2 N
 1 2 
(a) Pressure is doubled.  P = N m vrms 
 3 
 1 2 
(b) Kinetic energy is doubled  K = N m vrms 
 2 
(c) rms speed remains same. (v
rms )
∝ T and is independent of number of molecules.

34. Derive an expression for kinetic energy of translation for 1 mol of a gas and hence that for a molecule of
the gas.
Solution
Refer Module
35. When the temperature of a gas filled in a closed vessel is increased by 1 οC , its pressure increases by
0.4 % . What was the initial temperature of the gas?
Solution
T1 P1 T1 P1
= or = or 1.004 T1 = T1 + 1 or T1 = 250 K
T2 P2 T1 + 1 1.004 P1

36. Define degrees of freedom. Write the number of degrees of freedom for (a) monoatomic gas and (b)
diatomic gas.
Solution
The degrees of freedom of a dynamical system are defined as the total number of co-ordinates or
independent quantities required to describe completely the position and configuration of the system.
It is given by
f =3 N −k

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1PBDBEPS-Kinetic Theory of Gases

f → number of degrees of freedom

N → number of particles in the system
k → number of independent relations between the particles
(a) The degrees of freedom of monoatomic gas is 3
(b) The degrees of freedom of diatomic gas is 5
37. A gas at certain volume and temperature has a pressure equal to 75 cm of Hg . If the mass of the gas is
doubled, at the same volume and temperature, what will be its new pressure?
Solution
1 2 1 m 2
P = ρ vrms = vrms
3 3V
At constant volume, P ∝ m , hence if mass of the gas is doubled, the pressure will also be doubled.
i.e., 150 cm of mercury.
38. What is the rms speed of a nitrogen molecule at NTP?
Solution
3RT 3 × 8.31 × 273
vrms = = = 493 m s −1
M 28 × 10− 3
39. Calculate ( CP / CV ) for monoatomic gas.
Solution
Refer Module

Long answer type Questions (LA)

40. What are the basic assumptions of kinetic theory of gases?
Solution
Refer Module
41. Explain pressure exerted by an ideal gas.
Solution
Refer Module
42. Derive an expression for the pressure exerted by an ideal gas.
Solution
Refer Module
43. From kinetic theory of gases, explain kinetic interpretation of temperature and absolute zero.
Solution
Refer Module
44. Write a note on degrees of freedom of gas molecules.
Solution
Refer Module
45. State and explain the law of equipartition of energy.
Solution
Refer Module

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 1PBDBEPS-Kinetic Theory of Gases

46. Using the law of equipartition of energy, calculate (a) the total energy possessed by 1 mol of a
monatomic gas (ii) a diatomic gas (iii) a triatomic gas.
Solution
Refer Module
1 2
47. Given that P = ρ vrms , where P is the pressure, ρ is the density and vrms is the rms velocity of gas
3
molecules. Deduce Boyle’s law and Charles’ law of gases from it.
Solution
Refer Module
48. What is mean free path? Derive an expression for it.
Solution
Refer Module

Classwork Problems
49. A gas taken in a cylinder at 27 οC has a volume of 4 lt at pressure 100 N m − 2 . The gas is first
compressed at constant temperature so that its pressure is 150 N m − 2 . Calculate the change in volume. It
is then heated at constant volume so that temperature becomes 127 οC . Calculate the new pressure.
Solution
(a) V1 = 4 lt , P1 = 100 N m− 2 , P2 = 150 N m − 2 , V2 = ?
P1 V1 100 × 4
Since temperature is kept constant, P1 V1 = P2 V2 or V2 = = = 2.67 lt
P2 150
∆V = V1 − V2 = 4 − 2.67 = 1.33 lt
(b) T1 = 273 + 27 = 300 K , T2 = 273 + 127 = 400 K , P2 = 150 N m − 2 , P3 = ?
P P P × T 150 × 400
Since volume is kept constant, 2 = 3 or P3 = 2 2 = = 200 N m − 2
T1 T2 T1 300
50. The rms speed of oxygen molecules at a certain temperature T is v . If the temperature is doubled and
the oxygen gas dissociates into atomic oxygen, what is the new rms speed?
Solution
( vrms )1 = v , T2 = 2 T1 , M 2 = M 1 / 2 , ( vrms )2 = ?
3 kB T T
vrms = or vrms ∝
M M
( vrms )2 T M ( vrms )2
= 2 × 1 or = 2× 2 = 2 or ( vrms )2 = 2 v
( vrms )1 T1 M 2 v
51. An air bubble of volume 1 cm3 rises from the bottom of a lake 40 m deep at a temperature of 12 οC . To
what volume does it grow when it reaches the surface, which is at a temperature of 35 οC ?
Solution
V1 = 1 cm3 = 10− 6 m3 , h = 40 m , T1 = 273 + 12 = 285 K , T2 = 273 + 35 = 308 K , V2 = ?
P1 = 1.013 × 105 + 103 × 9.8 × 40 = 4.933 × 105 N m − 2 , P2 = 1.013 × 105 N m − 2
P1 V1 P2 V2 P1 V1 T2 4.933 × 105 × 10− 6 × 308
= or V2 = = 5
= 5.3 × 10− 6 m3
T1 T2 T1 P2 285 × 1.013 × 10

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1PBDBEPS-Kinetic Theory of Gases

52. Estimate the total number of air molecules (inclusive of oxygen, nitrogen, water vapour and other
constituents) in a room of capacity 25 m 3 at a temperature of 27 οC and 1 atm pressure.
Solution
V = 25 m3 , T = 273 + 27 = 300 K , P = 1 atm = 1.013 × 105 Pa , N = ?
PV 1.013 × 105 × 25
N= = − 23
= 6.12 × 1026
k B T 1.38 × 10 × 300

Practice Exercise
53. Estimate the fraction of molecular volume to the actual volume occupied by oxygen gas at STP. Take the
diameter of an oxygen molecule to be 3 Å .
Solution
At STP, one mole of a gas contains N A (Avogadro’s number) of molecules and occupies a volume of
22400 cm3 .
3
4 π r3 4 × 3.14 × (1.5 × 10− 8 ) × 6.023 × 1023
molecular volume = × NA = = 8.51 cm3
3 3
actual volume = 22400 cm3
molecular volume 8.51
= = 3.8 × 10− 4
actual volume 22400
54. An oxygen cylinder of volume 30 lt has an initial gauge pressure of 15 atm and a temperature of
27 οC . After some oxygen is withdrawn from the cylinder, the gauge pressure drops to 11 atm and its
temperature drops to 17 οC . Estimate the mass of oxygen taken out of the cylinder.
( R = 8.31 J mol −1 K −1 ) and molecular mass of O2 is 32 g .
Solution
P1 = 15 atm = 15 × 1.013 × 10− 5 Pa , P2 = 11 atm = 11 × 1.013 × 10− 5 Pa , V1 = 30 lt = 30 × 10− 3 m3 ,
T1 = 273 + 27 = 300 K , T1 = 273 + 17 = 290 K , R = 8.31 J mol −1 K −1
P1 V1 = n1 R T1
P1 V1 15 × 1.013 × 10− 5 × 30 × 10− 3
or n1 = = = 18.29 mol
R T1 8.31 × 300
P2 V2 11 × 1.013 × 10− 5 × 30 × 10− 3
n1 = = = 13.87 mol
R T2 8.31 × 290
Mass of gas taken out of cylinder, ∆m = 18.29 − 13.87 = 4.42 mol = 4.42 × 32 = 141.44 g = 0.141 kg
55. Figure below shows plot of (P V / T ) versus P for 1.1 × 10− 3 kg of oxygen gas at two different
temperatures. (a) What does the dotted plot signify? (b) Which is true? T1 > T2 or T1 < T2 (c) What is the
value of ( P V / T ) where the curves meet on the y axis?
y

T1
PV −1
JK T2
T

x
P

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 1PBDBEPS-Kinetic Theory of Gases

Solution
The graph shows the plot of ( P V / T ) versus P for 1.1 × 10− 3 kg
of oxygen at two different temperature. y
(a) For dotted line ( P V / T ) = constant or P V = R T and as
T1
such it represents the behaviour of an ideal gas.
PV −1
(b) T1 > T2 as the gas equation P V = R T is true only at high JK T2
T
temperature (intermolecular attraction can be neglected.)
Curve for T1 is closer to the dotted line than the curve for T2 . x
P
PV
(c) As P V = n R T , =n R
T
1 PV 1
For a given case, n = , = × 8.31 = 0.26 J K −1
32 T 32
56. Estimate the average energy of a helium atom at (a) room temperature 27 οC (b) the temperature on the
surface of the sun 6000 K and (c) the temperature of 107 K . Given k B = 1.38 × 10− 23 J K −1 .
Solution
3
Average kinetic energy per molecule, Eav = kB T
2
(a) T = 273 + 27 = 300 K
3
Eav = × 1.38 × 10− 23 × 300 = 6.21 × 10− 21 J
2
(b) T = 6000 K
3
Eav = × 1.38 × 10− 23 × 6000 = 1.242 × 10−19 J
2
(c) T = 107 K
3
Eav = × 1.38 × 10− 23 × 107 = 2.07 × 10−16 J
2
57. Three vessels of equal capacity have gases at the same temperature and pressure. The first vessel
contains neon (monoatomic), the second contains chlorine (diatomic), and the third contains uranium
hexaflouoride (polyatomic). (a) Do the vessels contain equal number of respective molecules? (b) Is the
root mean squared speed of molecules same in the three cases? If not, in which case is vrms the largest?
Solution
(a) Yes, the vessels contain equal number of respective molecules. This is in accordance with
Avogadro’s hypothesis that equal volumes of all gases under similar conditions of temperature and
pressure contain equal number of molecules.
3RT 1
(b) vrms = i.e., vrms ∝
M M
As the molecular masses of the three gases are different, so the rms speeds of the molecules will be
different in the three cases. Moreover as the value of M is smallest for neon, so vrms is largest for
neon.
58. Calculate molecular kinetic energy of 1 g of helium at NTP. What will be its energy at 100 οC ?
Solution
(a) P = 1.013 × 105 N m − 2 ,
V = 22.4 lt = 22.4 × 10− 3 m3 , M = 4 ,

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1PBDBEPS-Kinetic Theory of Gases

Since He is a monoatomic gas,

3 3
Molar kinetic energy, K = R T = P V
2 2
3 P V 3 1.013 × 105 × 22.4 × 10− 3
Kinetic energy of 1 g of gas, K0 = = × = 8.51 × 102 J
2 M 2 4
(b) T100 = 273 + 100 = 373 K , T0 = 273 K
Since kinetic energy K ∝ T ,
K100 T100 T 373 × 8.51 × 102
= or K100 = 100 × K 0 = = 11.63 × 102 J
K0 T0 T0 273
59. Calculate the internal energy of 1 g of oxygen at STP.
Solution
5 R T 5 8.31 × 273
Internal energy of 1 g of oxygen, U= = × = 177.2 J
2 M 2 32
60. 1 mol of a monoatomic gas is mixed with 1 mol of a diatomic ideal gas. Calculate the molar specific
heat of the mixture at constant volume. What is the value of γ for the mixture?
Solution
3
Internal energy of 1 mol of a monoatomic gas, U1 = RT
2
5
Internal energy of 1 mol of a diatomic gas, U 2 = RT
2
If U is the internal energy of 1 mol of such a mixture of the two gases,
U1 + U 2 ( 3 / 2 ) R T + ( 5 / 2 ) R T
U= = =2 RT
2 2
dU d ( 2 R T )
Specific heat of the mixture at constant volume, i.e., CV = = =2 R
dT dT
CP = CV + R = 2 R + R = 3 R
C 3R
For the mixture γ = P = = 1.5
CV 2 R

61. At what temperature is the root mean square speed of an atom in an argon gas cylinder equal to the rms
speed of a helium gas atom at − 20 οC ? (atomic mass of argon is 39.9 u and that of helium is 4 u ).
Solution
M 1 = 39.9 u , M 2 = 4 u , T2 = 273 − 20 = 253 K , T1 = ?
3RT T
vrms = or vrms ∝
M M
T1 T
( vrms )1 = ( vrms )2 or = 2
M1 M 2
T 253 × 39.9
or T1 = 2 × M 1 = = 2523.7 K
M2 4.0
62. Show that the molar volume of 1 mol of any (ideal) gas at STP is 22.4 lt .
Solution
PV =n RT
n R T 1 × 8.31 × 273
or V = = = 22.4 × 10− 3 m3 = 22.4 lt
P 1.013 × 105

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 1PBDBEPS-Kinetic Theory of Gases

63. Estimate the mean free path and collision frequency of a nitrogen molecule in a cylinder containing
nitrogen at 2 atm and temperature 17 οC . Take the radius of a nitrogen molecule to be roughly 1 Å .
Compare the collision time with the time the molecule moves freely between two successive collisions
(Molecular mass of nitrogen is 28 u )
Solution
T = 273 + 17 = 290 K , P = 2 atm = 2 × 1.013 × 105 Pa , d = 2 × 1 × 10−10 m , M = 28 u , t = ?
kB T 1.38 × 10− 23 × 290
Mean free path, l = = = 1.112 × 10− 7 m
2πd P 2 −10 2
2 × 3.14 × ( 2 × 10 ) × 2 × 1.013 × 10 5

3RT 3 × 8.31 × 290

vrms = = = 508.1 m s −1
M 0.028
v 508.1
Collision frequency, f = rms = −7
= 4.57 × 109 s −1
l 1.112 × 10
d 2 × 10−10
Time taken for the collision, t = = = 3.94 × 10−13 s
vrms 508.1
1 1
Time taken between two successive collisions, T = = = 2.19 × 10−10 s
f 4.57 × 109
T 2.19 × 10−10
= ≈ 556
t 3.94 × 10−13
Obviously, the time taken between two successive collisions is 556 times the time taken for a collision.
Hence a molecule in a gas moves essentially free for most of the time.

Competitive Corner
Classwork MCQs
1. An ideal gas is taken in a closed vessel. If pressure of the gas increases by 0.4 % when heated by 1 °C,
the initial temperature of the gas is
(A) 25 K (B) 250 K (C) 2500 K (D) 25 K
Ans (B)
P1 = P P2 = P + 0.004 P = 1.004 P
T1 = T T2 = T + 1
T P T + 1 1.004 P
P∝T  2 = 2 i.e., =
T1 P1 T P
1 1
1+ = 1.004  = 0.004  T = 250 K
T T
2. A vessel open to atmosphere is heated from 27 °C to 47 °C. The percentage of the mass of the gas that
escapes from the vessel is
(A) 9.375% (B) 25% (C) 12.5% (D) 6.25%
Ans (D)
m m
pV = 1 RT = 1 ⋅ R(300)
M M
m2 m
pV = R ⋅ T = 2 ⋅ R(320)
M M
15
∴ m1 300 = 320 m2, ∴ m 2 = m1
16

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1PBDBEPS-Kinetic Theory of Gases

1
m
mass escaped 16 1
= × 100 = 6.25%
original mass m1
3. A movable piston is inside a vessel closed from all sides. One part contains 1 mg of gas A (N2) and other
part of 2 mg of gas B(O2). The fraction of the volume occupied by A
7 4 4 7
(A) (B) (C) (D)
11 11 7 4
Ans (B)
Pressure on either side in the piston is same.
m 2m
pV1 = RT, pV2 = RT
28 32
V 16 4 V1 4 4
∴ 1 = = ∴ = =
V2 28 7 V1 + V2 4 + 7 11
4. A vessel contains certain mass of hydrogen at 76 cm of Hg. If 25% of hydrogen gas is introduced into
the vessel at the same temperature, the final pressure of the gas in the vessel is
(A) 57 cm of Hg (B) 114 cm of Hg (C) 95 cm (D) 106 cm
Ans (C)
Since V is constant p ∝ m, 76 ∝ m
p p′ p′
=  76 =
m 1.25 m 1.25
∴ p′ = 95 cm of Hg
5. One mole of helium gas (relative molar mass 4) is enclosed in a container at a temperature T. Its pressure
is P. If one mole of oxygen (relative molar mass 32) is enclosed in an identical container at a temperature
3 T, its pressure is
P 2P 3P
(A) (B) (C) (D) 3 P
3 3 2
Ans (D)
nRT
PV = nRT  P = P∝T
V
P1 T1 T 1
= = =  P2 = 3P1 = 3P
P2 T2 3T 3
6. In the given V-T diagram, the relation between pressures P1 and P2 is

V
(A) P2 = P1 P2

(B) P2 > P1
(C) P2 < P1 P1
θ2
(D) cannot be predicted
θ1

Ans (C) T
1
Slope of the V-T graph ∝
Pr essure
∴θ2 > θ1  P2 < P1

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 1PBDBEPS-Kinetic Theory of Gases

7. Pressure exerted on the walls of a container by a gas is due to the fact that the gas molecules
(A) lose their kinetic energy
(B) stick to the walls
(C) change their momenta due to collisions with the wall
(D) get accelerated towards the wall
Ans (C)
8. The velocities of three molecules A, B and C of a gas are 1 m s−1, 3 ms −1 and 5 m s–1. The value of
their rms velocity is
(A) 2 ms–1 (B) 1.73 ms–1 (C) 4 ms–1 (D) 9 ms–1
Ans (B)
v12 + v 22 + v32 1+ 3 + 5 9
v rms = = = = 3 = 1.73 ms −1
3 3 3
9. The rms velocity of gas molecules at absolute temperature T1 is vrms. If rms velocity is increased to
9 times the initial value, the absolute temperature of the gas will be
(A) 8 T1 (B) 81 T1 (C) 9 T1 (D) 3 T1
Ans (B)
v rms ∝ T
2
T1 v12 T  v  1
= 2 or 1 =   =  T2 = 81 T1
T2 v 2 T2  9v  81
10. For a gas, the rms speed of molecules at 800 K is
(A) four times that at 200 K (B) half of the value at 200 K
(C) twice the value of that at 200 K (D) same as that at 20 K
Ans (C)
3RT
v rms = i.e., v rms ∝ T
M
v rms1 ∝ 200 …(1)
∴ v rms2 ∝ 800 ∴ v rms2 ∝ 4 × 200
∴ v rms2 ∝ 2 200 …(2)
From equations (1) and (2), vrms at temperature 800 K is twice that at 200 K.
11. The rms speed of hydrogen molecules at any temperature is 1996 ms–1. The rms speed of colloidal
particles with gram molecular mass 3.2 × 105 gram mole−1 will be,
(A) 1.35 m s–1 (B) 2.70 m s–1 (C) 4.99 m s–1 (D) 5.40 m s–1
Ans (C)
1
v rms α [Molar mass of H2 = 2gram / mole]
M
v colloidalparticle M H2 2 1
= ∴ v colloidal = v H2 × 5
= 1996 × = 4.99 m s–1
vH2 M colloidal 3.2 × 10 1.6 × 105

12. At what temperature the molecules of nitrogen will have the same rms velocity as the molecule of
oxygen at 127 °C?
(A) 77 °C (B) 350 °C (C) 273 °C (D) 457 °C

13
1PBDBEPS-Kinetic Theory of Gases

Ans (A)
3R T
v∝
M
3R TN 3R T0
vN = and v0 =
MN M0
TN T
Since, these are equal, = 0
M N M0
TN 273 + 127 T 400
So, = ∴ N =
28 32 28 32
400
∴ TN = × 28 = 350 K = 77 °C
32
13. The most probable speed of molecules in a gas at a temperature is given by (P is the pressure exerted by
the gas and ρ is its density)
3P 2P 8P γP
(A) (B) (C) (D)
ρ ρ πρ ρ
Ans (B)
3RT 2RT 2
v rms = ; v mp = = v rms
M M 3
1 1 3 2 1 2 2P
P = ρv 2rms = ρ. v mp = ρv mp ∴ v mp =
3 3 2 2 ρ
14. If the volume of a gas is doubled at constant pressure, the average translational kinetic energy of its
molecules will
(A) be doubled (B) be halved (C) remain the same (D) becomes 4 times.
Ans (A)
V2 = 2V1, P2 = P1
P V P V P × 2V1 3
As 1 1 = 2 2 = 1 or T2 = 2T1 As K.E tr = k B T ∴ K.Etr doubles
T1 T2 T2 2
15. The maximum possible energy (Emp) per degree of freedom for gas molecules is, (k = kB = Boltzman
constant)
kT 3kT kT
(A) kT (B) (C) (D)
3 2 2
Ans (A)
1
Maximum possible energy, E mp = m ( v mp
2
2
) = 12 m  2kT
m 

 = kT

16. Oxygen and hydrogen gases are at the same temperature T. The kinetic energy of an oxygen molecule
will be equal to
(A) one fourth the kinetic energy of a hydrogen molecule
(B) four times the kinetic energy of a hydrogen molecule
(C) 16 times the kinetic energy of a hydrogen molecule
(D) the kinetic energy of a hydrogen molecule
Ans (D)
As T is same for both gases, kinetic energy also remains same for both the gases.

14
 1PBDBEPS-Kinetic Theory of Gases

17. The mean kinetic energy per gram of triatomic (linear) CO2 gas will be,
7 7 6 5
(A) RT (B) RT (C) RT (D) RT
44 88 88 8
Ans (B)
fRT
Mean kinetic energy for 1 gm of gas = E k =
2M
f = 7 (triatomic linear molecule),
M = 44 g / mole for CO2
7 × RT 7
∴ Ek = = RT
2 × 44 88
18. Ratio of specific heat at constant pressure to that at constant volume for a gas is 1.286. The number of
degrees of freedom of its molecules is
(A) 3 (B) 5 (C) 6 (D) 7
Ans (D)
2
γ =1+
f
2 2 1000
f = = = = 6.99 ≃ 7
γ − 1 0.286 143
Cp
19. The ratio of two specific heats of CO is
Cv
(A) 1.33 (B) 1.40 (C) 1.29 (D) 1.66
Ans (B)
Co is diatomic gas
7 5
For diatomic gas Cp = R and Cv = R
2 2
R
7
Cp
γ= = 2 = 1.4
Cv 5 R
2
20. If one mole of a monoatomic gas is mixed with one mole of a diatomic gas, the value of γ for the mixture
is
(A) 1.4 (B) 1.5 (C) 1.53 (D) 1.6
Ans (B)
3
Internal energy of one mole of monoatomic gas = U1 = RT
2
5
and of one mole of diatomic gas = U 2 = RT
2
(3 + 5)
∴ Total internal energy of 2 moles of mixture = RT = 4RT
2
∴ For one mole of mixture = 2RT
dU
∴ CV = = 2R
dT
CP = CV + R = 3R

15
1PBDBEPS-Kinetic Theory of Gases

CP 3
∴ γ= = = 1.5
CV 2
Aliter
µ1 + µ 2 µ µ
= 1 + 2
γ mix − 1 γ1 − 1 γ 2 − 1
1+1 1 1
= +
γ mix − 1 5 7
−1 −1
3 5
2 3 5
= +
γ mix − 1 2 2
γmix = 1.5

Assignment MCQs

1. Find the ratio of average kinetic energy per molecules of oxygen and Hydrogen
(A) 1 : 2 (B) 1 : 1 (C) 1 : 16 (D) 2 : 1
Ans (B)
All the molecules have same kinetic energy at same temperature.
2. A sealed container with a negligible thermal coefficient of expansion contains helium. When heated
from 300 K to 600 K, the average kinetic energy of helium atom is
(A) halved (B) left unchanged
(C) doubled (D) increased by a factor of 2
Ans (C)
3
The average kinetic energy per molecule of a gas is kBT.
2
Since the temperature is doubled, the average kinetic energy of helium is also doubled.
3. The average translational kinetic energy of oxygen molecules is 0.05 eV. The temperature of the oxygen
is [1eV = 1.6 × 10–19 J, Boltzmann’ constant, kB = 1.38 × 10–23 J K–1]
(A) 300 K (B) 386 K (C) 386 °C (D) 400 K
Ans (B)
3
The average translational kinetic energy of a molecule, K = kBT
2
3
∴ 0.05 × 1.6 × 10–19 = kBT
2
∴ T = 386 K
4. A container contains helium gas at 0 °C . The average linear momentum of a helium molecule of mass
6.64 × 10–27 kg in the container is
(A) 8 × 10–20 kg m s–1 (B) 8 × 10–22 kg m s–1 (C) 8 × 10–24 kg m s–1 (D) 8 × 1020 kg m s–1
Ans (C)
Average linear momentum, p = mvav
8 RT 8 8.314 × 273
vav = = ×
π M π 4 × 10−3

16
 1PBDBEPS-Kinetic Theory of Gases

8 8.314 × 273
∴ p = 6.64 × 10–27 × ×
π 4 × 10−3
= 8 × 10–24 kg m s–1
5. The temperature of gas is produced by
(A) the potential energy of its molecule (B) the kinetic energy of its molecule
(C) the attractive force between the molecules (D) the repulsive force between the molecules
Ans (B)
6. A closed compartment containing gas is moving with some acceleration in horizontal direction. Neglect
effect of gravity. Then the pressure in the compartment is
(A) same everywhere (B) lower in the front side
(C) lower in the rear side (D) lower in the upper side
Ans (B)
Pressure will be less in front portion of the compartment because in accelerated frame molecules will
feel pseudo force in backward direction. Also density of gas will be more in the back portion.

7. A balloon is filled at 27 °C and 1 atm pressure by 500 m3 He. At –3 °C and 0.5 atm pressure, the volume
of He-gas contained in balloon will be
(A) 700 m3 (B) 900 m3 (C) 1000 m3 (D) 500 m3
Ans (B)
PV P V PVT
As, 1 1 = 2 2 or V2 = 1 1 2
T1 T2 P2 T1
1 × 500 × ( 273 − 3)
Volume of He, V2 =
0.5 × ( 273 + 27 )
1 × 500 × 270
= = 900 m3
0.5 × 300
8. Volume, pressure and temperature of an ideal gas are V, P and T respectively. If mass of its molecule is
m, then its density is [k = boltzmann’s constant]
P P Pm
(A) mkT (B) (C) (D)
kT kTV kT
Ans (D)
m
PV = nRT  PV = RT
M
PM m PM P × m × N A Pm Pm
= =ρ ρ= = = =
RT V RT RT  R  kT
 T
 NA 

17
1PBDBEPS-Kinetic Theory of Gases

9. Figure shows the pressure-temperature for a thermodynamic process. The process must be
P

(A) isothermal
(B) isobaric
(C) isochoric
(D) cyclic process T

Ans (C)
In the graph shown P ∝ T (Charle’s law)
∴ the volume kept constant.
10. Suppose the temperature of gas is tripled and N2 molecules dissociate into atom. Then what will be the
rms speed of atom
(A) V0 6 (B) 6 V0 (C) V0 3 (D) 3 V0
Ans (A)
3K b T
Vrms =
M
When T1 = 3T
1 3K B × 3T
Vrms =
M
2
6.3 K B T
=
M
= 6 V0
11. An air bubble doubles its radius on raising from the bottom of water reservoir to be the surface of water
in it. If the atmospheric pressure is equal to 10 m of water, the height of water in the reservoir is
(A) 10 m
(B) 20 m
(C) 70 m
(D) 80 m
Ans (C)
According to Boyles law,
(P1V1) bottom = (P2V2) top
4 4
(10 + h) × πr13 = 10 × πr23
3 3
Here r2 = 2r1
(10 + h)r13 = 10 × 8r13 i.e., 10 + h = 80 and h = 70 m
12. An ideal gas at temperature T0 is taken in a container. The walls of the container are also at same
temperature. If gas molecules undergo inelastic collision with the walls of the container then
(A) the temperature of the gas will increase.
(B) the temperature of the gas will decrease.
(C) the pressure of the gas will increase.
(D) neither the temperature nor the pressure will change.

18
 1PBDBEPS-Kinetic Theory of Gases

Ans (D)
When the temperature of the gas is same as that of the wall there is no exchange of energy. Hence, the
temperature and pressure would not change.
13. Oxygen and hydrogen gases are at the same temperature T. The kinetic energy of an oxygen molecule
will be equal to
(A) one fourth the kinetic energy of a hydrogen molecule
(B) four times the kinetic energy of a hydrogen molecule
(C) 16 times the kinetic energy of a hydrogen molecule
(D) the kinetic energy of a hydrogen molecule
Ans (D)
3
K.E tr = k B T
2
As oxygen and hydrogen gases are at same temperature KE of oxygen = KE of Hydrogen
14. The perfect gas at 27 °C is heated at constant pressure so as to triple its volume. The temperature of the
gas will be
(A) 81 °C (B) 900 °C (C) 627 °C (D) 450 °C
Ans (C)
V T V ( 273 + 27 )
V∝T 1 = 2  =
V2 T2 3V T2
T2 = 900 K = 627 °C
15. At a certain temperature, radius of an air bubble is doubled when it comes to the top from the bottom of a
mercury column of height h. If the pressure at the top is two atmospheres, the value of h (in m) is
(A) 5.5 (B) 10.64 (C) 12.45 (D) 15.00
Ans (B)
2 atm = 2(0.76) = 1.52 m
P1V1 = P2V2
(1.52 + h )  4 πr 3  = (1.52 )  4 π ( 2r )3 
3  3 
h = 10.64 m
16. The average translation kinetic energy of a molecule in gas becomes equal to 1 eV at a temperature
(A) 7733 K (B) 8833 K (C) 3377 K (D) 3388 K
Ans (A)
3
The average translational kinetic energy of a molecule in a gas is KT
2
3
Hence KT = 1 eV = 1.6 × 10−19 J
2
2 1
T = (1.6 × 10−19 ) ×
3 1.38 × 10−23
T = 7.733 × 103 K or T = 7733 K

19
1PBDBEPS-Kinetic Theory of Gases

17. E0 and Eh respectively represent the average kinetic energy of a molecule of oxygen and hydrogen. If the
two gases are at the same temperature, then
(A) E0 > Eh
(B) E0 = Eh
(C) E0 < Eh
(D) Nothing can be said about the magnitude of E0 and Eh as the information given is insufficient.
Ans (B)
3
Average K.E of molecule, E = KT . i.e., E ∝ T and E is independent of molecular mass.
2
18. Nitrogen is in equilibrium state at T = 421 K. The value of most probable speed, vmp is
(A) 400 m s−1 (B) 421 m s–1 (C) 500 m s−1 (D) 600 m s−1
Ans (C)
2RT 2 × 8.31 × 421
v mp = =
M 28 × 10−3
= 500 m s−1
19. The average translational kinetic energy and rms speed of molecules in a sample of oxygen gas at 300 K
are 6.21 × 10–21 J and 484 m s–1 respectively. The corresponding values at 600 K are nearly [assuming
ideal gas behavior]
(A) 12.42 × 10–21 J, 968 m s–1 (B) 8.78 × 10–21 J, 684 m s–1
(C) 6.21 × 10–21 J, 968 m s–1 (D) 12.42 × 10–21 J, 684 m s–1
Ans (D)
vrms ∝ T
v T2 T2
∴ 2 = or v2 = v1
v1 T1 T1
2T
= v1 = v1 2 = 484 2 = 684 m s–1
T
E v2
Also, E ∝ v 2rms ∴ 2 = 22
E1 v1
2
v 2
or E2 = E1  1 = 2E1 = 2 × 6.21 × 10–21 = 12.42 × 10–21 J
 v 
 1 
20. What is the average velocity of the molecules of an ideal gas?
(A) Infinity (B) Constant (C) Unstable (D) Zero
Ans (D)
The average velocity of the molecules of an ideal gas is zero.
21. Two different gases are enclosed in two different vessels at the same pressure. If densities of the gases
c
are ρ1 and ρ2 the corresponding root mean square velocities c1 and c2 have a ratio 1 equal to
c2
ρ12 ρ1 ρ22 ρ2
(A) (B) (C) (D)
ρ22 ρ2 ρ12 ρ1

20
 1PBDBEPS-Kinetic Theory of Gases

Ans (D)
3P
Vrms =
ρ
1
i.e., c or Vrms ∝
ρ
c1 ρ
∴ = 2
c2 ρ1

22. The rms speed of oxygen molecules O2 at a certain absolute temperature is V, if the temperature is
doubled and the oxygen gas dissociates into atomic oxygen, the rms speed would be
(A) V (B) 2 V (C) 2V (D) 2 2 V
Ans (C)
T
Vrms ∝ , T is doubled and M has become half. Therefore Vrms will become two times
M
23. Four molecules of a gas have speeds 1, 2, 3 and 4 km s−1. The value of the root mean square speed of the
gas molecule is
1 1 15
(A) 15 km s −1 (B) 10 km s −1 (C) 2.5 km s−1 (D) km s −1
2 2 2
Ans (D)
v1 = 1 km s−1, v 2 = 2 km s−1, v3 = 3 km s−1, v4 = 4 km s−1
v12 + v 22 + v32 + v 24
v rms =
4
1 + 4 + 9 + 16 30 15
= = = kms −1
4 4 2
24. The mass of an oxygen molecule is about 16 times that of a hydrogen molecule. At room temperature the
rms speed of oxygen molecules is v. The rms speed of the hydrogen molecule at the same temperature
will be
v v
(A) (B) (C) 4 v (D) 16 v
16 4
Ans (C)
(v rms )0 mh 1 1
= = =
(v rms )h m0 16 4
∴ (v rms ) h = 4(v rms )0
25. Three closed vessels A, B and C are at the same temperature. Vessel A contains only O2, B only N2 and C,
a mixture of equal quantities of O2 and N2. If the average speed of O2 molecules in vessel A is v1, that of N2
molecules in vessel B is v2, the average speed of O2 molecules in vessel C is
1 3KT
(A) (v1 + v 2 ) (B) v1 (C) v1v 2 (D)
2 M
Ans (B)
For a given M, vav ∝ T
Since temperatures of A and C are same, average velocities of the molecules of the gases in A and C are
also the same.

21
1PBDBEPS-Kinetic Theory of Gases

26. Temperature at which oxygen molecules have the same root mean square speed as hydrogen molecules
at 200 K is
(A) 527 °C (B) 1327 °C (C) 2127 °C (D) 2927 °C
Ans (D)
3KT0 3KTh
(v rms )0 = ; (v rms )h =
m0 mh
(vrms)0 = (vrms)h
T T 16 × 200
∴ 0 = h  T0 = = 3200 K = 2927 °C
m0 m h 1

27. The absolute temperature T at which the root mean square speed of a hydrogen molecule equal to its
escape velocity from the surface of the moon is [Given: The radius of moon is R, g is the acceleration
due to gravity on moon’s surface, m is the mass of hydrogen molecule and k is the Boltzmann constant]
mgR 2mgR 3mgR 2mgR
(A) (B) (C) (D)
2k k 2k 3k
Ans (D)
3kT 2gRm
v rms = v e  = 2gR  T =
m 3k
28. Two perfect gases at absolute temperatures T1 and T2 are mixed. There is no loss of energy in this
process. If n1 and n2 are the respective number of molecules of the gases, the temperature of the mixture
will be
n T + n 2 T2 n T + n1T2 n n
(A) 1 1 (B) 2 1 (C) T1 + 2 T2 (D) T2 + 1 T1
n1 + n 2 n1 + n 2 n1 n2
Ans (A)
3
Average K.E of molecules of first gas = n1kT1
2
3
Average K.E. of molecules of second gas = n 2 kT2
2
3
∴ Total K.E of the molecules before mixing is E = k(n1T1 + n 2 T2 )
2
After mixing, total number of molecules = n1 + n2
Let the temperature of the mixture be T.
3
Then K.E of the molecules in the mixture is E′ = (n1 + n 2 )kT
2
Since there is no loss energy on mixing E = E′
3 3
k(n1T1 + n 2 T2 ) = k(n1 + n 2 )T
2 2
n T + n 2 T2
∴T = 1 1
n1 + n 2

29. If the rms velocity of a gas is v, then

v2
(A) v2T = constant (B) = constant (C) vT2 = constant (D) v is independent of T
T

22
 1PBDBEPS-Kinetic Theory of Gases

Ans (B)
3KT 3KT
rms velocity is given by v = or v 2 =
m m
2
v
For a gas, K and m are constants ∴ = constant
T
30. If γ be the ratio of specific heats of a perfect gas, the number of degrees of freedom of a molecule of a
gas is
25 3γ − 1 2 9
(A) ( γ − 1) (B) (C) (D) ( γ − 1)
2 2γ − 1 γ −1 2
Ans (C)
2 2
As γ = 1 + f =
f γ −1
31. A vessel contains 1 mole of O2 and 2 moles of CO2 gas. The ratio of rotational energy per molecule of
O2 to that per molecule of CO2 is
(A) 3 : 2 (B) 1 : 2 (C) 5 : 3 (D) 1 : 1
Ans (D)
f
Rotational energy = r k B T . Where fr is the no. of rotational degrees of freedom. O2 is diatomic and CO2
2
is linear triatomic both possess 2 degrees of freedom for rotation.
 5
32. When an ideal gas  γ =  is heated under constant pressure, the percentage of given heat energy will
 3
be utilized in doing external work is
(A) 40% (B) 30% (C) 60% (D) 20%
Ans (A)
∆W ∆Q − ∆U C p − Cv 1 1 2
= = =1− =1− =
∆Q ∆Q Cp γ 5 5
3
2
i.e., percentage energy utilized in doing external work = × 100 = 40%
5
3R
33. At constant volume the specific heat of a gas is , then the value of 'γ' will be
2
3 5 5 7
(A) (B) (C) (D)
2 2 3 5
Ans (C)
R R R 5
CV =  γ =1+ =1+ =
(γ − 1) 3
CV R 3
2
34. The mean free path for water molecule in water vapour at 373 K is [Given: diameter of the molecule is
2 × 10−10 m , and at STP number of molecules per unit volume is 2.7 × 1025 m −3 ]
(A) 1 × 10−7 m (B) 2 × 10−7 m (C) 3 × 10−7 m (D) 4 × 10−7 m
Ans (D)
The number density (n) is inversely proportional to absolute temperature.

23
1PBDBEPS-Kinetic Theory of Gases

1 n 273
∴n ∝  373 =
T n 273 373
273
n 373 = n 273 ×
373
273
n 373 = 2.7 × 1025 × = 2 × 1025 m −3
373
Given d = 2 × 10−10 m
1
Mean free path λ =
2πd 2 n
1
= 2
2 × 3.14 × 2 × 10−10 ( ) × 2 × 1025
= 4 × 10−7 m
35. The average collision period in a gas
(A) increases if the pressure increases (B) decreases if the pressure increases
(C) increases if the temperature of the gas increases (D) remains same at all temperatures.
Ans (B)
k BT
Time period =
πd 2 vρ
1
Time period ∝
P
∴ as pressure increases time period decreases.
36. The mean free path of nitrogen molecule in a cylinder containing nitrogen at 2.0 atm pressure and
temperature 17 ° C (Take radius of a nitrogen molecule is 1Å )
(A) 2.2 × 10−7 m (B) 1.1 × 10−7 m (C) 2.2 × 10−10 m (D) 1.1 × 10−10 m
Ans (B)
1
Mean free path λ =
2 πd 2 n
k BT
λ= (∵ p = nk BT )
2πd 2 p
1.38 × 10−23 × 290
λ= 2
= 1.1 × 10−7 m
(
1.414 × 3.14 × 2 × 10 −10
) × 2.026 × 10 5

37. A certain amount of heat energy is supplied to a mono atomic local gas which expands at constant
pressure. What fraction of the heat energy is converted to work [KCET - 2020]
2 2 5
(A) 1 (B) (C) (D)
3 5 7
Ans (C)
dω 1 1
=1− =1−
dQ γ γ
3 5−3 2
 1−  =
5 5 5

24
 1PBDBEPS-Kinetic Theory of Gases

38. One mole of O 2 is heated at constant pressure starting at 27 °C. The energy that must be added to the gas
as heat to double its volume is [KCET-2019]
(A) 750 R (B) Zero (C) 1050 R (D) 450 R
Ans (C)
T1 = 300 K,T2 = 600 K
Hence, ∆T = 600 − 300 = 300 K
7
Q = nC p ∆T = 1 × R × 300 = 1050 R
2
39. Pressure of an ideal gas is increased by keeping temperature constant. The kinetic energy of molecules
(A) decreases [KCET-2018]
(B) increases
(C) remains same
(D) increase or decreases depending on nature of the gas
Ans (C)
Kinetic energy of gas molecules is independent on pressure and depends on temperature, as the
temperature is constant it remains same.
40. The mean energy of a molecule of an ideal gas is [KCET-2017]
1 3
(A) KT (B) KT (C) 2KT (D) KT
2 2
Ans (D)

JEE Main
1. A 15 g mass of nitrogen gas is enclosed in a vessel at a temperature 27 °C . Amount of heat transferred to
the gas, so that rms velocity of molecules is doubled, is about: [ Take R = 8.31J / K mole]
[JEE Mains 2019]
(A) 0.9 kJ (B) 6 kJ (C) 10 kJ (D) 14 kJ
Ans (C)
Heat transferred, Q = nC v ∆T as gas in closed vessel
3RT
To double the rms speed, temperature should be 4 times i.e., T ' = 4T as v rms =
M
15 5 × R  CP 7 
∴Q = × × ( 4T − T )  = γ diatomic = &C P − C V = R 
28 2  Cv 5 
Q = 10000J = 10 kJ
2. An ideal gas is enclosed in a cylinder at pressure of 2 atm and temperature, 300 K. The mean time
between two successive collision is 6 × 10−8 s. If the pressure is doubled and temperature is increased to
500 K, the mean time between two successive collisions will be close to [JEE Mains 2019]
(A) 2 × 10−7 s (B) 4 × 10−8 s (C) 0.5 × 10−8 s (D) 3 × 10−6 s
Ans (B)
1
Using τ =
2nπd 2 Vavg

25
1PBDBEPS-Kinetic Theory of Gases

T  number of molecules 
∴t ∝ ∵ n = 
P  Volume 
t' T' P
= ×
t T P'
t' 500 P
−8
= ×  t ' ≃ 4 × 10−8
6 × 10 300 2P
CP 5 C 4
3. Two moles of an ideal gas with = are mixed with 3 moles of another ideal gas with P = . The
CV 3 CV 3
CP
value of for the mixture is [JEE Main 2020]
CV
(A) 1.42 (B) 1.47 (C) 1.50 (D) 1.45
Ans (A)
γ1R γ R
n1 + n2 2
n1C P1 + n 2C P2 γ1 − 1 γ2 −1
γ mixture = =
n1C V1 + n 2C V2 n1R n 2R
+
γ1 − 1 γ1 − 1
On rearranging
n1 + n 2 n n
= 1 + 2
γ mix − 1 γ1 − 1 γ 2 − 1
5 3 2
= +
γ mix − 1 1 2
3 3
5
= 9 + 3 = 12
γ mix − 1
17 5
γ mix = = 1 + = 1.42
12 12
4. Under an adiabatic process, the volume of an ideal gas gets doubled. Consequently the mean collision
C
time between the gas molecules changes from τ1 to τ2 . If P = γ for this gas then a good estimate for
CV
τ2
is given by [JEE Main 2020]
τ1
γ γ+1
1 1
(A)   (B) 2 (C) (D) 2 2

 2 2
Ans (D)
Relaxation time
V 1
τ∝ and T ∝ γ−1
T V
γ−1
1+
τ∝V 2

1+γ
τ∝V 2

1+γ
τ2  2V  2
= 
τ1  V 

26
 1PBDBEPS-Kinetic Theory of Gases

1+γ
τ2
= ( 2) 2
τ1
5. A process is given by an equation PVn = constant. If molar heat capacity of gas during this process is
arithmetic mean of its molar heat capacity at constant pressure and constant volume then value of n is
(A) zero (B) − 1 (C) + 1 (D) γ
Ans (B)
Polytropic process
PVn = constant
Given heat capacities is average of CP and CV
C + CV 2C V + R
So, C = P or C = [∵CP = CV + R ]
2 2
R
or C = C V + …(1)
2
Now formula for specific heat of polytropic process is given by
R R
C= + …(2)
y −1 1− n
R R R R R
or + = + as CV =
y −1 2 y −1 1 − n y −1
R R
= or n = −1
2 1− n
6. The process for a gas is represented by the equation PnV = constant. The bulk modulus B of the gas is
1
P
(A) n P (B) P n (C) (D) Pn
n
Ans (C)
−∆P
B= , PnV = constant. If the gas is expanded then (P − ∆P)n (V + ∆V) = constant
 ∆V 
 
 V 
n
 ∆P   ∆V 
 P n 1 −  v 1 +  = Pn V
 p   V 
 n∆P  ∆V 
Or 1 −  1 +  =1
 P  V 
∆V ∆P ∆P ∆V
1+ −n −n =1
V P P V
∆P ∆V ∆P P
<<< 1  − =
P V  ∆V  n
 
 V 
7. A diatomic gas of molecular mass 40 g mol−1 is filled in a rigid container at temperature 30 °C. It is
moving with velocity 200 m s −1 . If it is suddenly stopped, the rise in the temperature of the gas is
32 320 3200 3.2
(A) °C (B) °C (C) °C (D) °C
R R R R
Ans (B)
Let there be n moles of gas

27
1PBDBEPS-Kinetic Theory of Gases

40n
Mass of gas = 40ng or or 0.04 n kg
1000
1
K.E of gas in container = × 0.04n × (200)2
2
= 0.02 × n × 4 × 104
= 8 × 102 × nJ
f
Now heat capacity of gas (C) = nR
2
5 5
or C = R × n or C ∆T = 8 × 102 × n or × R × n∆T = 8 × 102 × n
2 2
8 × 102 2
∆T = ×
R 5
16 320
∆T = × 102 = °C
5 R
8. The pressure of a diatomic gas (rigid rotor) during adiabatic change is related to temperature as
p ∝ Tk the value of k is
5 7 5 7
(A) (B) (C) (D)
2 2 3 3
Ans (B)
For an adiabatic process Tγ P1−γ = constant
γ γ

P = constant × T γ−1 P ∝ T γ−1

γ 2
k= But γ = 1 +
γ −1 f
f → number of degrees of freedom.
7 7
For a diatomic molecule f = 5  γ = ∴k=
5 2
9. In a dilute gas at pressure p and temperature T, the mean time between successive collision of a molecule
varies with T as [JEE Main 2020]
1 1
(A) T (B) T (C) (D)
T T
Ans (C)
1 1
τ∝ ∵ lmean = πnD2
T 2
V∝ T
l
τ = mean
V
1
Hence τ ∝
T
10. Number of molecules in a volume of 4 cm3 of a perfect monatomic gas at some temperature T and at a
pressure of 2 cm of mercury is close to (Given mean kinetic energy of a molecule ( at T) is 4 × 10–14 erg,
g = 980 cm/s2, density of mercury = 13.6 g/ cm3) [JEE Main 2020]
18 16 16
(A) 5.8 × 10 (B) 4.0 × 10 (C) 5.8 × 10 (D) 4.0 × 1018

28
 1PBDBEPS-Kinetic Theory of Gases

Ans (D)
PV = NKT
3
E = KT
2
3PV
N= [P = hρg]
E
= 4 × 1018

Numerical problems
11. The temperature of an ideal gas is increased from 120 K to 480 K. The rms velocity of the molecules
would become ‘n’ times, where ‘n’ is
Ans 2
v T 480
We have vrms ∝ T ∴ 2 = 2 = =2
v1 T1 120
v 2 = 2v1
Given v 2 = nv1
On comparing ∴n = 2
12. When the temperature of a gas filled in a closed vessel is increased by 3 °C, its pressure increases by
0.6%. Calculate the initial temperature (in °C) of the gas.
Ans 227
0.6
T1 = T + 3 ; P1 = P + P = 1.006P
100
T P
As 1 = 1
T P
T + 3 1.006P
=
T P
3
1 + = 1.006
T
3
T= = 500 K = 227 °C
0.006
13. A vessel has 6 g of hydrogen at pressure P and temperature 500 K. A hole is made in it so that hydrogen
P
leaks out. How much hydrogen in gram leaks out if the final pressure is and temperature falls to
2
300 K?
Ans 1
Here, m = 6 g
m 6
From PV = RT , PV = R × 500 ... (1)
M M

If x gram of hydrogen leaks out, then

P
V=
( 6 − x ) R × 300 ... (2)
2 M
6R 2(6 − x)
From (1) and (2), × 500 = R × 300
M M
Or 30 = (12 − 2x)3
x =1

29
1PBDBEPS-Kinetic Theory of Gases

14. Find the number of degrees of freedom for the molecules of a gas for which Cp = 37.55 J mol–1 K–1 in the
process, PT = constant.
Ans 6
R = 8.31 J mol−1 K −1
 37.55 
C p = 37.55 J mol−1 K −1 =  R
 8.31 
 37.55  29.24
C v = Cp − R =  − 1 R = R
 8.31  8.31
C p 37.55 4 2 2 4
γ= = = 1.28 ≃ γ =1+ ∴1 + = f =6
C v 29.24 3 f f 3
1
15. Air is filled at 60 °C in a vessel of open mouth. The vessel is heated to a temperature T so that th part
4
of air escapes. Assuming the volume of the vessel remaining constant, find the value of T in °C.
Ans 171
For open mouth vessel, pressure is constant.
Volume is also given constant
m 1 T m
Hence from PV = µRT =   RT  T ∝  1 = 2
M m T2 m1
1 3
∵ th part escapes, so remaining mass in the vessel m 2 = m1
4 4
(273 + 60) 3 / 4 m1
 =  T = 444K = 171 °C
T m1

NEET

1. Increase in temperature of a gas filled in a container would lead to [NEET 2019]

(A) decrease in intermolecular distance (B) increase in its mass
(C) increase in its kinetic energy (D) decrease in its pressure
Ans (C)
K.E ∝ T
i.e., increase in temperature, increases the K.E of the gas filled in a container.
2. The temperature at which the rms speed of oxygen molecules becomes just sufficient for escaping from
the earth’s atmosphere
[Given Mass of oxygen molecule = 2.76 × 10−26 kg , Boltzmann’s constant = 1.38 × 10−23 JK −1 ]
[NEET 2018]
(A) 2.508 × 104 K (B) 8.360 × 104 K (C) 5.016 × 104 K (D) 1.254 × 104 K
Ans (B)
According to the question Vescape = Vrms
3 2 3 2

11.2 × 103 =
3K BT
T=
(11.2 × 10 ) m
=
(11.2 ×10 ) × 2.76 × 10−26
m 3K B 3 × 1.38 × 10−23
 T = 8.360 × 104 K

30
 1PBDBEPS-Kinetic Theory of Gases

3. A gas mixture consists of 2 moles of oxygen and 4 moles of argon at temperature T. Neglecting all
vibrational modes, the total internal energy of the system is [NEET 2017]
(A) 4 RT (B) 15 RT (C) 9 RT (D) 11 RT
Ans (D)
Oxygen being a diatomic gas possesses 5 degrees of freedom, 3 translational and 2 rotational.
Argon being monatomic has 3 translational degrees of freedom.
Total energy of the system = Eoxygen + Eargon
1  1 
= n1 f1  RT  + n2 f 2  RT 
2  2 
1 1
= 2 × 5 × RT + 4 × 3 × RT = 5RT + 6 RT = 11RT
2 2
4. A given sample of an ideal gas occupies a volume V at a pressure P and absolute temperature T. The
mass of each molecule of the gas is m, then the density of the gas is [NEET 2016]
Pm P
(A) c (B) (C) (D) mKT
KT KTV
Ans (B)
PV mass
As PV = nRT or n = = …(1)
RT molar mass
mass (molar mass) P (mN A ) P
Density, ρ = = =
Volume RT RT
mP
From eq.(1), ρ = (∵R = N A K)
KT
5. If the volume of the diatomic gas increases by 10 % during adiabatic expansion then the percentage
 7
change in pressure is  γ = 
 5
(A) 10 % (B) 14 % (C) 7 % (D) 4 %
Ans (B)
PVγ = constant
P (γ Vγ - 1) dV + Vγ dP = 0
γPV γ
dV = − V γ dP
V
dV
 γp. = − dP
V
dP dV
− =γ
P V
dP dV 7
% change = × 100 = γ × × 100 = × 10% = 14%
P V 5
6. One mole of monoatomic and one mole of diatomic gases are mixed together. The value of CP and CV
for the mixture is
3R R
(A) 3R, 2R (B) 5R, 4R (C) ,R (D) R,
2 2
Ans (A)
µ C ( C V )1 + µ 2 ( CV )2
For a mixture of gases C V =
µ1 + µ 2

31
1PBDBEPS-Kinetic Theory of Gases

3 5
(C v )1 = R for mono atomic gas; (C V ) 2 = R for diatomic gas
2 2
3 5
 + R
2 2
CV =  = 2R ; CP = CV + R = 3R
2
7. cP and cV are the principal specific heats of the gas. If cp-cv = a for helium gas and cp − cv = b for nitrogen
gas then
1
(A) a = b (B) b = 7a (C) a = 14b (D) a = 7b
14
Ans (D)
C C
c p = p and c v = v
M M
CP and CV are molar specific heats.
M is molar mass.
C − Cv R
cp − cv = p =
M M
R = M(cP − cV) = Ma
Similarly R = M′b
M = 4 for He and M′ = 28 for N2
Ma = M ' b
M b b 4
=  =  a = 7b
M' a a 28
8. For the P − T diagram shown, the corresponding PV diagram for the process is
P
°B

•A
T

P P P P

(A) (B) (C) (D)

T T T
T

Ans (B)
In the P-T diagram the temperature is constant.
constant
Therefore the process is isothermal. P =
V
9. An ideal gas is found to obey a law PV2 = constant. Initial volume and temperature of the gas are
V
V and T. If the gas is compressed to then the new temperature of the gas is
2
T T
(A) (B) 2T (C) T (D)
2 2

32
 1PBDBEPS-Kinetic Theory of Gases

Ans (B)
For an ideal gas, PV = RT
RT
or P =
V
RT constant
But PV2 = constant, × V 2 = constant T=
V V
T2 V1 V
= =  T2 = 2Tl = 2T
T1 V2  V 
 
2
10. An ideal gas under goes a process as shown as shown in the figure. If ∆Q and ∆W are the heat supplied
∆Q V
and the work done respectively then
∆W
(A) γ (B) (γ − 1)
γ γ −1
(C) (D)
γ −1 γ
Ans (C) T
∆U ∆W
∆Q = ∆U + ∆W or 1 = +
∆Q ∆Q
∆W ∆U µC V ∆T ∆W 1  CP  ∆Q γ
=1− =1−  =1−  = γ or =
∆Q ∆Q µC P ∆T ∆Q γ  CV  ∆W γ − 1

11. Assertion (A): The specific heat of a gas is zero in adiabatic process and infinity during isothermal
process
Reason (R): The specific heat capacity is directly proportional to the heat supplied and inversely
proportional to the change in temperature.
(A) both (A) and (R) are false
(B) both (A) and (R) true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
(C) both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
(D) (A) is true but (R) is false
Ans (C)
Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
∆Q = µC ∆T, during the adiabatic process ∆Q = 0  C = 0
But during the isothermal process ∆T = 0  C = ∞
1
C ∝ ∆Q and C ∝
∆T
12. A vessel of volume 8.3, it contains an ideal gas at 400 K and pressure 200 kpa. The gas is allowed to
leak steadily until its pressure and temperature falls down to that of surroundings which is 1 atm and
300 K. The amount of the gas leaked through the vessel is [molar mass = 24 g]
(A) 4 g (B) 3.5 g (C) 4.5 kg (D) 2.6 kg
Ans (A)
PV
Number of moles µ =
RT
P1V1 P2 V2  2 × 105 1 × 105  8.3 × 10−3
µ1 − µ 2 = − = − ×
RT1 RT2  400 300  8.3

33
1PBDBEPS-Kinetic Theory of Gases

1
µ1 − µ2 = moles
6
1
mass m = (µ1 − µ 2 ) × M = 24 g = 4.0 g
6
13. The temperature at which the average energy of the diatomic molecule (rigid rotor) is same the KE of an
electron accelerated through a potential difference of 13.8 V is
(A) 1.38 × 104 K (B) 3.2 × 104 K (C) 6.4 × 104 K (D) 9.6 × 104 K
Ans (C)
f
Average energy E = k B T
2
No. of degrees of freedom f = 5
5
E = k BT
2
But E = eV = 1.6 × 10−19 × 13.8
5
 13.8 × 1.6 × 10−19 = × 1.38 × 10−23 × T  T = 6.4 × 104 k
2
14. A cylinder contains hydrogen gas at pressure of 249 K Pa and temperature 27 °C, its density is
(R = 8.3 J mol–1 K–1) [NEET 2020]
3 3 3
(A) 0.1 kg / m (B) 0.02 kg / m (C) 0.5 kg / m (D) 0.2 kg / m3
Ans (D)
PM
We have ρ =
RT
Here P = 249 × 103 Pa
T = 27 + 273 = 300 K
R = 8.3 J mol–1 K–1
M = 2 × 10–3 kg
249 × 103 × 2 × 10−3
ρ= = 0.2 kg / m3s
8.3 × 300
15. The average thermal energy for a mono atomic gas is (KB is Boltzmann constant and T is absolute
temperature) [NEET 2020]
5 7 1 3
(A) K B T (B) K B T (C) K B T (D) K B T
2 2 2 2
Ans (D)
3
The average thermal energy for a mono atomic gas is K B T
2
Self Assessment Test
1. At room temperature, the rms speed of the molecules of a certain diatomic gas is found to be 1930 m s–1.
The gas is
(A) H2 (B) F2 (C) C2 (D) Cl2
Ans (A)
3RT
Vrms =
M
3 × 8.314 × 300
(1930) 2 =
M

34
 1PBDBEPS-Kinetic Theory of Gases

M = 2 × 10–3 kg
Hence, the gas is H2
2. If the volume of a gas is doubled at constant pressure, the average translational kinetic energy of its
molecules will
(A) be doubled (B) be halved (C) remain the same (D) become 4 times
Ans (A)
Average translational kinetic energy
3
K.E. = KT
2
i.e. K.E. ∝ T
V1 V V T 2V T
= 2  T2 = 2 1 = 1 1 = 2T1
T1 T2 V1 V1
3. Suppose ideal gas follows VP3 = constant. Initial temperature and volume of the gas are T and V
respectively. If gas expand to 27V then its temperature will become
T
(A) T (B) 9T (C) 27 T (D)
9
Ans (B)
constant
VP 3 = constant = k  P =
V1/3
We have PV = MRT
constant
i.e. 1
⋅ V = MRT
V3
2
constant V 3 = MRT
2
MRT
V3 =
constant
2
2
 V 3 T
i.e V ∝ T
3
 1 = 1
 V2  T2
2 2
 V 3 T  1 3 T 1 T
Here   =   =  = ⇔ T2 = 9T
 27V  T2  27  T2 9 T2
4. The temperature at which oxygen molecules would have the same rms speed as of hydrogen molecules at
300 K
(A) 3600 K (B) 4000 K (C) 4200 K (D) 4800 K
Ans (D)
3RT 3R × 300
(Vrms )O2 = (Vrms )H2  =
M (O2 ) M (H2 )
 MO 2   32 
T = 300   = 300   = 4800 K
 M H2   2 

5. The temperature of an ideal gas is increased from 120 K to 480 K. If at 120 K, the root mean square
velocity of gas molecules is V, at 480 K it becomes
V V
(A) 4V (B) 2V (C) (D)
2 4

35
1PBDBEPS-Kinetic Theory of Gases

Ans (B)
3RT
Vrms =  Vrms ∝ T
M
(Vrms )1 T T2 480
= 1  (Vrms )2 = (Vrms )1 = V × = 2V
(Vrms ) 2 T2 T1 120

6. The equivalent P−V graph for the given P-U graph is

P

P P P P

(A) (B) (C) (D)

V V V V

Ans (B)
f f P 2
U = nRT = PV =
2 2 U Vf
P
In the given graph = a constant
u
Hence, V is constant
V is constant, P is increasing
7. The ratio of the speed of sound in nitrogen gas to that in helium gas at 300 K is
2 1 3 16
(A) (B) (C) (D)
7 7 5 5
Ans (C)
xRT x
V= i.e. V ∝
M0 M0
7
VN2 γ N2 (M B ) He ×4
5 3
 = = =
VHe γ He (M 0 )N 2 5 5
× 28
3
8. If the pressure in a closed vessel is reduced by drawing out some gas, the mean free path of the
molecules
(A) is decreased
(B) is increased
(C) remains unchanged
(D) increases or decreases according to the natures of the gas
Ans (B)

36
 1PBDBEPS-Kinetic Theory of Gases

9. The average translational kinetic energy of O2 (molar mass 32) molecules at a particular temperature is
0.048 eV. The translational kinetic energy of N2 (molar mass 28) molecules in eV, at the same
temperature, is
(A) 0.0015 (B) 0.003 (C) 0.048 (D) 0.768
Ans (C)
3
Average translational kinetic energy of an ideal gas molecule is KT which depends on temperature
2
only.
Therefore, if temperature is same, translational kinetic energies of O2 and N2 molecules will be equal.
10. When an ideal diatomic gas is heated at constant pressure, the fraction of the heat energy supplied which
increases the internal energy of the gas is
2 3 3 5
(A) (B) (C) (D)
5 5 7 7
Ans (D)
∆U nC V ∆T 1 5 7
The desired fraction is f = = or f = = [∵ γ for diatomic gas = ]
Q nC P ∆T γ 7 5
11. Ideal monatomic gas is taken through a process dQ = 2dU. The molar heat capacity for the process is
(where dQ is heat supplied and dU is change in internal energy)
(A) 5R (B) 3R
(C) R (D) none of (A), (B) and (C)
Ans (B)
dQ 2dU 2nC V dT 3
C= = = = 2CV = 3R ∵ Cv = R
ndT ndT ndT 2
12. The root mean square (rms) speed of hydrogen molecules at a certain temperature is 300 ms–1. If the
temperature is doubled and hydrogen gas dissociates into atomic hydrogen, the rms speed will become
(A) 424.26 m s–1 (B) 300 m s–1
(C) 600 m s–1 (D) 150 m s–1
Ans (C)
3RT
v rms =
M0
T is doubled and M0 is halved. Therefore, rms speed becomes two times or 600 m s–1.
13. For an ideal monoatomic gas, the universal gas constant R is n times the molar heat capacity at constant
pressure CP. Here n is
(A) 0.67 (B) 1.4 (C) 0.4 (D) 1.67

Ans (C)
5 2
For an ideal monoatomic gas CP = R or R = C P
2 5
According to question R = nCP
2
∴ nC P = C P  n = 0.4
5

37
1PBDBEPS-Kinetic Theory of Gases

14. Three mole of oxygen are mixed with two moles of helium. The ratio of specific heats at constant
pressure and constant volume for the mixture is
(A) 2.5 (B) 3.5 (C) 1.5 (D) 1
Ans (C)
5
For a monatomic gas like helium γ He =
3
7
For a diatomic gas like oxygen γ O2 =
5
7 5
3 × γ O2 + 2 × γ He 3 × 5 + 2 × 3
γ mix = = = 1.5
3+ 2 5
15. Internal energy of n1 moles of hydrogen at temperature T is equal to the internal energy of n2 moles of
n
helium at temperature 2T. Then the ratio 1 is
n2
3 2 6 3
(A) (B) (C) (D)
5 3 5 7
Ans (C)
f
U = nRT (f = degrees of freedom) ; U1 = U2
2
n f T (3)(2) 6
∴ f1n1T1 = f 2 n 2 T2  1 = 2 2 = =
n 2 f1T1 (5)(1) 5
U
16. The energy density of an ideal monatomic gas is related to its pressure P as
V
U U 3 U P U 5
(A) = 3P (B) = P (C) = (D) = P
V V 2 V 3 V 2
Ans (B)
3 
U = nC V T = n  R  T
2 
U 3nRT 3  nRT 
= = P ∵ V = P 
V 2V 2  
17. The temperature at which rms speed of molecules of hydrogen twice that at STP is
(A) 273 K (B) 819 K (C) 546 K (D) 1092 K
Ans (D)
v rms ∝ T
2v rms T
=
v rms T0
T
Squaring 4 = , T = 4 × 273 = 1092 K
T0

18. The kinetic energy of 1 gram of hydrogen gas at 27 °C will be

(A) 1.87 × 103 J (B) 1.81 × 103 J (C) 1.57 × 103 J (D) 1.73 × 103 J
Ans (A)
3 RT
KE = ⋅
2 M

38
 1PBDBEPS-Kinetic Theory of Gases

Substituting M = 2, T = 300
KE = 1.87 × 103 J
19. The law of equipartition of energy was postulated by
(A) Maxwell (B) Bohr (C) Plank (D) Boltzmann
Ans (A)
20. The temperature at which the volume of all the gases is zero is
(A) 274 K (B) −273 °C (C) 273 °C (D) −273 K
Ans (B)
V

t °C
– 273 °C O °C

21. A horizontal cylinder has two sections of unequal cross sections, in which two pistons can move freely.
The pistons are joined by string. Some gas is trapped between the pistons. If the gas is heated, the piston
will

(A) move to the left or right

(B) move to the right
(C) move to the left
(D) remain stationary
Ans (B)
The gas pressure remains constant at atmospheric pressure.
Now, if the temperature of the gas is increased, its volume must increase, which is possible only if the
pistons move to the right.
22. The rms speed of helium at 27 °C and 1 atm pressure is 900 m s−1. Then the rms speed of the helium
molecules at 27 °C and 2 atm pressure is
(A) 450 m s−1 (B) 1800 m s−1 (C) 900 m s−1 (D) 750 m s−1
Ans (C)
3RT
Since v rms = , it depends only on temperature and not on the pressure.
M
The rms speed of helium molecules at 27 °C and 2 atm pressure is 900 m s−1.
1 2
23. The kinetic theory of gases gives the formula PV = Nmv for the pressure P exerted by a gas enclosed
3
in a volume V. The term Nm represents
(A) the mass of a mole of the gas
(B) the mass of the gas present in the volume V
(C) the average mass of one molecule of the gas
(D) the total number of molecules present in volume V
Ans (B)

39
1PBDBEPS-Kinetic Theory of Gases

24. The relation between rms velocity vrms and the most probable velocity vmp of a gas is
3 2 2
(A) vrms = vmp (B) v rms = v mp (C) v rms = v mp (D) v rms = v mp
2 3 3
Ans (B)
3kT 2kT
v rms = , v mp =
M M
v rms 3 3
= v rms = v mp
v mp 2 2

25. If the volume of a gas is doubled at constant pressure, the average translational kinetic energy of its
molecules will
(A) be doubled (B) be halved (C) remain the same (D) become 4 times
Ans (A)
V1 V V
= 2  T2 = 2 × T1 = 2T1
T1 T2 V1
Since average translational KE ∝ T, the average translational KE is doubled.
26. Three gas molecules have velocities 0.3 m s−1, 0.6 m s−1 and 1.5 m s1. The rms velocity and average
velocity is
(A) 0.95 m s−1, 0.8 m s−1 (B) 0.59 m s−1, 0.8 m s−1
(C) 0, 0.8 m s−1 (D) 0.95 m s−1, 0
Ans (A)
0.32 + 0.62 + 1.52
rms velocity of three gas molecules v rms = = 0.95 m s −1
3
0.3 + 0.6 + 1.5
Average velocity v av = = 0.8 m s−1
3
27. The root mean square velocity, vrms, the average velocity vav and the most probable velocity vmp of the
molecules of the gas are in the order
(A) vmp > vav > vrms (B) vrms > vav > vmp (C) vav > vmp > vrms (D) vmp > vrms > vav
Ans (B)
3KT
Vrms =
m
8KT
Vav =
mπ
2KT
Vmp = ∴ Vrms > Vav > Vmp
m
Cp
28. The ratio of specific heats for a rigid diatomic gas is
Cv
5 7 9 7
(A) (B) (C) (D)
3 9 7 5
Ans (D)
7R 5R
For diatomic gas = C p = , Cv =
2 2

40
 1PBDBEPS-Kinetic Theory of Gases

7R
Cp 7
∴ = 2 =
Cv 5R 5
2
K 2 A∆θ × t 2
29. For a gas = 0.67 (symbols have their usual meaning). The molecules contained in the gas
∆x
are
(A) monatomic (B) diatomic (C) poly atomic (D) triatomic
Ans (A)
R 3
CV = = R . This is CV for monatomic gas.
0.67 2
30. Temperature of Argon kept in a vessel is raised by 1 °C at constant volume. Heat supplied to the gas may
be taken partly as translational and partly as rotational kinetic energies. Their respective shares are
(A) 60 %, 40 % (B) 40 %, 60 % (C) 50 %, 50 % (D) 100 %, 0 %
Ans (D)
Argon is a monatomic gas having only three degrees of freedom which are translational.
It has no rotational degrees of freedom.
Thus, Kt = 100 %, Kr = 0 %

41
13. Oscillations
Very short answer Questions (VSA)
1. What is periodic motion?
Solution
A motion which is repeated regularly after a fixed interval of time along a definite path is called periodic
motion.
2. What is oscillatory motion?
Solution
The to and fro motion of a body about its equilibrium position is called oscillatory motion.
3. Are all periodic motions oscillatory?
Solution
No, an oscillation is a periodic motion but a periodic motion may or may not be oscillatory.
4. Give an example for a motion which is periodic but not oscillatory.
Solution
The rotation of earth about its polar axis from west to east.
5. Define time period of a periodic motion.
Solution
The smallest interval of time after which a periodic motion repeats is called time period.
6. Define frequency of a periodic motion.
Solution
The number of times a periodic motion repeats in one second is called frequency of the periodic motion.
7. How are the frequency and the period of a periodic motion related?
Solution
1 1
frequency = or f =
time period T
8. How is the acceleration of a particle performing SHM related to its displacement from the mean
position?
Solution
Acceleration is directly proportional to the displacement of the particle from the mean position.
9. When is the SHM of a particle said to be linear?
Solution
If a particle performs SHM along a straight line, the SHM is said to be linear.
10. When is the SHM of a particle said to be angular?
Solution
If a particle performs SHM along an arc of a circle, its SHM is said to be angular.
11. Mention the expression for the velocity of a particle executing SHM.
Solution
For a particle executing SHM, velocity v = A ω cos ( ω t ) = ω A2 − y 2

42
1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

12. Mention the expression for the acceleration of a particle executing SHM.
Solution
For a particle executing SHM, acceleration a = − ω2 A sin ( ω t ) = − ω2 y

13. At which position of the particle is the velocity (a) maximum (b) zero in SHM?
Solution
(a) Velocity is maximum at the mean position.
(b) Velocity is zero at either extreme positions.
14. Mention the expression for maximum particle velocity in SHM.
Solution
A2π
vm = A ω = 2 π f =
T
15. Mention the expression for the displacement of a particle executing SHM?
Solution
Displacement at any instant t is y = A sin ( ω t ) .

16. At which position is the acceleration of the particle executing SHM (a) maximum (b) zero?
Solution
(a) Acceleration is maximum at either of the extreme positions.
(b) Acceleration is zero at the mean position.
17. Mention the expression for maximum acceleration of the particle executing SHM.
Solution
am = ω2 A
18. Define the term ‘phase’ as applied to SHM.
Solution
The term ‘phase’ refers to the state of vibration of a particle with respect to its position and direction of
motion.
19. Define the term ‘epoch’ as applied to SHM.
Solution
The phase of a particle at instant instant t = 0 is called epoch.
20. Mention the expression for the potential energy of a particle executing SHM.
Solution
Potential energy possessed by a particle executing SHM, is
1 1 1
U = k y 2 = m ω2 y 2 = m ω2 A2 sin 2 ( ω t )
2 2 2
21. How does the potential energy of particle executing SHM vary with its displacement?
Solution
U ∝ y 2 , Potential energy is directly proportional to the square of the displacement of the particle.
22. At which position, is the potential energy maximum in SHM?
Solution
Potential energy is maximum at any of the extreme positions.

43
 1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

23. At which position, is the potential energy zero in SHM?

Solution
Potential energy is zero at the mean position.
24. Mention the expression for the instantaneous kinetic energy of a particle executing SHM.
Solution
Kinetic energy of a particle executing SHM is
1 1 1
K = m v 2 = m ω2 ( A2 − y 2 ) = m ω2 A2 cos 2 ( ω t )
2 2 2
25. At which position, is the kinetic energy maximum in SHM?
Solution
Kinetic energy is maximum at mean position.
26. At which position, is the kinetic energy zero in SHM?
Solution
Kinetic energy is zero at any of the extreme positions.
27. Mention the expression for total energy of SHM.
Solution
1
Total energy, E = m ω2 A2
2
28. Can a body have acceleration without having velocity?
Solution
Yes. In SHM at extreme positions velocity is zero but acceleration is maximum.
29. Can a pendulum clock be used in an artificial satellite?
Solution
No, since effective value of g in an artificial satellite is zero.
30. A simple pendulum of length l has a bob of mass m which is moving on the circular arc of angle θ in a
vertical plane. A sphere, also of mass m is placed at the end of the arc. What momentum will be
transferred to sphere by the moving bob?
Solution
Zero, because the momentum of bob itself becomes zero at the end of the arc.
31. What will be the effect on time period of a simple pendulum when it is taken to a high mountain?
Solution
For simple pendulum, T = 2 π l / g . At mountain g decreases and hence time period T increases.

32. What will be the effect on the time period of a simple pendulum when it is taken to a deep mine?
Solution
For simple pendulum, T = 2 π l / g . In a deep mine g decreases and hence time period increases.

33. What will be the change in time period when a simple pendulum is taken from earth to moon?
Solution
th
For simple pendulum, T = 2 π l / g . On the surface of the moon the value of g will decrease (1 / 6 )
that of earth, therefore time period will increase.

44
1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

Short answer Questions (SA - 2 Marks)

34. What is linear SHM? Give an example.
Solution
The SHM of a particle is said to be linear, if it moves back and forth along a straight line, about a fixed
position.
Example: The motion of a spring block system on a frictionless horizontal surface.
35. What is angular SHM? Give an example.
Solution
The SHM of a particle is said to be angular, if it moves to and fro along an arc of a circle about a fixed
position.
Example: The small oscillation of the bob of a simple pendulum.
36. Distinguish between linear displacement and angular displacement.
Solution
The linear displacement of a particle executing oscillatory motion at any instant is the distance of the
particle from its mean position at that instant. The angular displacement of a particle executing
oscillatory motion is the angle through which the position vector of the particle rotates in a given interval
of time.
37. Give the geometrical representation of SHM.
Solution
If a particle moves with a uniform speed along the circumference of a circle, then the motion of the foot
of the perpendicular drawn from the particle on any diameter of the circle is simple harmonic. Thus, the
projection of uniform circular motion on any diameter of the circle is SHM.
38. Explain the term phase of a particle executing SHM.
Solution
The term ‘phase’ refers to the state of vibration of a particle with respect to its position and direction of
motion.
Phase of a vibrating particle at any instant is measured in terms of the fraction of the angle ( 2 π ) which
has elapsed since the particle last crossed its mean position in the positive direction.
39. Explain why a simple harmonic motion is called so.
Solution
In SHM, the displacement of the particle varies sinusoidally with time. Hence it is harmonic. Also it is a
pure sinusoidal motion of single frequency. Hence it is simple.
40. Which of the following examples represent periodic motion?
(a) A swimmer completing one (return) trip from one bank of a river to the other bank
(b) A freely suspended bar magnet displaced from its N-S direction and released.
(c) A hydrogen molecule rotating about its centre of mass
(d) An arrow released from a bow
Solution
(a) The swimmer’s motion is not periodic. The motion of the swimmer between the banks of a river is
back and forth. However, it does not have a definite period. This is because the time taken by the
swimmer during his back and forth journey may not be the same.

45
 1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

(b) The motion of a freely-suspended magnet, if displaced from its N-S direction is released, is periodic.
This is because the magnet oscillates about its position with a definite period of time.
(c) When a hydrogen molecule rotates about its centre of mass, it comes back to the same position again
and again after an interval of time. Such motion is periodic.
(d) An arrow released from a bow moves only in the forward direction. It does not comes backward.
Hence, this motion is not periodic.
41. Which of the following examples represent (nearly) simple harmonic motion and which represent
periodic but not simple harmonic motion?
(a) the rotation of earth about its axis.
(b) motion of an oscillating mercury column in a U-tube
(c) motion of a ball bearing inside a smooth curved bowl, when released from a point slightly above the
lowermost point.
(d) general vibrations of a polyatomic molecule about its equilibrium position.
Solution
(a) During its rotation about its axis, earth comes to the same position again and again in equal intervals
of time. Hence, it is a periodic motion. However, this motion is not simple harmonic. This is because
earth does not have a to and fro motion about its axis.
(b) An oscillating mercury column in a U-tube is simple harmonic. This is because the mercury moves
to and fro on the same path, about the fixed position, with a certain period of time.
(c) The ball moves to and fro about the lowermost point of the bowl when released. Also, the ball comes
back to its initial position in the same period of time, again and again. Hence, its motion is periodic
as well as simple harmonic.
(d) A polyatomic molecule has many natural frequencies of oscillation. Its vibration is the superposition
of individual simple harmonic motions of a number of different molecules. Hence, it is not simple
harmonic, but periodic.
42. Sketch the graph of variation of displacement with time t in SHM.
Solution
Refer Module
43. Sketch the graph showing the variation of velocity of the particle with time in SHM.
Solution
Refer Module
44. Mention the factors on which energy of SHM depends.
Solution
The energy of SHM depends on the (a) mass of the particle, (b) frequency of SHM and (c) amplitude of
SHM.
45. The ratio of maximum acceleration to maximum velocity of a particle executing SHM is 100 π rad s −1 .
What is the frequency of SHM?
Solution
am ω2 A
= = ω = 100 π rad s −1
vm ωA
ω 100 π
f = = = 50 Hz
2π 2π

46
1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

46. Sketch the graph of potential energy against displacement of a particle executing SHM.
Solution
Refer Module
47. Sketch the graph of kinetic energy against displacement of a particle executing SHM.
Solution
Refer Module
48. Draw the graph of total energy of SHM against displacement.
Solution
Refer Module
49. The bob of a simple pendulum is in the form of a hollow sphere filled with water. If a fine hole is made
in the bottom such that water emerges slowly from the hole, what will be the effect on the time period?
Solution
For simple pendulum, T = 2 π l / g .
When water emerges slowly from the hole, initially its centre of gravity becomes lower, upto the bob is
half-empty and then it begins to go up. So, effective length of pendulum increases becomes maximum
and then decreases to initial value. Therefore, time period first increases becomes maximum and then
decreases and attains initial value.
50. The girl sitting on a swing stands up. What will be the effect on the time period of the swing?
Solution
In the standing position, the location of centre of mass of the girl shifts upwards.
Due to which the effective length of the pendulum, l (i.e., of swing) becomes less. As T ∝ l , the
period T decreases.
51. If amplitude of vibration of a simple pendulum be decreased, what will be the effect on its time period?
Solution
For simple pendulum, T = 2 π l / g . It is dependent of amplitude.

52. A simple pendulum executing SHM is falling freely along with the support. Will its time period change?
Solution
For simple pendulum, T = 2 π l / g . The pendulum will not oscillate since effective value of g will be
zero and time period will become infinite.
53. Out of two clocks on the earth, one is controlled by a pendulum and the other by a spring. If both the
clocks be taken on the moon, then will the clocks show correct time on moon?
Solution
The spring clock will show correct time, while pendulum clock will run slow. The reason is that for
spring clock both force constant k and mass m remain unchanged on moon, therefore time period will
remain unchanged, while value of g on moon is less than that on earth, therefore for pendulum clock
time period will increase.

47
 1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

Short answer Questions (SA - 3 Marks)

54. Distinguish between periodic motion and oscillatory motion.
Solution
A motion which is repeated regularly after a fixed interval of time along a definite path is called periodic
motion. The to and fro motion of a body about its equilibrium position is called oscillation.
55. Figures correspond to two circular motions. The radius of the circle, the period of revolution, the initial
position, and the sense of revolution (i.e., clockwise or anticlockwise) are indicated on each figure.
Obtain the corresponding simple harmonic motions of the x − projection of the radii vector of the
revolving particle P , in each case.
y y

T=4s

T=2s 3 cm P 2m
x x
(t = 0)

P(t = 0)
Solution
(a) Time period, T = 2 s , A = 3 cm
At time, t = 0 , the radius vector OP makes an angle ( π / 2 ) with the positive X − axis, i.e., phase
π
angle φ0 = + rad . Therefore, the equation of simple harmonic motion for the X − projection of
2
OP , at time t is given by the displacement equation
2 πt  2 π t π
x = A cos  + φ0  = 3 cos  +  = − 3 sin ( 3 π t ) ... cm
 T   2 2
(b) Time period, T = 4 s , A = 2 m
At time, t = 0 , the radius vector OP makes an angle ( π ) with the positive X − axis, i.e., phase
angle φ0 = + π rad . Therefore, the equation of simple harmonic motion for the X − projection of
OP , at time t is given by the displacement equation
2 πt  2πt  π 
x = A cos  + φ0  = 2 cos  + π  = − 2 cos  t  ... m
 T   4  2 
56. Which of the following functions of time represent simple harmonic, periodic but not simple harmonic
and non-periodic motion? Give period for each case of periodic motion ( ω is any positive constant):
(a) sin ( ω t ) − cos ( ω t )
(b) sin 3 ( ω t )
π 
(c) 3 cos  − 2 ω t 
 4 
(d) cos ( ω t ) + cos ( 3 ω t ) + cos ( 5 ω t )
(e) exp ( − ω2 t 2 )
(f) (1 + ω t + ω2 t 2 )

48
1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

Solution
(a) SHM
 1 1   π  π 
sin ( ω t ) − cos ( ω t ) = 2  sin ( ω t ) − cos ( ω t )  = 2 sin ( ω t ) cos   − cos ( ω t ) sin   
 2 2   4  4 
 π
sin ( ω t ) − cos ( ω t ) = 2 sin  ω t − 
 4
The given function represents SHM as it can be written in the form y = A sin ( ω t + φ0 ) .
2π
Its period is T = .
ω
(b) Periodic, but not SHM
1
sin 3 ( ω t ) = 3 sin ( ω t ) − sin ( 3 ω t ) 
2
The terms sin ( ω t ) and sin ( 3 ω t ) individually represent simple harmonic motion (SHM).
However, the superposition of two SHM is periodic and not simple harmonic.
(c) SHM
π   π
3 cos  − 2 ω t  = 3 cos  2 ω t − 
 4   4
The given function represents SHM as it can be written in the form A = A cos ( ω t + φ0 ) .
2π π
Its period is T = = .
2ω ω
(d) Periodic, but not SHM
cos ( ω t ) + cos ( 3 ω t ) + cos ( 5 ω t )
Each individual cosine function represents SHM. However, the superposition of three simple
harmonic motions periodic, but not simple harmonic.
(e) Non-periodic motion
exp ( − ω2 t 2 )
The given function is an exponential function. Exponential functions do not repeat themselves.
Therefore, it is a non-periodic motion.
(f) The given function (1 + ω t + ω2 t 2 ) is non-periodic.

57. Which of the following relationships between the acceleration a and the displacement x of a particle
involve simple harmonic motion?
(a) a = 0.7 x (b) a = − 200 x 2 (c) a = − 10 x (d) a = 100 x 3
Solution
A motion represents simple harmonic motion if it is governed by the force law
i.e., F = − k x
Among the given equations, only equation a = − 10 x represents SHM.
58. If it were possible to put a hollow tube across the earth through its centre, then how would the changes in
velocity and acceleration take place for a ball released in the tube? The effect of medium of tube is
negligible.
Solution
The ball executes SHM about the centre of earth. At centre, the velocity of ball is maximum and
acceleration zero while at ends of tube velocity is zero and acceleration is maximum.

49
 1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

59. Answer the following questions:

(a) The motion of a simple pendulum is approximately simple harmonic for small angles of oscillations.
For larger angles of oscillation, a more involved analysis shows that T is greater than 2 π l / g .
Think of a qualitative argument to appreciate this result.
(b) A man with a wristwatch on his hand falls from the top of a tower. Does the watch give correct time
during the free fall?
(c) What is the frequency of oscillation of a simple pendulum mounted in a cabin that is freely falling
under gravity?
Solution
(a) In the case of a simple pendulum, the restoring force acting on the bob of the pendulum is given as
F = − m g sin θ
For large θ , sin θ is greater than θ . This decreases the effective value of g .
For simple pendulum, T = 2 π l / g . Hence the period of simple pendulum increases.
(b) The time shown by the wristwatch of a man falling from the top of a tower is not affected by the fall.
Since, a wristwatch does not work on the principle of a simple pendulum, it is not affected by the
acceleration due to gravity during free fall. Working depends on spring action.
(c) When a simple pendulum mounted in a cabin falls freely under gravity, acceleration is zero. Hence
the frequency of oscillation of this simple pendulum is infinity. This means, the pendulum does not
oscillate.
60. A particle of mass 0.1 kg is executing SHM with an amplitude of 0.1 m . When the particle passes
through the mean position, its kinetic energy is 8 × 10− 3 J . Obtain the equation of motion of this particle
if the initial phase of oscillation is 45° .
Solution
m = 0.1 kg , A = 0.1 m , K m = E = 8 × 10− 3 J , φ0 = 45°
1 2 Km 2 × 8 × 10− 3
Km = E = m ω2 A2 or ω= 2
= 2
= 4 rad s −1
2 mA 0.1 × 0.1
General equation of SHM is y = A sin ( ω t + φ0 )
 π
y = 0.1 sin  4 t +  ... m
 4

Long answer type Questions (LA)

61. What is SHM? Explain its characteristics
Solution
Refer Module
62. Explain how the projection of uniform circular motion on a diameter is SHM.
Solution
Refer Module
63. Derive the expression for total energy of a particle executing SHM.
Solution
• A particle executing SHM possess both kinetic energy (as it is moving) and potential energy (as it
is subjected to conservative restoring force).

50
1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

Potential energy of a particle in SHM

• The concept of potential energy is possible only for conservative forces.
• The spring force F = − k y is a conservative force, with associated potential energy
1
U = k y2 k = m ω2 → force constant
2
Hence the potential energy of a particle of mass m at a displacement y executing simple harmonic
motion is,
1
U = k y2 where, k = m ω2
2
1
U = m ω2 y 2 …(1)
2
1
U = m ω2 A2 sin 2 ( ω t + φ0 ) …(2) Using y = A sin ( ω t + φ0 )
2

Kinetic energy of a particle in SHM

• The kinetic energy of a particle of mass m at a displacement y executing simple harmonic motion
is,
1
K= m v2 v → velocity of the particle at a displacement y
2
But v = ω A2 − y 2
1
K= m ω2 ( A2 − y 2 ) …(3)
2
1
K = m ω2 A2 cos 2 ( ω t + φ0 ) …(4) ∵ v = A ω cos ( ω t + φ0 )
2
Total energy of a particle in SHM
• The total energy of a particle of mass m at a displacement y executing simple harmonic motion is
the sum of its kinetic and potential energies.
i.e., E = K + U
1 1
E = m ω2 ( A2 − y 2 ) + m ω2 y 2
2 2
1
E = m ω2 ( A2 − y 2 + y 2 )
2
1
E = m ω2 A2 …(5)
2
64. Show that for a particle in linear SHM the average kinetic energy over a period of oscillation equals the
average potential energy over the same period.
Solution
Refer Module
65. Obtain the expression for the period of a simple pendulum.
Solution
Refer Module

51
 1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

66. Derive the expression for the time period of oscillation of a loaded spring using force law.
Solution
• Consider a block of mass m attached to one
end of a light spring having force constant k .
The other end of the spring is fixed to a rigid
support. The block is placed on a frictionless
horizontal surface. (as shown in figure)
When the block is pulled on one side and
released, it executes SHM about mean
position.
• The restoring force F acting on the block at any instant t , when its displaced through a distance
x is
F =−k x
From Newton’s second law, F = m a
ma=−k x
m ( − ω2 x ) = − k x ∵ a = − ω2 x
k k
ω2 = or ω=
m m
2π k
=
T m

• Then the period of oscillation is given by

m
T =2π …(1)
k

Classwork Problems
67. A body describes simple harmonic motion with amplitude of 5 cm and a period of 0.2 s . Find the
acceleration and velocity of the body when the displacement is (a) 5 cm (b) 3 cm (c) 0 .
Solution
A = 5 cm = 0.05 m , T = 0.2 s
2 π 2 × 3.14
ω= = = 31.4 rad s −1
T 0.2
(a) x = 5 cm = 0.05 m , a = ? , v = ?
a = − ω2 y = − 31.42 × 0.05 = − 49.30 m s − 2
v=ω A2 − y 2 = 31.4 × 0.052 − 0.052 = 0
(b) x = 5 cm = 0.03 m , a = ? , v = ?
a = − ω2 y = − 31.42 × 0.03 = − 29.58 m s − 2
v=ω A2 − y 2 = 31.4 × 0.052 − 0.032 = 1.256 m s −1
(c) x = 0 , a = ? , v = ?
a = − ω2 y = − 31.42 × 0 = 0
v=ω A2 − y 2 = 31.4 × 0.052 − 02 = 1.57 m s −1

52
1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

68. A body of mass 5 g is executing SHM about a fixed point, with amplitude of 10 cm and maximum
velocity 100 cm s −1 . Calculate the distance from the mean position at which its velocity be 50 cm s −1 .
Solution
m = 5 g = 0.005 kg , A = 10 cm = 0.1 m , vm = 100 cm s −1 = 1 m s −1 , v = 50 cm s −1 = 0.5 m s −1 , x = ?
v 1
vm = A ω or ω= m = = 10 rad s −1
A 0.1
v 2 = ω 2 ( A2 − x 2 )
0.52
0.52 = 102 ( 0.12 − x 2 ) or 0.01 − x 2 = = 0.0025 or x 2 = 0.0075
102
x = 0.0866 m
69. A block of mass 1 kg is fastened to a spring. The spring has a spring constant of 50 N m −1 . The block is
pulled to a distance x = 10 cm from its equilibrium position at x = 0 on a frictionless surface from rest
at t = 0 . Calculate the kinetic, potential and total energies of the block when it is 5 cm away from the
mean position.
Solution
m = 1 kg , k = 50 N m −1 , A = 10 cm = 0.1 m , y = 5 cm = 0.05 m , K = ? , U = ? , E = ?
1 1
K= k ( A2 − y 2 ) = × 50 × ( 0.12 − 0.052 ) = 0.1875 J
2 2
1 1
U = k y 2 = × 50 × 0.052 = 0.0625 J
2 2
1 1
E = k A2 = × 50 × 0.12 = 0.25 J also E = K + U = 0.1875 + 0.0625 = 0.25 J
2 2
70. The acceleration due to gravity on the surface of moon is 1.7 m s − 2 . What is the time period of a simple
pendulum on the surface of moon if its time period on the surface earth is 3.5 s ? ( g on the surface of
earth is 9.8 m s − 2 ).
Solution
g m = 1.7 m s − 2 , g e = 9.8 m s − 2 , Te = 3.5 s , Tm = ?
l
T =2π
g
1
Since the length l of the pendulum is constant, T ∝
g
Tm ge Tm 9.8 9.8
= or = or Tm = 3.5 = 8.4 s
Te gm 3.5 1.7 1.7
71. A body of mass 0.5 kg is suspended from a spring which increases the length of spring by 0.05 m . This
body executes SHM when it is pulled and released. Find the force constant of spring and time period of
motion. ( g = 9.8 m s − 2 ).
Solution
m = 0.5 kg , x = 0.05 m , g = 9.8 m s − 2 , k = ? , T = ?
m g 0.5 × 9.8
m g=k x or k= = = 98 N m −1
x 0.05

53
 1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

m 0.5
T =2π = 2 × 3.14 × = 0.449 s
k 98

Practice Exercise
72. A particle executing SHM has period 0.1 s and amplitude 0.5 cm . Find the acceleration when it is
0.2 cm apart from its mean position.
Solution
T = 0.1 s , A = 0.5 cm , x = 0.2 cm = 0.002 m , a = ?
2 2
2 π  2 × 3.14  −2
a = − ω2 x = −   x=−  × 0.002 = − 7.89 m s
 T   0.1 
73. Two particles are executing SHM of same amplitude and frequency along the same straight line path.
They pass each other when going in opposite directions, each time their displacement is half of their
amplitude. Calculate the phase difference between them.
Solution
A
y = , ∆φ = ?
2
y = A sin ( ω t )
A π 5π
= A sin ( ω t ) or ωt= or
2 6 6
5π π 2π
∆φ = − = rad
6 6 3
74. A simple harmonic oscillation is represented by the equation y = 0.4 sin ( 440 t + 0.61) ... m . What are
the values of (a) amplitude (b) angular frequency (c) frequency of oscillation (d) time period of
oscillations and (e) initial phase?
Solution
Given y = 0.4 sin ( 440 t + 0.61) ... m
On comparing with y = A sin ( ω t + φ0 )
(a) Amplitude, A = 0.4 m
(b) Angular frequency, ω = 440 rad s −1
(c) Initial phase, φ0 = 0.61 rad
ω 440
(d) Frequency, f = = = 70 Hz
2 π 2 × 3.14
2 π 2 × 3.14 1 1
(e) Period, T = = = 0.0143 s or T= = = 0.0143 s
ω 440 f 70
75. A body of mass 0.5 kg suspended by an ideal spring oscillates in vertical direction. The amplitude of
oscillation is 0.5 m and its period is 1.57 s . Determine (a) maximum speed of body (b) maximum
kinetic energy (c) total energy and (d) spring constant.
Solution
m = 0.5 kg , A = 0.5 m , T = 1.57 s , vm = ? , K m = ? , E = ? , k = ?
2 π 2 × 3.14
ω= = = 4 rad s −1
T 1.57

54
1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

(a) vm = A ω = 0.5 × 4 = 2 m s −1
1 1
(b) K m = m vm2 = × 0.5 × 22 = 1 J
2 2
(c) E = K m = 1 J
m 4 π2 m 4 × 3.142 × 0.5
(d) T = 2 π or k= 2
= 2
= 8 N m −1
k T 1.57
76. A simple harmonic oscillator of period 6 s has 6 J potential energy when its displacement is 0.03 m .
Calculate (a) force constant and (b) average kinetic energy when the amplitude is 0.05 m .
Solution
T = 6 s , U = 6 J , A = 0.05 m , y = 0.03 m , k = ? , K av = ?
1 2 U 2× 6
(a) U = k y 2 or k= 2 = = 1.333 × 104 N m −1
2 y 0.032
1 1
(b) K av = k A2 = × 1.333 × 104 × 0.052 = 8.331 J
4 4

Competitive Corner
Classwork MCQs

1. A particle executing SHM has an acceleration of 0.5 ms−2. When the displacement is 2 m. Its period is
(A) 1.256 s (B) 12.56 s (C) 125.6 s (D) 0.1256 s
Ans (B)
Acceleration of a particle executing SHM is a = −ω2 y
Given a = 0.5 ms−2 and y = 2 m
2
2  2π 
0.5 = ω (B) =   × 2
 T 
2
4π × 2
 T2= = 16π2
0.5
∴ T = 4π = 4 × 3.14 = 12.56 s
(The −ve sign has no significance while calculating T)
2. The phase difference between the instantaneous velocity and the acceleration of a particle executing
SHM is
(A) zero (B) 0⋅5 π (C) π (D) 0⋅707 π
Ans (B)
dx  π
In SHM, y = A sin ωt ∴ Velocity, v = = A ω cos ωt = Aω sin  ωt + 
dt  2
dv
Acceleration, a = = A ω2 sin ωt = A ω2 sin (ωt + π)
dt
 π π
∴ Phase difference between acceleration and the velocity is  π –  = .
 2 2

55
1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

3. A body is performing SHM. When their displacements from the mean position are 4 cm and 5 cm, it has
velocities 10 cm s–1 and 8 cm s–1 respectively. Its period is
π 3π
(A) s (B) π s (C) s (D) 2π s
2 2
Ans (B)
Velocity of a particle in SHM is given by v2 = ω2 (A2 − y2)
∴ 102 = ω2 (A2 – 42)
82 = ω2 (A2 – 52)
Subtracting, we get, 102 – 82 = ω2(52 – 42)
∴ ω = 2 rad s–1
2π
∴T= =πs
ω
4. A particle executing a simple harmonic motion has a period of 6 s. The time taken by the particle to
move from the mean position to half of the amplitude, (starting from the mean position) is
3 1 3 1
(A) s (B) s (C) s (D) s
2 2 4 4
Ans (B)
 2π 
Equation for simple harmonic motion is y = a sin   t
 T 
a  2π 
= a sin   t
2  T 
2π π
 t=
T 6
T 6 1
 t= = = s
12 12 2
5. The maximum velocity of a particle executing SHM is v. If the amplitude is doubled and the time period
of oscillation decreased to 1/3 of its original value, the maximum velocity becomes
(A) 18 v (B) 12 v (C) 6 v (D) 3 v
Ans (C)
Maximum velocity v max = Aω
2π 2πA
ω= ∴ v max =
T T
A
v∝
T
v1 A1 T2 1 1 1
∴ = × = × =
v 2 A 2 T1 2 3 6
v 2 = 6 v1 = 6 v
6. A body executing S.H.M has a maximum acceleration of 24 m s−2 and maximum velocity of 16 m s−1.
The amplitude of S.H.M is
32 3 2 3
(A) m (B) ms −1 (C) ms −1 (D) m
3 2 3 32
Ans (A)
v max = Aω ; a max = Aω2 .

56
 1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

a max 24 3
∴ ω= = =
v max 16 2
From vmax = Aω
3
 16 = A  
2
32
 A= m.
3
1
7. A body executes SHM of amplitude A. If the potential energy of the body is   times its kinetic
3
energy, its displacement from mean position is
A A A A
(A) (B) (C) (D)
3 2 2 3
Ans (B)
For body performing SHM, at a displacement y
1
Kinetic energy, K = mω2 (A 2 − y 2 )
2
1
Potential energy, U = mω2 y 2
2
1
Given: U = K
3
1 1 1 A
mω2y2 = [ mω2 (A2 – y2)]  3y2 = A2 – y2  y =
2 3 2 2
8. For a particle performing S.H.M, which of the following graphs best represent the variation of potential
energy V V
V V

(A) x (B) x (C) (D)

O O
x x
O O
Ans (C)
9. A particle is executing linear simple harmonic motion of amplitude A. The displacement at which the
energy of the particle is half potential and is half kinetic is
A A A A
(A) (B) (C) (D)
4 2 2 3
Ans (C)
1
The total energy a particle executing SHM = mω2 A 2
2
1
The PE of the particle at a distance x from the equilibrium position = mω2 x 2
2
1 11 
mω2 x 2 =  mω2 A 2 
From the question,
2 2 2 
2
2 A A
 x = x=
2 2

57
1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

10. A 15 g ball is shot from a spring gun whose spring has a force constant of 600 Nm −1 . The spring is
compressed by 5 cm. The greatest possible horizontal range of the ball for this compression is
(g = 10 ms −2 )
(A) 6.0 m (B) 10.0 m (C) 12.0 m (D) 8.0 m
Ans (B)
For getting horizontal range, there must be some inclination of spring with ground to project ball.
u2
R max = …(i)
g
u
But K.E. acquired by ball = P.E. of spring gun
1 2 1 2 2 kx 2
 mu = kx  u = …(ii)
2 2 m
From equation (i) and (ii), 45°
2 −2 2
kx 600 × (5 × 10 )
R max = = = 10 m. Rmax
mg 15 × 10−3 ×10
11. The total energy of the body executing simple harmonic motion is E. Then the kinetic energy when the
displacement is half of the amplitude is
E E 3E 3E
(A) (B) (C) (D)
2 4 4 4
Ans (C)
1
Total energy in SHM, E = mω2 A 2 ,
2
1 1
Kinetic energy K = mω2 (A 2 − y 2 ) = E − mω2 y 2 .
2 2
2
A 1 A  E 3E
when y = , K = E − mω2  =E− =
2 2  4  4 4
3E
 E=
4
12. A spring mass system oscillates in a car. If the car decelerates on a horizontal road, the frequency of
oscillation will
v
(A) decrease
(B) increase m A
(C) remain the same
(D) become zero
Ans (C)
The frequency of oscillation of a spring-mass system is independent of the acceleration due to gravity.
13. The figure shows two identical springs connected to a mass m. The oscillation frequency of the
mass m is f. If one of the springs is removed, the frequency becomes,
(A) f
(B) 2 f
m
(C) 2f
f
(D)
2

58
 1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

Ans (D)
The situation is equivalent to two springs in parallel.
Therefore, effective spring constant = 2k
where, k is the spring constant of each spring.
1 2k
∴f=
2π m
1 k f
On removal of one spring, f ′ = = m
2π m 2
14. The effective spring constant of the system in the figure shown is

2k
(A) k
(B) 2k
(C) 4k
5k k k
(D)
2
Ans (C)
The system is equivalent to three springs in parallel.
∴ ke = 2k + k + k = 4k
15. A spring stretches by 2 cm when a 3 kg block is suspended from its end. The additional mass that has to
be attached so that its frequency of vibration is 3 Hz is approximately
(A) 1 kg (B) 4 kg (C) 3 kg (D) 2 kg
Ans (A)
mg 3 × 10
k= = −2
= 1500 N m −1
x 2 × 10
k 1500
 m′ = 2 = 2 ≃ 4 kg.
ω 4π × 9
Additional mass ≃ 1 kg (required)
16. The period of a simple pendulum is determined at different places. The graph between T2 and g will be a
(A) circle (B) hyperbola (C) square (D) straight line
Ans (B)
1
T = 2π
g
1
 T2 = 4π2 g

1
 T2 ∝
g
 T2g = constant
Thus the graph between T2 versus g is a hyperbola.

59
1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

17. An oscillating pendulum has hallow sphere filled with water with small hole at its bottom. As pendulum
oscillates its period.
(A) increases (B) decreases
(C) first increases and then decreases (D) becomes infinite
Ans (C)
5T
18. Two pendulums have time periods T and . They start SHM at the same time from the mean position.
4
The phase difference between them after the pendulum with larger period completes one oscillation is
π π π
(A) (B) (C) (D) π
3 6 2
Ans (C)
5T T
Time interval between the completion of oscillations ∆t = −T =
4 4
2π
∆φ = × ∆t
T
2π T π
∆φ = × =
T 4 2
19. The amplitude of a damped oscillator is A0. It becomes A0/3 in 2 minutes. The amplitude of oscillation
after 6 minutes will be
A A A A
(A) 0 (B) 0 (C) 0 (D) 0
6 9 27 81
Ans (C)
Since, the amplitude decreases exponentially, in equal intervals of time, it decreases by equal ratio. After
2 minutes the amplitude is A0/3, after another 2 minutes, the amplitude will be A0/9, after another
2 minutes, amplitude will be A0/27.
20. A particle with a restoring force proportional to negative displacement is subjected to a force F sin ωt.
The amplitude of the particle is found to be maximum for ω = ω1 and the energy of the particle is found
to be maximum for ω = ω2. If the natural frequency of the particle is ω0, then
(A) ω1 = ω0 ; ω2 = ω0 (B) ω1 ≠ ω0 ; ω2 ≠ ω0
(C) ω1 ≠ ω0 ; ω2 = ω0 (D) ω1 = ω0 ; ω2 ≠ ω0
Ans (A)
At resonance, amplitude as well as energy will be maximum.

Assignment MCQs
1. The time taken by a particle executing SHM of period T to move from the mean position to half the
maximum displacement is
T T T T
(A) (B) (C) (D)
2 4 8 12
Ans (D)
y = A sin ωt
A
 = A sin ωt
2

60
 1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

sin ωt = 0.5
1
 ωt = sin −1  
2
π
 ωt =
6
2π π T
 t=  t=
T 6 12
2. A block is resting on a piston which is moving vertically with SHM of period 1 s. The amplitude of
motion at which the block and piston separate is
(A) 0.2 m (B) 0.25 m (C) 0.3 m (D) 0.35 m
Ans (B)
Weight kept on the system will separate from the piston when the maximum force just exceeds the
weight of the body.
g 9 ⋅8
Hence, mω2y = mg or y = 2 = = 0.25 m
ω (2π) 2
3. A particle undergoing SHM has velocities of 10 cm s−1 and 8 cm s−1 at the displacements 4 cm and 5 cm
from the mean position. Its time period is
π 3π
(A) (B) (C) π (D) 2π
2 2
Ans (C)
y 22 − y12 52 − 4 2 3
T = 2π = 2 π T = 2π × = πs
v12 − v 22 102 − 82 6

4. A particle is performing SHM given by the equation x = A sin ωt. After crossing the mean position, it
takes a time t1 to cover the first half of the amplitude and t2 to cover the next half. Then the ratio t1 : t2 is
(A) 1 : 1 (B) 1 : 3 (C) 1 : 2 (D) 2 : 1
Ans (C)
x = A sin ωt, when t = t1
A A π T
x= ∴ = A sin ωt1  ωt1 =  t1 =
2 2 6 12
T
Time taken to go from mean position to the extreme position is
4
T
T T T t1 12 6 1
∴ The time taken to cover the next half is t 2 = − = ∴ = = =
4 12 6 t 2 T 12 2
6
5. The motion of a particle varies with time according to the relation, y = A(sin ωt + cos ωt). Then,
(A) the motion is not SHM (B) the motion is SHM with an amplitude A
(C) the motion is SHM with an amplitude 2A (D) the motion is SHM with an amplitude A 2
Ans (D)
y = A(sin ωt + cos ωt) = A sin ωt + A cos ωt
π
Phase difference between sin ωt and cos ωt is
2
∴ Resultant amplitude AR = A 2 + A 2 = 2A

61
1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

6. A particle undergoes SHM of period T. The time taken to complete 3/8th oscillation starting from the
mean position is
3 5 5 7
(A) T (B) T (C) T (D) T
8 8 12 12
Ans (C)
The time to complete 3/8th oscillation = time to complete 1/4th oscillation + time to complete 1/8th
T
oscillation from the extreme. The time to complete 1/4th oscillation =
4
th
The time taken to complete 1/8 oscillation from extreme position is obtained from the equation,
A  1 th A
y= = A cos ωt  oscillation corresponds to y = 
2 8 2
1 2π 1
∴ cos ωt =  cos t=
2 T 2
T T T 5T
t= s ∴ The total time = + =
6 4 6 12
7. The graph that does not represent a S.H.M is

(A) (B) (C) (D)

Ans (A)
Restoring force F must have opposite sign to x.
When x is –ve F must be +ve and when x is +ve, F must be −ve.
Graph (A) is reverse to the above condition
∴ (A) does not represent S.H.M.
8. A 2.0 kg mass is oscillating on a spring with spring constant 100 N m−1. The velocity of the mass is
3 m s−1 when the spring is stretched by 5 cm. The amplitude of oscillation is
(A) 10 6 cm (B) 0.25 cm (C) 25 cm (D) 5 cm
Ans (C)
From the law of conservation of energy
1 2 1 2 1 1 
 mv + kx  =  mv 2 + kx 2 
2 2 extreme position  2 2 at any position
1 1 1
0 + (100)A 2 = (2)( 3) 2 + (100)(0.05)2 , on simplification, we get A = 25 cm.
2 2 2
9. Among the following equations that represent a S.H.M.is
(A) y = 5sin 2ωt + 3cos ωt (B) y = 4sin 4ωt + 3cos 4ωt
(C) y = 6sin ωt + 6cos 2ωt (D) y = 2sin2 ωt
Ans (B) and (D)
Check which of the given choices, after its differentiation twice gives the same function with a negative
constant. Choice (B) and (D) satisfy this criteria.
y = 4sin 4ωt + 3cos 4ωt

62
 1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

dy
= 4(4ω) cos 4ωt + 3(−4ω)sin 4ωt
dt
d2 y
2
= 4(4ω)(−4ω)sin 4ωt + 3(−4ω)(4ω) cos 4ωt = −16ω 2 y
dt
Choice (D)
y = 2sin2 ωt
1 − cos 2ωt 
y = 2 
 2
y = 1 – cos 2ωt
This also represents SHM about position 1.
10. Two particles are executing SHM of same amplitude and frequency along the same straight line path.
They pass each other when going in opposite directions, each time their displacement is half of their
amplitude. The phase difference between them is
5π 2π π π
(A) (B) (C) (D)
6 3 3 6
Ans (B)
y = A sin(ωt + φ)
A A 1 π 5π
When y = , = A sin(ωt + φ) or (ωt + φ) = sin–1  2  = or
2 2 6 6
π 5π
φ1 = , φ2 =
6 6
π 5π
∴ The phases of the two particles are and radian.
6 6
5π π 2π
∴ Phase difference = – =
6 6 3
 πt 
11. The displacement of a particle executing SHM represented by, y = 2 sin  + φ , then the maximum
 2 
acceleration is (where y is in cm and t in second)
π π2 π π
(A) cms −2 (B) cms −2 (C) cms −2 (D) cms −2
2 2 4 4
Ans (B)
 πt 
y = 2 sin  + φ  y = A sin (ωt + φ)
2 
π π2
A = 2 cm, ω = rad s −1 a max = ω2 A = cms −2
2 2
12. The amplitude of S.H.M., y = 2 (sin 5πt + 3 cos 5πt ) is
(A) 2 (B) 2 2 (C) 4 (D) 2 3
Ans (C)
y = 2sin 5πt + 2 3 cos5πt
π
Phase difference between them is φ = ∴ A = 22 + [2 3]2 = 4
2

63
1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

13. The equation of motion of a particle executing simple harmonic motion is a + 16π2 x = 0. In this
equation, a is the linear acceleration in m/s2 of the particle at a displacement x in metre. The time period
in simple harmonic motion is
1 1
(A)   s (B)   s (C) 1 s (D) 2 s
4 2
Ans (B)
a + 16π2 x = 0
a = − 16π2x
a = − ω2x  standard equation.
ω2 = 16π2
2π
ω = 4π =
T
1
 
∴ T=  s
2
14. The acceleration of a particle performing SHM is 9 cm s−2 at a distance of 4 cm from the mean position.
Its time period is
4π 3π 3 4
(A) (B) (C) (D)
3 4 4π 3π
Ans (A)
− 4π 2
Acceleration a = −ω 2 y = y
T2
1
 4π2 y  2 y
T=  = 2π
 a  a
4 2 4π
T = 2π = 2π × =
9 3 3
15. Two SHM’s are respectively represented by y1 = a sin (ωt − kx) and y2 = b cos(ωt − kx). The phase
difference between the two is
π π π
(A) (B) (C) (D) π
6 4 2
Ans (C)
y1 = a sin(ωt − kx)
y2 = b cos(ωt − kx) = b sin  ωt − kx + 
π
 2
π
∴ Phase difference =
2
16. A body is oscillating simple harmonically with a period of T = 2 s. The time taken for its kinetic energy
to decrease from Kmax to 75 % of Kmax will be equal to
1 1 1 1
(A) s (B) s (C) s (D) s
12 3 4 6
Ans (D)

64
 1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

 mω2 A 2  2  mω2 A 2  mω2 A 2

K =  cos ( ω t) = 0.75 K max = 0.75   ; K max =
 2   2  2
3 π  2π  π T 2 1
 cos(ωt) =  ωt =    t =  t = =  t = s
2 6  T  6 12 12 6
π
17. Two SHM’s are represented by the equations, y1 = 0.1 sin (100πt + ) and y2 = 0.1cos 100πt. The
3
phase difference between the speeds of the two particles is,
π π π π
(A) – (B) (C) – (D)
3 8 6 3
Ans (C)
dy1 π
v1 = = 0⋅1 × 100π cos (100πt + )
dt 3
dy 2 π
and v2 = = – 0⋅1 × 100π sin 100πt = 0⋅1 × 100π × cos(100πt + )
dt 2
π π π π π
∴ Phase difference between two speeds = (100πt + ) – (100πt + ) = – =–
3 2 3 2 6
18. A body is under SHM. When their displacements from the mean position are 4 cm and 5 cm, it has
velocities 10 cm s–1 and 8 cm s–1 respectively. Its period is
π 3π
(A) s (B) π s (C) s (D) 2π s
2 2
Ans (B)
y 22 − y12
T = 2π
v12 − v 22
52 − 4 2
T = 2π =πs
102 − 82
19. For a system to execute SHM, it must possess
(A) only inertia (B) only elasticity (C) neither A nor B (D) both A and B
Ans (D)
20. A body is simultaneously subjected to two collinear SHMs. For the resultant amplitude to be maximum,
the phase difference between them should be
π π
(A) (B) (C) π (D) 2π
3 2
Ans (D)
The resultant amplitude of two SHMs will be maximum if they meet in same phase, i.e., φ = 0 or 2π.
21. A particle is acted simultaneously by two mutually perpendicular SHMs, y = A sin ωt and x = A cos ωt.
The trajectory of motion of the particle will be
(A) an ellipse (B) a parabola (C) a circle (D) a hyperbola
Ans (C)
Since the two SHMs are mutually perpendicular, the resultant motion is given by,
x2 + y2 = A2 (sin2 ωt + cos2 ωt) = A2
This is the equation of a circle.

65
1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

22. The motion of a particle is given by the relation y = a sin ωt + b cos ωt. Then
(A) the motion is not SHM (B) the motion is SHM with an amplitude a + b
(C) the motion is SHM with an amplitude a2 + b2 (D) the motion is SHM with an amplitude a 2 + b2
Ans (D)
y = a sin ωt + b cos ωt
π
Phase difference φ = between sin ωt and cos ωt;
2
π
∴ A = a 2 + b 2 + 2ab cos = a 2 + b 2
2
23. A particle moves with simple harmonic motion in a straight line. In first τ s after starting from rest, it
travels a distance a and in the next τ s, it travels 2a in the same direction, then
(A) amplitude of motion is 4a (B) time period of oscillation is 6τ
(C) amplitude of motion is 3a (D) time period of oscillation is 8τ
Ans (B)
Counting the time from positive extreme, position
x = A cos ωt, where A is the amplitude
When t = τ, (A − a) = A cos ωτ (as x = A − a)
When t = 2τ, (A − 3a) = A cos ω(2τ) = A cos 2ωτ (as x = A − 3a)
A − 3a
Clearly, cos 2ωτ =
A
A−a 
Also, cos 2ωτ = 2cos 2 ωτ − 1 = 2   −1
 A 
2
A−a A − 3a
Thus, 2   −1 = or A = 2a
 A  A
A−a 1 π 2π
Thus, cos ωτ = = = cos or T = = 6τ
A 2 3 ω
24. A particle is executing simple harmonic motion with an amplitude ‘A’ and time period ‘T’. The
displacement of the particle after 2T from its initial position is
(A) A (B) 4 A (C) 8 A (D) zero
Ans (D)
After 2T particle will be at mean position
∴ displacement = 0
25. The phase difference between the instantaneous velocity and acceleration of a particle executing SHM is
(A) zero (B) 0.5 π (C) π (D) 0.707 π
Ans (B)
In SHM, y = A sin ωt
 π
∴ Velocity, v = Aω cos ωt = A ω sin  ωt + 
 2
and acceleration, a = –Aω2 sin ωt = Aω2 sin (ωt + π)
π π
∴ Phase difference between acceleration and the velocity is π – = .
2 2

66
 1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

26. A particle executes linear SHM with an amplitude of 2 cm. When the particle is at 1 cm from its mean
position, the magnitude of its velocity is equal to that of its acceleration. The time period in seconds is
1 2π 3
(A) (B) 2π 3 (C) (D)
2π 3 3 2π
Ans (C)
As a = v, ω2 y = ω A 2 − y 2
or ω2 × 1 = ω 22 − 12 or ω = 3
2π 2π
Thus, T = =
ω 3
27. When the potential energy of a particle executing simple harmonic motion is one-fourth of its maximum
value during the oscillation, the displacement of the particle from the equilibrium position in terms of its
amplitude A is
A A A 2A
(A) (B) (C) (D)
4 3 2 3
Ans (C)
1
mω2 y 2
U
= 2
U max 1 mω2 A 2
2
1 y2
 = 2
4 A
A
 y=
2
28. The kinetic energy of a particle executing S.H.M. is 16 J when it is at its mean position. If the mass of
the particle is 0.32 kg, then what is the maximum velocity of the particle
(A) 5 m s−1 (B) 15 m s−1 (C) 10 m s−1 (D) 20 m s−1
Ans (C)
1 2
Kinetic energy at mean position, K max = mv max
2
2 K max
 v max =
m
2 × 16
= = 100 = 10 ms −1
0.32
29. In free oscillations
(A) only kinetic energy is conserved (B) only potential energy is conserved
(C) total energy is conserved (D) energy is not conserved
Ans (C)

67
1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

30. A body performs SHM. Its kinetic energy varies with time as indicated in the graph,
K K

(A) (B)
t
t
T
T 2T
K K

(C) (D)
t
t
T T

Ans (A)
The frequency of KE is twice that of a particle executing SHM. Further the KE is always +ve.
Hence, graph (A) is correct.
31. The vertical extension in a light spring by a weight of 1 kg suspended from the wire is 9.8 cm. The
period of oscillation
(A) 20 π s (B) 2π s (C) 2π / 10s (D) 200 π s
Ans (C)
∵ mg = kx
m x
 =
k g
m x 9.8 × 10−2 2π
 T = 2π = 2π = 2π = s
k g 9.8 10

32. A body of mass 20 kg is suspended by a coil spring of natural length 50 cm and force constant
2 × 103 N m–1. The stretched length of the spring in cm is [g = 10 m s–2]
(A) 60 (B) 55 (C) 20 (D) 10
Ans (A)
Original length = 50 cm
If l is the extension in the spring due to weight [F = mg = 20 × 10]
F 20 × 10
then l = = = 0.1 m = 10 cm ∴ Stretched length = 10 + 50 = 60 cm
k 2 × 10 3
33. A spring stretches by 1.8 cm when 2.8 kg block is suspended from its end. Mass that has to be attached
to the spring so that its frequency of vibration is 3 Hz is
(A) 4.3 kg (B) 0.23 kg (C) 12.9 kg (D) 1.43 kg
Ans (A)
mg 2.8 × 9.8
k= = −2
= 1524.4 Nm−1
x 1.8 ×10
k 1524.4
m= 2
= 2 = 4.3 kg. [∵ ω = 2πf]
ω 4π × 9

68
 1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

34. Two bodies M and N of equal masses are suspended from two separate massless springs of spring
constants k1 and k2 respectively. If the two bodies oscillate vertically such that their maximum velocities
are equal, the ratio of amplitude of vibration of M to that of N is
k k k1 k2
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) (D)
k2 k1 k2 k1
Ans (D)
k1 k2
ω1 = , ω2 =
m m
ω2 k2
∴ =
ω1 k1
Since vmax are the same, A1ω1 = A2ω2
A ω k2
∴ 1 = 2 =
A2 ω1 k1

35. A mass m suspended from a mass less spring stretches it by a distance y. If pulled slightly more and let
go, it will oscillate with a time period T given by
g my y y
(A) T = 2π (B) T = 2π (C) T = 2π (D) T =
y g g g
Ans (C)
mg
Restoring force = ky = mg or k =
y
m m y
Now T = 2π = 2π = 2π
k mg g
y

36. In arrangement given in figure, if the block of mass m is displaced, the frequency is given by
1  k1 − k 2  1  k1 + k 2 
(A) n =   (B) n =
2π  m  2π  m  A B
m
1  m  1  m  K1 K2
(C) n =   (D) n =  
2 π  k1 + k 2  2 π  k1 − k 2 
Ans (B)
With respect to the block the springs are connected in parallel combination.
1 k1 + k 2
∴ Combined stiffness k = k1+ k2 and n =
2π m
37. The length of a spring is l and its force constant is k. When a weight W is suspended from it, its length
increases by x. If the spring is cut into two equal parts and put in parallel and the same weight W is
suspended from them, then the extension will be
x
(A) (B) 2x (C) 3x (D) 4x
4
Ans (A)
When the spring is cut into two equal halves each has a spring constant of 2k. When they are connected
in parallel, the effective spring constant is 4k.

69
1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

W = kx before the spring is cut and W = (2k + 2k)x′

x
kx = 4kx′ x′ =
4
38. Two pendulums start swinging simultaneously. By the time first pendulum makes 20 oscillations,
2nd pendulum makes 15 oscillations. The ratio of their lengths is
9 16 4 3
(A) (B) (C) (D)
16 9 3 4
Ans (A)
1
T ∝ l or f ∝
l
f1 l 20 l 225 9
= 2 =  1 = =
f2 l1 15 l2 400 16

39. A simple pendulum of length l has been set up inside a railway wagon sliding down a frictionless
inclined plane having an angle of inclination θ = 30° with the horizontal. The period of oscillation as
recorded by an observer inside the wagon is
2l 2l l 3l
(A) 2π (B) 2π (C) 2π (D) 2π
3g g g 2g
Ans (A)
On the inclined plane, the effective acceleration due to gravity,
3 l 2l
g′ = g cos θ = g ∴ T = 2π = 2π
2 g' 3g

40. The graph of time period (T) of a simple pendulum versus its length (l) is
T T l T

(A) (B) (C) (D)

l l T l

Ans (C)
For a simple pendulum, T ∝ l ∴ T2 ∝ l
Graph between T and l will be parabola symmetric about l-axis.
So option (C) is correct.
41. The bob of a simple pendulum is a spherical hollow ball fixed with water. A plugged hole near the
bottom of the oscillating bob gets suddenly unplugged. During observation, till all water comes out, the
time period of oscillation will
(A) increase towards a saturation value
(B) remain unchanged.
(C) first decrease and then increases to the original value.
(D) first increase and then decreases to the original value.

70
 1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

Ans (D)
l
T = 2π ∴T ∝ l
g
When plugged hole near the bottom of the oscillating bob gets suddenly unplugged, water flows out, the
value of l increases because the position of centre of gravity of bob and water falls down. It is so when
level of water falls up to the centre of the bob. After that as water comes out, the position of the centre of
gravity of bob and water rises and finally it reaches at the centre of bob when whole water leaks out from
bob. Therefore, ‘T’ first increase and then decreases to the original value.
42. The length of simple pendulum executing S.H.M is increased by 21%. The percentage increase in the
time period of the pendulum is
(A) 42% (B) 10% (C) 11% (D) 21%
Ans (B)
l
T = 2π
g
 21 
l 1 + 
 21   100 
l + l
 100  T′ g
T ′ = 2π = 2π
g T l
2π
g
T′ 21 121 11
= 1+ = =
T 100 100 10
T′ 11 11 − 10 1
−1= −1= =
T 10 10 10
T′ − T 1
× 100 = × 100 = 10 %
T 10
% increase in time period = 10%
43. If a simple pendulum is taken to a place where ‘g’ decrease by 4% then the time period
(A) increases by 0.5% (B) increases by 2%
(C) increases by 0.25% (D) decreases by 0.25%
Ans (B)
1
l  l 2
T = 2π = 2π 
g g
∆T 1 ∆l 1 ∆g
= +
T 2 l 2 g
∆l ∆T 1 ∆g 1
Since, length is constant = 0; × 100 = = ×4%=2%
l T 2 g 2

71
1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

44. A small mass m0 is suspended from a spring of negligible mass hung vertically from a rigid support. It
oscillates simple harmonically with period T when it is pulled a little and then released. When m0 is
5T m
increased by m, its period of oscillations becomes . Then the ratio is
3 m0
16 9 5 3
(A) (B) (C) (D)
9 16 3 5
Ans (A)
m
T = 2π T∝ m
k
T1 m1 5 m + m0
=  =
T2 m2 3 m0
25 m m 16
 = +1  =
9 m0 m0 9

45. A simple pendulum performs SHM about a line x = 0 with an amplitude A and time period T. The speed
A
of the pendulum at x = will be
2
πA 3 πA A 3A
(A) (B) (C) (D)
T T T T
Ans (A)
2π A2 πA 3
v = ω A2 − x 2 = A2 − =
T 4 T
46. A simple pendulum of length l is suspended from the roof of a train which moves in a horizontal
direction with an acceleration a. Then the time period T is given by
l 2l l π l
(A) 2π (B) 2π 2 2
(C) 2π 2 2
(D)
a 2 + g2 a +g a +g 2 a + g2
2

Ans (A)
Effective acceleration = a2 + g2
l θ
T = 2π
ar
l a
∴ Time period T = 2π
2 2
a +g g ar
A B
47. A particle of mass m is placed in a potential field U(x) = − , where A and B are positive constants.
x2 x
The particle performs SHM about the mean position x0 which is equal to
2A A A B
(A) (B) (C) (D)
B 2B B A
Ans (A)
A B dU 2A B
U( x ) = 2 − ; F = − = 3 − 2
x x dx x x
2A B 2A
At the mean position F = 0 = 3 − 2  x 0 = is the mean position.
x0 x0 B

72
 1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

Additional Information

48. A body of mass 0.4 kg oscillates in a medium where damping constant is 0.06 units. The time required
for the amplitude to drop to half of the initial value is
(A) 9.2 s (B) 4 s (C) 28 s (D) 40 s
Ans (A)
− bt
Amplitude of the damped oscillation is given by A d = A 0e 2m
A
Let at t = t ′ ; A d = 0
2
− bt
A0
Then, = A 0e 2m
2
bt ′
bt ′ 2m × 0.693 2 (0.4) (0.693)
∴ e 2m = 2 ; = ln 2 ∴ t ′ = = = 9.24 s
2m b 0.06
49. In the above problem the time required for the mechanical energy of the system to drop to half its initial
value is
(A) 14 s (B) 4.62 s (C) 2 s (D) 20 s
Ans (B)
bt
1 −
E = KA 2 where A = A 0 e 2 m
2
bt bt
1 2
− −
E = KA 0 e = E 0 e m
m
2
E
At t = t ′ let E = 0
2
bt ′ bt ′
E − bt ′
Then, 0 = E 0 e m ∴ e m = 2  = ln 2
2 m
m (0.4)
t ′ = ln 2 = (0.693) = 4.62 s
b (0.06)
50. Resonance is an example of
(A) Tuning fork (B) Forced vibration
(C) Free vibration (D) Damped vibration
Ans (B)
51. A body of mass 0.01 kg executes simple harmonic motion (S.H.M.) about x = 0 under the influence of a
force shown below : The period of the S.H.M. is
F(N)

(A) 1.05 s 8.0

(B) 0.52 s + 2.0
x(m)
(C) 0.25 s – 2.0
(D) 0.30 s – 8.0

Ans (D)
F 8
From graph, slope K = = =4
x 2

73
1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

m 0.01
T = 2π  T = 2π = 0.3s
K 4
52. A body executes SHM under the action of force F1 with time period T1. If the force is changed to F2 it
executes SHM with time period T2. If both F1 and F2 act simultaneously in the same direction on the
body, then its time period is
T1 T2 T1 T2 T1 T2
(A) T1 + T2 (B) (C) (D)
T1 + T2 T1 + T2 T2 + T2 1 2

Ans (D)
Resultant force F = F1 + F2
− Kx = −K1x − K2x
 K = K1 + K2
k
∵ ω=
m
mω = mω12 + mω 22
2

ω 2 = ω12 + ω 22
2 2 2
 2π   2π   2π  1 1 1 T1T2
  =   +    2
= 2 + 2 T= .
 T   T1   T2  T T1 T2 T12 + T22

53. Amplitude of a wave is represented by

c
A=
a +b−c
Then resonance will occur when
(A) b = −c / 2 (B) b = 0 and a = – c (C) b = −a / 2 (D) none of these
Ans (B)
c
A= ; when b = 0 , a = c amplitude
a +b−c
A → ∞ . This corresponds to resonance.
1
54. The amplitude of a damped oscillator becomes th of its initial value after 6 minutes. The amplitude
27
after 2 minutes is
A0 A0 A0
(A) A 0 (B) (C) (D)
2 3 4
Ans (C)
For damped oscillator A = A 0 e − bt
A0 1
Here = A 0e − bt i.e., e−6b =
27 27
1
−2b −6b
1
 1  3 A0
A2 = A0e = A 0 e  3
= A0   =
 27  3
55. A mass of 2 kg oscillates on a spring with constant 50 Nm−1. When a damping force with constant
b = 12 is introduced, the frequency of oscillation decreases by
(A) 10% (B) 20% (C) 30% (D) 40%

74
 1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

Ans (B)
k 50
ω= = = 5rad s −1
m 2
2
 b 
ω ' = ω2 −  2 2
 = 5 −3 = 4 Frequency reduces by 1rad s −1 or 20%
 2m 
56. Two simple pendulums A and B are made to oscillate simultaneously and it is found that A completes
10 oscillations in 20 sec and B completes 8 oscillations in 10 sec. The ratio of the lengths of A and B is
25 64 8 5
(A) (B) (C) (D) [KCET-2017]
64 25 5 4
Ans (A)
l
Time period of simple pendulum is T = 2π T∝ l
g
10 8
TA ∝ lA ; TB ∝ lB TA = ; TB =
20 10
2
TA l l T 
= A  A = A 
TB lB lB  TB 
2
lA  10 10  25
= ×  =
lB  20 8  64

57. A particle executing SHM has a maximum speed 0.5 ms–1 and maximum acceleration of 1 ms–2. The
angular frequency of oscillation is [KCET-2016]
−1 −1 −1
(A) 2 rad s (B) 0.5 rad s (C) 2π rad s (D) 0.5π rad s −1
Ans (A)
v max = Aω ; a max = Aω2
a 1
ω = max = = 2 rad s −1
v max 0.5
58. A piston is performing S.H.M. in the vertical direction with a frequency of 0.5 Hz. A block of 10 kg is
placed on the piston. The maximum amplitude of the system such that the block remains in contact with
the piston is [KCET-2019]
(A) 1.5 m (B) 1 m (C) 0.1 m (D) 0.5 m
Ans (B)
f = 0.5 Hz
ω = 2πf = π for block to remain in contact with the piston at amplitude position
weight of the block = Force due to oscillation.
mg = ma
mg = m ( Aω2 )
g 10
A= 2
 A = 2 = 1m
ω π
59. The ratio of kinetic energy to the potential energy of a particle executing SHM at a distance equal to half
its amplitude, the distance being measured from its equilibrium position is [KCET-2015]
(A) 3 : 1 (B) 4 : 1 (C) 2 : 1 (D) 8 : 1

75
1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

Ans (A)
1
K = mω2 (A 2 − y 2 )
2
1 A
U = mω2 y 2 Given: y =
2 2
1  3A 
2
1 2A 
2
K = mω2   ; U = mω  
2  4  2  4 
K 3
=
U 1
60. A tray of mass 12 kg is supported by two identical springs as shown in figure. When the tray is pressed
down slightly and then released, it executes SHM with a time period of 1.5 s. The spring constant of
each spring is [KCET 2020]
12 kg

(A) 50 Nm–1
(B) 0
(C) 105 Nm–1
(D) ∞
Ans (C)
m
T = 2π
K eff
3 12
= 2π
2 2K
a 12
= 4π 2 ×
4 2K
K ≈ 105Nm −1

JEE Main

1. A block of mass m, lying on a smooth horizontal surface, is attached to a spring (of negligible mass) of
spring constant k. The other end of spring is fixed, as shown in the figure. The block is initially at rest in
its equilibrium position. If now the block is pulled with a constant force F, the maximum speed of the
block is [JEE main 2019]
2F F
(A) (B)
mk π mk
πF F
(C) (D)
mk mk
Ans (D)
Maximum speed is at mean or equilibrium position
F
At equilibrium position F = kx  x =
k
From work-energy theorem WF + Wsp = ∆K
1 1
F(x) − kx 2 = mv 2 − 0
2 2

76
 1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

2
F 1 F 1
F   − k   = mv 2
k
  2 k
  2
1 F2 1 F
= mv 2  v max =
2 k 2 mk
m
2. Two masses m and are connected at the two ends of a massless rigid rod of length l. The rod is
2
suspended by a thin wire of torsional constant k at the centre of mass of the rod-mass system
(see figure). Because of torsional constant k, the restoring torque is τ = kθ for angular displacement θ. If
the rod is rotated by θ0 and released, the tension in it when it passes through its mean position will be
3kθ02
(A) [JEE main 2019]
l
2kθ02
(B)
l
kθ02
(C)
l
kθ02
(D)
2l
Ans (C)
k
We have ω =
I
3k  ml2 
ω= I
 rod = 
ml2  3 
l 3k l kθ 2
Tension when it passes through the mean position = mω2 θ20 = m 2 θ20 = 2 0
3 ml 3 l
3. A particle is executing simple harmonic motion (SHM) of amplitude A, along the x-axis, about x = 0.
When its potential energy (PE) equals kinetic energy (KE), the position of the particle will be
[JEE Main 2019]
A A A
(A) (B) (C) (D) A
2 2 2 2
Ans (C)
1 2
Potential energy U = kx
2
1 1
Kinetic energy K = kA 2 − kx 2
2 2
According to the question, U = K
1 2 1 2 1 2 A
kx = kA − kx  x 2 = A 2 or , x =
2 2 2 2
4. A silver atom in a solid oscillates in simple harmonic motion in some direction with a frequency of
1012 s–1. The force constant of the bonds connecting one atom with the other is
(Mole wt. of silver = 108 and Avagadro number = 6.02 × 1023 g mol−1 ) [JEE Main 2018]
(A) 6.4 Nm −1 (B) 7.1Nm −1 (C) 2.2 Nm −1 (D) 5.5 Nm −1

77
1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

Ans (B)
K
Kx = ma  a = x
m
m
T = 2π
K
1 1 K 1 K
f= = = 1012  1024 = 2 ×
T 2π m 4π m
−3
4 × 10 × 108 × 10
K = 4π2 m × 1024 = × 1024 ≃ 7.1Nm −1
6.02 × 1023
5. A spring mass system is hanging from the ceiling of an elevator in equilibrium. The elevator suddenly
starts accelerating upwards with acceleration ‘a’. The time period of oscillation is
m(g + a) m(g − a)
(A) 2π (B) 2π K
k k
m m m
(C) 2π (D) 2π
k(g + a) k
Ans (D)
m
T = 2π
k
6. In the above problem the amplitude of resulting SHM is
mg ma m(g + a) m
(A) (B) (C) (D)
k k k k(g + a)
Ans (B)
mg
Initial extension in the spring =
k
m(g + a)
Extension in spring in equilibrium in accelerating lift =
k
m(g + a) mg ma
Amplitude, A = − =
k k k
7. A ring of radius ‘r’ is suspended from a point on its circumference. Determine its angular frequency of
small oscillations.
1 g 1 g
(A) (B)
2 2r 2π 2r
g g
(C) (D) 2π
2r 2r
Ans (C)
I
It is a physical pendulum, T = 2π
mgl
Here I = MI of ring about point of suspension = mr 2 + mr 2 = 2mr 2 and
l = distance of point of suspension from centre of gravity.
2mr 2 2r 2π g
T = 2π = 2π ω= =
mgr g T 2r

78
 1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

8. A long uniform rod of length L and mass M is free to rotate in a vertical plane about a horizontal axis
through its one end ‘O’. A spring of force constant K is connected vertically between one end of the rod
and ground. When the rod is in equilibrium it is parallel to the ground. The period of small oscillation
that results when the rod is rotated slightly and released will be
L
M 2M y
(A) T = 2π (B) T = 2π A θ
4K 3K O

2M M
(C) T = 2π (D) T = 2π
5K 3K
Ans (D)
Restoring torque about ‘O’ due to elastic force of the spring is
τ = − FL = − kyL [∵F = ky ] y → extension of the spring
τ = −kL2 θ [∵ y = Lθ]
ML2 d 2 θ
Also τ = Iα =
3 dt 2
1 d2θ
ML2 2 = −kL2 θ
3 dt
d 2θ 3k
2
= − θ;
dt M
d 2θ
comparing with 2 = −ω2 θ
dt
3k 2π M
we have ω = ∴T = = 2π
M ω 3K
9. A block of mass M is kept on a smooth surface and touches the two springs as shown in the figure, but
not attached to the springs. Initially springs are in their natural lengths. Now, the block is shifted
l0
from the given position in such a way that it compresses a spring and released. The time period of
2
oscillation of mass will be
3π M
(A)
2 K
M
(B) 2π
5K K 4K
M
π M
(C) l0 2l0
2 K
M
(D) π
3K
Ans (A)
Half of oscillation the block performs with spring of stiffness K and remaining half with spring of
stiffness 4 K.
T M T M π Μ
t1 = 1 = π and t 2 = 2 = π =
2 K 2 4K 2 K
3 M
∴ T = t1 + t 2 = π
2 K

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1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

10. The maximum acceleration of a particle undergoing SHM of period 2 s is 0.5 m s−2. The particle initially
at x = 2.5 cm moving towards extreme position with the origin being the mean position then the equation
of motion of the particle is
 π  π
(A) x = 0.25 sin  πt +  m (B) x = 0.05 sin  2πt +  m
 6  3
 π  π
(C) x = 0.05 sin  πt +  m (D) x = 0.05 cos  πt +  m
 6  6
Ans (C)
2
 2π 
a max = ω2 A  0.5 =   × A
 T 
0.5 1
T = 2s , A = 2 = 2 m = 0.05 m
π 2π
At t = 0 particle is at x0 = 2.5 cm
Equation for displacement is x ( t ) = A sin ( ωt + φ0 )
2π
ω= = π rad s −1
T
2.5 × 10−2 1
x 0 = A sin φ  sin φ = =
5 × 10−2 2
π
φ=
6
 π
∴ x (t) = 0.05 sin  πt + 
 6
Numerical problems
11. A 0.1 kg mass is suspended from a wire of negligible mass. The length of the wire is 1 m and its
cross-sectional area is 4.9 × 10−7 m 2 . If the mass is pulled a little in the vertically downward direction
and released, it performs simple harmonic motion of angular frequency 140 rads–1. If the young’s
modulus of the material of the wire is n × 109 Nm −2 , find the value of n.
Ans n = 4
F l
Y=
A ∆l
Fl F F
Elongation, ∆l = = =
AY AY k
l
k YA
ω= =
m ml
2
ω ml 140 × 140 × 0.1 × 1
Y= = −7
= 4 × 109
A 4.9 × 10
= n × 109 Nm −2  n = 4
π π
12. The minimum phase difference between two SHMs y1 = sin sin ωt + sin cos ωt
6 3
π π π
y 2 = cos sin ωt + cos cos ωt is . What is the value of n?
6 3 n

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 1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

Ans n = 6
π π
y1 = sin sin ωt + sin cos ωt
6 3
π π  π π  π
= cos sin ωt + sin cos ωt ∵ sin = cos  = sin  ωt + 
3 3  6 3  3
π π
y 2 = cos sin ωt + cos cos ωt
6 3
π π  π
= cos sin ωt + sin cos ωt = sin  ωt + 
6 6  6
 π  π π
∴ Phase difference =  ωt +  −  ωt +  =
 3  6 6
π π
As per question, = ;so n = 6
n 6
13. A block is performing SHM along a vertical line with amplitude of 40 cm on a horizontal plank. When
the plank is momentarily at rest, the block just lose the contact with plank. The period of oscillation of
2π
block is s. What is the value of n? [Use g = 10 ms–2]
n
Ans n = 9
l
As T = 2π or T ∝ l
g
T1 l 81 9
∴ = 1 = = … (1)
T2 l2 64 8
Let shorter pendulum makes n vibrations, then longer pendulum will make one less than n to come in
phase again, while passing through mean position, i.e., nT2 = (n − 1)T1
T n
or 1 = … (2)
T2 n − 1
n 9
From (1) and (2), =
n −1 8
or 8n = 9n − 9  n = 9
14. A spring balance has a scale that reads from 0 to 50 kg. The length of the scale is 20 cm. A block of
mass m is suspended from this balance, when displaced and released, it oscillates with a period 0.5 s.
Find the value of mass m in kg?
Ans 16
The 20 cm length of the scale reads upto 50 kg.
∴F = mg = 50 × 10 = 500 N and x = 20cm = 0.2 m
F 500
∴ Spring constant, k = = = 2500 N m −1
x 0.2
m
As T = 2π
k
4π2 m
squaring both sides, we get T 2 =
k
2 2
T k ( 0.5 ) × 2500
m= 2 = 2
= 16
4π 4 × ( 3.14 )

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1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

15. Two particles execute SHM of same amplitude and frequency along the same straight line. They cross
one another when going opposite directions. Calculate the phase difference between them in degrees
when their displacements are one half of their amplitude?
Ans 120
The equation for SHM is, y = Asin ( ωt + φ )
 A
As the displacement is half of the amplitude  y = 
 2
A 1
= A sin ( ωt + φ ) or sin ( ωt + φ ) =
2 2
∴ ωt + φ = 30° or 150°
Since the two particles are going in opposite directions, the phase of one is 30° and that of the other is
150°.
The phase difference between the two particles = 150° − 30° = 120°

NEET
1. Average velocity of a particle executing SHM in one complete vibration is [NEET 2019]
Aω Aω2
(A) (B) Aω (C) (D) zero
2 2
Ans (D)
Displacement
Average velocity = =0
T
2. A pendulum is hung from the roof of a sufficiently high building and is moving freely to and fro like a
simple harmonic oscillator. The acceleration of the bob of the pendulum is 20 ms–2 at a distance of 5 m
from the mean position. The time period of oscillation is [NEET 2018]
(A) 2π s (B) π s (C) 2s (D) 1s
Ans (B)
a = ω2 x
2π
20 = ω2 5  ω2 = 4  ω = 2  =2
T
T = πs
3. A particle executes linear simple harmonic motion with an amplitude of 3 cm. When the particle is at
2 cm from the mean position, the magnitude of its velocity is equal to that of its acceleration. Then its
time period in seconds is [NEET 2017]
5 4π 2π 5
(A) (B) (C) (D)
2π 5 3 π
Ans (B)
Amplitude A = 3 cm
When particle is at x = 2 cm
A2 − x 2
Its velocity = acceleration i.e., ω A 2 − x 2 = ω2 x  ω =
x
2π  2  4π
T= = 2π  =
ω  5 5

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 1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

4. A body of mass m is attached to the lower end of a spring whose upper end is fixed. The spring has
negligible mass. When the mass m is slightly pulled down and released, it oscillates with a time period
of 3 s. When the mass m is increased by 1 kg, the time period of oscillations becomes 5 s. The value of
m in kg is [NEET 2016]
3 4 16 9
(A) (B) (C) (D)
4 3 9 16
Ans (D)
m
Time period of spring mass system, T = 2π
k
T1 m1
For given spring, T ∝ m , =
T2 m2
Here T1 = 3s,m1 = m,T2 = 5s, m 2 = m + 1, m = ?
3 m
=
5 m +1
9 m
=
25 m + 1
25m = 9m + 1  16m = 9
9
∴ m = kg
16
5. A particle is executing a simple harmonic motion. Its maximum acceleration is α and maximum
velocity β. Then, its time period of vibration will be [NEET 2015]
β2 2πβ β2 α
(A) (B) (C) 2 (D)
α α α β
Ans (B)
If A and ω be amplitude and angular frequency of vibration, then
α = ω2 A ... (1)
β = ωA ... (2)
α ω2 A
Dividing eq. (1) by eq. (2) we get = =ω
β ωA
2π 2π 2πβ
∴Time period of vibration is T = = =
ω
( )
α
β
α

6. A person normally weighing 60 kg stands on a platform which oscillates up and down harmonically at a
frequency 2 s−1 and an amplitude 5 cm. If a machine on the platform gives the person’s weight against
time. The maximum reading it would show [g = 10 m s−2] is
(A) 1290 N (B) 1500 N
(C) 1080 N (D) none of (A), (B) and (C)

83
1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

Ans (C) N
N = mg + ma
We know in SHM a = −ω2y +A

∴ N = mg + m (−ω2y)
ω = 2πf = 2π(2) = 4 π rad s−1
Platform + weighing
∴ a = −(4π)2 y = −160 y (π2 ~ 10) machine mg + ma
−A
when y = −A, N is maximum
ma = Pseudo force
∴ Nmax = mg + mω2A
= 60 × 10 + 60 × 160 × 0.05
= 60 × 18 = 1080 N
7. In the above problem deduce the minimum reading
(A) 50 N (B) 400 N (C) 250 N (D) 120 N
Ans (D)
N is minimum when y = + A or y = + 0.05 m and
Nmin = mg − mω2y = 60 × 10 − 60 × 160 × 0.05 = 120 N
8. A simple spring has length l and force constant k. It is cut into two springs of lengths l1 and l2 such that
l1 = nl2 (n = integer). The force constant of the spring of length l1 is
k k
(A) k(1 + n) (B) (1 + n) (C) k (D)
n n +1
Ans (B)
1 1 1
k ∝ , k1 ∝ , k 2 ∝
l l1 l2 l1
k 2 l1 nl2
= = =n l
k1 l 2 l2
1 1 1 1 1 1+ n l2
= + = +  k1 = k
k k1 k 2 k1 nk1 n

9. A particle is performing a linear SHM. If the instantaneous acceleration and velocity of the particle ‘a’
and ‘v’ respectively. Identify the graph which correctly represents the relation between ‘a’ and ‘v’.
v2 v2 v2 v2

(A) (B) (C) (D)

2
a 2
a a2 a2
Ans (C)
v = ω A 2 − x 2 or v 2 = ω2 A 2 − ω2 x 2
a 2 2 2 2 a2 a2
But a = ω2x or x =  v = ω A − ω ×  v 2 = ω2 A 2 −
ω2 ω4 ω2
y = c + mx; Straight line with −ve slope
10. A particle moving on x-axis has potential energy U = 2 − 20x + 5x2 joule along x-axis. The particle is
released at x = −3 m. The maximum value of x will be
(A) 5 m (B) 3 m (C) 7 m (D) 8 m

84
 1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

Ans (C)
dU dU
= −20 + 10x; F = − = 20 − 10x
dx dx A=5m A=5m

At mean position F = 0 or 20 − 10 x = 0  x = 2 m.
−3 x=0 2 7
At x = −3 m, it is just released.
So its KE is zero there. Mean position
So it reaches x = 7 m where its KE is again zero.
11. A block of mass ‘m’ is attached to a spring in natural length (l0) of spring constant K. The other end A of
the spring is moved with a constant velocity v away from the block, the maximum extension in the
spring is
v
1 mv 2 2 mv 2
(A) l0 − (B) l0 − Smooth M A
2 K 3 K
1 mv 2 mv 2
(C) (D)
2 K K
Ans (D)
Consider an observer moving with speed v with point A in the same direction.
Initially, w.r.t observer, block is moving leftwards with speed v.
During maximum extension,
v
the block will come to rest w.r.t observer.
M A
1 1 2 mv 2
Now, by energy conservation mv 2 = kx max  x max =
2 2 K
12. In damped oscillations, the amplitude of oscillations is reduced to one-third of its initial value a0 at the
end of 100 oscillations. When the oscillator completes 200 oscillations, its amplitude must be
a a a a
(A) 0 (B) 0 (C) 0 (D) 0
2 6 9 4
Ans (C)
a t = a 0e − bt , where b = damping coefficient
If T is the time period of oscillation, then according to the given condition,
a 1
At the end of 100 oscillation, 0 = a 0 e− b×100 T or = e −100bT
3 3
2
2 1 a
At the end of 200 oscillation, a = a 0 e − b×200 T = a 0  e−100bT  = a 0   = 0
 3 9
13. A horizontal platform on which a coin is placed undergoes a vertical SHM of angular frequency ω. The
amplitude of oscillation is gradually increased. The coin will leave the contact with the platform for the
first time,
g
(A) for an amplitude of
ω
g
(B) for an amplitude of 2
ω
(C) at the highest position of the platform
(D) at the extreme position of the platform

85
1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

Ans (B)
Let O be the mean position of the platform and a be R
the acceleration of the platform (i.e., coin) at the
maximum displacement r from O. (b)
a
The coin will leave the contact if R = 0. mg
At position (a) R – mg = ma O
 R = mg + ma  R ≠ 0 R

At position (b) mg – R = ma or R = mg – ma
(a)
Thus, R can be zero at position (b). a
Then, g = a = ω2r mg
Thus the coin will leave the contact at the highest
g
position of the platform where the amplitude of oscillation = .
ω2
14. A mass of 1 kg suspended from spring of force constant 400 N m−1 executes SHM with total energy of
2 J. The maximum acceleration of the spring is
(A) 4 m s−2 (B) 40 m s−2 (C) 2 m s−2 (D) 20 m s−2
Ans (B)
1 1 1
Energy E = mω2 A 2 compare with U = kx 2 = KA 2
2 2 2
1 1
2 = × 400 × A 2 A = m
2 10
m
T = 2π
K
2π k 400
ω= ω= =  ω = 20 rad s −1
T m 1
1
Maximum acceleration amax = ω2 A = 202 × = 40 m s −2
10
15. The phase difference between displacement and acceleration of a particle in a simple harmonic motion is
π 3π
(A) rad (B) zero (C) π rad (D) rad [NEET 2020]
2 2
Ans (C)
Displacement of the particle executing SHM
X = A sin ω t
d2 x
Acceleration of the particle a = 2
dt
2
d (A sin ωt)
a= = −Aω2 sin ωt
dt 2
a = Aω2 sin (ωt + π) ∴ sin (π + θ) = − sin θ
Thus, phase difference between displacement and acceleration of the particle is π radian.

86
 1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

Self Assessment Test - 13.1

1. The period of oscillations of a simple pendulum is T in a stationary lift. If the lift moves upwards with an
acceleration 5 g, the period will
3 3
(A) remain the same (B) increase by (C) decrease by (D) none of these
5 2
Ans (D)
l
T = 2π
g
When g becomes (5 g + g) = 6 g in the given case, we get
l T
T ' = 2π =
6g 6

2. A system exhibiting SHM must possess

(A) elasticity, inertia and external force (B) elasticity only
(C) inertia only (D) elasticity as well as inertia
Ans (D)
System should be elastic and must possess inertia.
3. A rubber ball filled with water is having a small hole. This is used as the bob of a simple pendulum.
Then period of such a pendulum
(A) decreases (B) first decreases and then increases
(C) first increases and then decreases (D) increases
Ans (C)
Centre of gravity of the bob changes so length of the pendulum varies such that time period first
increases and then decreases.
4. Suppose a tunnel is dug along the diameter of earth. A particle is dropped from a point at a distance h
directly above the tunnel. The earth’s density is assumed uniform and the friction is neglected, then
(A) the particle will have harmonic oscillations.
(B) the particle will have maximum speed when passing through the centre of the earth.
(C) the acceleration of the particle will be maximum just at the point of release.
(D) the particle will drop to the centre of earth.
Ans (A)
Gravity provides the restoring force.
5. When a particle executes linear simple harmonic motion, its kinetic energy is maximum?
(A) at the mean position (B) at the extreme positions of its swing
(C) at every point on its path (D) none of the above
Ans (A)
At mean position the particle starts for the extreme position.
6. A chimpanzee is swinging on a swing in a sitting position. When it suddenly stands up
(A) the period will decrease (B) the period will be infinite
(C) the period will remain the same (D) the period will increase

87
1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

Ans (A)
c.g. changes to decrease the length
l
T = 2π i.e., T ∝ l so time period also decreases.
g
7. The displacement-time graph of a particle executing SHM is as shown in the figure.
y↑

t→

The corresponding force-time graph of particle is

F↑ F↑ F↑ F↑
(A) (B) (C) (D)
t→
t→ t→ t→
Ans (A)
F α (−)y
F α − a sin ωt
F α − sin ωt
 π
8. Two simple harmonic motions are represented by y1 = 5 sin 2πt + 3 cos 2πt  and y 2 = 5sin  2πt +  .
 4
The ratio of their amplitude is
(A) 1 : 1 (B) 1 : 3 (C) 2 : 1 (D) 1 : 1
Ans (C)
1
2
Here, A1 = ( 5 3 ) + 52 
2

1
= ( 75 + 25 ) 2 = 100 = 10 unit
A2 = 5 unit
A 10
then, 1 = = 2
A2 5

9. A particle executing a simple harmonic motion has a period of 6 sec. The time taken by the particle to
move from the mean position to half the amplitude, starting from the mean position is
1 3 1 3
(A) sec (B) sec (C) sec (D) sec
4 4 2 2
Ans (C)
x = A sin ωt
A
= A sin ωt
2
1
sin ωt =
2
π
ωt =
6
2π
ω=
T

88
 1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

 2π  π
t  =
 T  6
 2π  π
t  =
 6  6
1
t=
2
10. A particle executes SHM with amplitude 0.2 m and time period 24 s. The time required for it to move
from the mean position to a point 0.1 m from the mean position is
(A) 3 s (B) 8 s (C) 12 s (D) 2 s
Ans (D)
2π A 2π 2πt π
y = Asin t or = Asin t i.e., = i.e., t = 2 s
T 2 T T 6
11. The circular motion of a particle with constant speed is
(A) SHM but not periodic (B) periodic but also SHM
(C) neither periodic nor SHM (D) periodic but not SHM
Ans (B)
A circular motion with constant speed is a periodic motion as well as S.H.M
12. A particle executes simple harmonic motion with amplitude A. The distance moved by the particle in
one oscillation is
(A) zero (B) A (C) 2 A (D) 4 A
Ans (D)
Let the distance between the two extreme position be d and has amplitude A then
d = 2A, distance travelled by the particle in one oscillation is 2d, Hence total distance 2d = 4A
13. A particle executing SHM has a maximum speed of 0.5 ms−1 and maximum acceleration of 1.0 ms−2. The
angular frequency of oscillation is
(A) 0.5 rad s−1 (B) 0.5 π rad s−1 (C) 2 rad s−1 (D) 2π rad s−1
Ans (C)
Maximum velocity vmax = Aω
Maximum acceleration, amax = Aω2
a 1
Angular frequency ω = max = = 2 rad s −1
v max 0.5
14. Two simple pendulums A and B are made to oscillate simultaneously and is found that A completes
10 oscillations in 20 sec and B completes 8 oscillations in 10 sec. The ratio of the lengths of A and B is
8 25 5 65
(A) (B) (C) (D)
5 64 4 25
Ans (D)
The time period of the simple pendulum
l
T = 2π
g
2
lA  TA 
=
lB  TB 

89
1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

20
Time period of A : TA = =2s
10
10 5 lA 64
Time period of B : TB = = s ∴ =
8 4 lB 25
 π
15. The displacement of a particle executing SHM is given by x = 3sin  2πt +  where ‘x’ is in metres and
 4
t in seconds. The amplitude and maximum speed of the particle is
(A) 3 m, 4π ms−1 (B) 3 m, 6π ms−1 (C) 3 m, 8π ms−1 (D) 3 m, 2π ms−1
Ans (B)
A=3m
Vmax = Aω = 3 × 2π = 6π
16. A pendulum oscillates simple harmonically if and only if
(I) the size of the bob of pendulum is negligible in comparison with the length of the pendulum
(II) the angular amplitude is less than 10°
(A) Both (I) and (II) are correct (B) Both (I) and (II) are incorrect
(C) Only (I) is correct (D) Only (II) is correct
Ans (A)
17. Figure shows the circular motion of a particle. The radius of the circle, the period, sense of revolution
and the initial position are indicated on the figure. The simple harmonic motion of the x-projection of the
radius vector of the rotating particle p is Y
 πt   πt  P (t = 0)
(A) x ( t ) = Bsin   (B) x ( t ) = Bcos  
 15   15 
T = 30 s
 πt π   πt π  X
(C) x ( t ) = Bsin  +  (D) x ( t ) = Bcos  + 
 15 2   15 2 
Ans (A)
x x
As sin θ = =
OP B Y
x = B sin θ = B sin (ωt) 1
P (t = 0)
 πt  P (t = t)
= Bsin   θ
θ
 15  X
O A
2π π
as ω = = (T = 30 s)
T 15
18. When a mass m is connected individually to two springs s1 and s2 the oscillations frequencies are f1 and
f2. If the same mass is attached to the two springs as shown in the figure, the oscillation frequency would
be
(A) f1 + f2
m
(B) f12 + f 22
−1
1 1
(C)  + 
 f1 f 2 
(D) f12 − f 22

90
 1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

Ans (B)
1 k1 1 k2
As f1 = ; f2 =
2π m 2π m
1 k1 + k 2 1 k1 k 2
f= = +
2π m 2π m m
1 2 2
f= ( 2πf1 ) + ( 2πf 2 )
2π
f = f12 + f 22
π 
19. The displacement of a particle is represented by the equation y = 3cos  − 2 ωt  the motion of the
4 
particle is
2π π
(A) simple harmonic with period (B) simple harmonic with period
ω ω
(C) periodic but not simple harmonic (D) non-periodic
Ans (B)
π 
Comparing y = 3cos  − 2 ωt 
4 
 π 
= 3cos  2ωt − 
 4
with y = A cos (ωt − φ)
 2π π
= A cos  t − 
 T 4
2π π
t = 2 ωt where T =
T ω
20. The displacement of a particle is represented by the equation y = sin3 ωt. The motion is
(A) non-periodic (B) periodic but not simple harmonic
2π π
(C) simple harmonic with period (D) Simple harmonic with period
ω ω
Ans (B)
As sin3 ωt = (sin ωt)3
= [sin (ωt + 2π)]3
3
  2π  
= sin ω  t + 
  ω  
2π d2 y
y = sin3 ωt represents a periodic motion with period . Further as 2 is not proportional to (−y) the
ω dt
function does not represent SHM.
21. The displacement of a particle varies with time according to the relation: y = a sin ωt + b cos ωt
Choose the correct statement
(A) The motion is oscillatory but not SHM (B) The motion is SHM with amplitude (a + b)
(C) The motion is SHM with amplitude (a2 + b2) (D) The motion is SHM with amplitude a 2 + b2
Ans (D)
y = a sin ωt + b cos ωt

91
1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

 a b 
= a 2 + b2  sin ωt + cos ωt  or y = a 2 + b 2 sin ( ωt + θ )
2 2 2 2
 a +b a +b 
a b
Where cos θ = ; sin θ =
a 2 + b2 a 2 + b2
Thus the given relation represents SHM with amplitude a 2 + b2
22. The period of a particle executing S.H.M is 8 s. At t = 0 it is at the mean position. The ratio of the
distances covered by the particle in the 1st second to 2nd second is
1 1
(A) (B) 2 (C) (D) 2 + 1
2 +1 2
Ans (D)
At t = 0, the particle is at mean position, so x = a sin (ωt)
 2π  π 
x = a sin  t  = a sin  t  is the displacement of the particle from 0 → t s.
 8  4 
Let x1 = Displacement of the particle from 0 → 1 s and x2 = Displacement of the particle from 0 → 2 s
π a
x1 = a sin =
4 2
x2 = a
Hence displacement of the particle from 1 s to 2 s is (x2 − x1)
 1 
x 2 − x1 = a  1 − 
 2
a
x1 2 1
= = 2 +1
x 2 − x1  1  2 − 1
a 1 − 
 2
23. A particle executes S.H.M with frequency f. The frequency with which its kinetic energy oscillates is
f
(A) (B) f (C) 2 f (D) 4 f
2
Ans (C)
Let x = a sin (ωt)
dx
= v = aω cos (ωt )
dt
1 1
K.E = m v 2 = m ω2 a 2 cos 2 ( ωt )
2 2
1 1
P.E = k x 2 = m ω2 a 2 sin 2 ( ωt )
2 2
T
K.E has a period i.e., frequency 2 f
2
24. A hole is bored along the diameter of the earth and a particle is dropped into it. If R is the radius of the
earth and g is the acceleration due to gravity at the surface of the earth, then the time period of
oscillations of the particle is
R R 2R
(A) 2π (B) 2π (C) 2π (D) None of these
g 2g g

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 1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

Ans (A)
GM 'm
F= (towards O)
x2
4 
G  πx 3ρ  m
= 3 2  M
x M'
O
4 
F = −  πGρm  x
3 
2
d x  −4 
2
=  πGρ  x
dt  3 
x
T = 2π
g
3
T = 2π
4πGρ
GM 4
Since g = 2 = πRρG
R 3
R
T = 2π
g
25. Time period of a simple pendulum is T. If its length increased by 2%, the new time period becomes
(A) 0.98 T (B) 1.02 T (C) 0.99 T (D) 1.01 T
Ans (D)
Tα l
∆T 1  ∆l 
=   = 1%
T 2 l 
T '− T 1
=
T 100
T' = T + 0.01 T
T' = 1.01 T
26. A body of mass 5 g executing S.H.M with amplitude 10 cm. Its maximum velocity is 100 cm s−1. Its
velocity will be 50 cm s−1 at a displacement from its mean position equal to
(A) 5 cm (B) 5 3 (C) 10 cm (D) 10 3
Ans (B)
V2 = ω2 (a2 − x2)
Vmax = a ω
2  x2 
V 2 = Vmax  1 − 
 a2 
 x2 
2500 = 10000  1 − 2 
 a 
3
x= a, x = 5 3 cm
2

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1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

27. The minimum phase difference between the two simple harmonic oscillations
1 3
y1 = sin ( ωt ) + cos ( ωt ) and y2 = sin (ωt) + cos (ωt) is
2 2
π π π 7π
(A) (B) − (C) (D)
6 6 12 12
Ans (C)
1 3
y1 = sin ωt + cos ωt
2 2
 π
y1 = sin  ωt +  and y2 = sin (ωt) + cos (ωt)
 3
 π
y 2 = 2 sin  ωt + 
 4
π π π
∆φ = − =
3 4 12
28. A simple pendulum has a time period of 3.0 s. If the point of suspension of the pendulum starts
moving vertically upward with a velocity v = kt, where k = 4.4 ms−2, the new time period will be
(take g = 10 ms−2)
9 5
(A) s (B) s (C) 2.5 s (D) 4.4 s
4 3
Ans (C)
l
T1 = 2π ; g eff = g + a
g
dv d
a= = ( kt )
dt dt
k = 4.4 ms−2
geff = g + a = 10 + 4.4 = 14.4 ms−2
l T g 10 1
T2 = 2π ; 2 = = =
g eff T1 g eff 14.4 1.2
T1 3
T2 = = ; T2 = 2.5 s
1.2 1.2
29. The x-t graph of a particle undergoing simple harmonic motion is shown below. The acceleration of the
4
particle at t = s is
3
x (cm)

3 2 −π2 1
(A) π cm s 2 (B) cm s 2 0
32 32 4 8 12 t (s)
2
π − 3 2
(C) cm s 2 (D) π cm s 2
32 32
Ans (D)
 π
The given motion is represented by x = 1sin   t
4
2 2
d x −π  πt 
2
= sin  
dt 16 4

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 1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

4
at t = s
3
2
d x 3 2
2
= π cm s 2
dt 32
30. A particle executes simple harmonic motion between x = −A to x = +A. The time taken for it to go from
A A
O to is T1 and to go from to A is T2. Then
2 2
(A) T1 < T2 (B) T1 > T2 (C) T1 = T2 (D) T1 = 2T2
Ans (A)
The velocity of a body executing SHM is maximum at its centre and decreases as the body proceeds to
the extremes.
A A
Therefore, if the time taken for the body to go from O to is T1 and to go from to A is T2, then
2 2
obviously T1 < T2.

Self Assessment Test - 13.2

1. If a simple pendulum is taken to a place where g decreases by 2 %, then the time period
(A) increases by 1% (B) decreases by 1% (C) increases by 2% (D) decreases by 2%
Ans (A)
l
T = 2π
g
∆T 1 ∆l 1 ∆g
= + ∆l = constant
T 2 l 2 g
∆l ∆T 1 ∆g 1
∴ =0 = = ( 2% ) = 1% increases
l T 2 g 2
2. A particle moves such that its acceleration a is given by a = − bx , where x is the displacement from
equilibrium position and b is a constant. The period of oscillation is
2π 2π π
(A) 2π b (B) (C) (D) 2
b b b
Ans (B)
Displacement 1
In the given case, =
acceleration b
Displacement 2π
∴ Time period T = 2π =
acceleration b
A
3. A particle executes SHM between x = –A and x = +A. The time taken for it to go from 0 to is T1 and
2
A
to go from to A is T2. Then
2
(A) T1 > T2 (B) T1 < T2 (C) T1 = T2 (D) T1 = 4T2
Ans (B)
A
When y = t = T1
2

95
1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

A π π
∴ y = A sin ωT1 = or ωT1 = or T1 =
2 6 6ω
When y = A, t = T1 + T2
π
y = Asin ω (T1 + T2 ) = A or ω (T1 + T2 ) =
2
π π π π
 T1 + T2 =  T2 = − =
2ω 2ω 6ω 3ω
4. A mass m is suspended by two springs of force constants K1 and K2 respectively as shown in the
diagram. The total elongation (stretch) of the two springs is

K1
mg
(A)
K1 + K 2
mg (K1 + K 2 )
(B)
K1 K 2
K2
mg K1K 2
(C)
K1 + K 2
K1 + K 2
(D) m
K1K 2 mg

Ans (B)
k1 k 2
For series combination k eq =
k1 + k 2
 kk  mg(k1 + k 2 )
F = k eq x  mg =  1 2  x  x =
 k1 + k 2  k1 k 2

5. In case of a forced vibration, the resonance wave becomes very sharp when the
(A) Restoring force is small (B) Applied periodic force is small
(C) Quality factor is small (D) Damping force is small
Ans (D)
Less damping force gives a taller and narrower resonance peak

Amplitude

Frequency

6. A simple pendulum of length 1 m is taken to height h (equal to radius of the earth) from the earth’s
surface. The time period of small oscillation of the pendulum at that point is (g = π2 m s−2)
(A) 2 s (B) 3 s (C) 4 s (D) 1 s

96
 1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

Ans (C)
GM GM g
At height h, g h = 2
= 2
= .
(R + h) (R + R) 4
l 1 2
∴ T = 2π = 2π = 2π  = 4s
g 1 1 π
× π2
4
7. The PE of a particle oscillating on x-axis is given as U = 50 + (x − 2)2 J.
(A) motion of the particle is SHM with x = 0 as mean position
(B) motion of the particle is SHM with x = 2 as mean position
(C) motion of the particle is oscillatory but not SHM
(D) motion of the particle is rectilinear along +ve x-direction
Ans (B)
dU
F=− = −2 ( x − 2 )
dx
Fα − 2X, where X = x − 2
 F = 0, at x = 2 i.e., motion is SHM with mean position x = 2.
8. The total energy of a particle executing SHM is proportional to
(A) displacement from the mean position (B) frequency of oscillation
(C) velocity of equilibrium position (D) square of amplitude of motion
Ans (D)
1
TE = mω2 A 2
2
9. A block of wood is moving horizontally back and forth in SHM at a frequency of 2 Hz. A coin is placed
on this block. The coin slips when the amplitude of the motion is 5 cm. Then coefficient of static friction
between the coin and the block is
(A) 0.806 (B) 1.24 (C) 0.04 (D) 0.082
Ans (A)
µmg = m(a max ) , amax = ω2A
µg = ω2 A
(2πf ) 2 A 4 × 3.142 × 22 × 5 × 10−2
µ= = = 0.806
g 9.8

10. A spring is hanging vertically from a support. An object is hung from the unstretched spring and released
from rest. It falls 19.6 cm before coming to rest. The period of oscillation of the object is
(A) 3.14 s (B) 0.628 s (C) 6.28 s (D) 0.314 s
Ans (B)
Potential energy of the free fall = Potential energy stored in the spring
1
mg x = kx 2
2
m x
=
k 2g
m x
T = 2π = 2π
K 2g

97
1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

19.6 × 10 −2
 T = 2π
2 × 9.8
T = 0.628 s
11. The metallic bob of a simple pendulum has the relative density ρ. The time period of this pendulum is T.
If the metallic bob is immersed in water, then the new time period is given by
ρ −1 ρ ρ −1 ρ
(A) T (B) T (C) T (D) T
ρ ρ −1 ρ ρ −1
Ans (D)
 m   ρ −1 
When the bob is immersed in water its effective weight =  mg − g  = mg  
 ρ   ρ 
 ρ −1 
∴ g eff = g  
 ρ 
T' g
=
T g eff
T' g
=
T  ρ −1
g 
 ρ 
ρ
T' = T
ρ −1

12. A particle of mass m is placed in unidimensional potential field where potential energy varies as
U(x) = U0 (1 − cos bx) where U0 and b are constants. The period of small amplitude oscillation of the
particle is
aU 0 m m m
(A) 2π (B) 2π 2 (C) 2π (D) 2π
m b U0 bU 0 U0
Ans (B)
dU
F=− = − U 0 b sin bx  F = − U 0 b 2 x
dx
U b2 m  U0 b2 
ma = − U 0 b 2 x a = − 0 x  T = 2π 2  a = −ω2
x  ω = 
m b U0  m 

13. Two particles are executing SHM of same amplitude, frequency along the same straight line. The
maximum distance between these two particles is 2 a. The phase difference between the particles is
π π π
(A) zero (B) (C) (D)
3 6 2
Ans (D)
y1 = a sin ω t, y2 = a sin (ωt + φ)
y2 − y1 = a 2 = a sin(ωt + φ) − a sin ωt

a 2 = 2a cos
(ωt + φ + ωt ) sin  ωt + φ − ωt 
 
2  2 
 φ
for maximum value cos ωt +  = 1
 2

98
 1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

φ φ 1
∴ 2 sin= 2  sin =
2 2 2
φ π π
= φ= .
2 4 2
14. A simple pendulum with length L and mass m of the bob is oscillating with an amplitude A. The
maximum tension in the string is
2 2
  A 2   A  A
(A) mg (B) mg 1 +    (C) mg 1 +  (D) mg 1 + 
  L    2L   l
Ans (B)
mv 2
T − mg cos θ =
l
T is maximum when θ = 0, T
L θ
mv 2 max v
Tmax = mg +
l
θ
mA 2 ω 2 mA 2 g  g  mg cos θ
= mg + = mg + × ∵ ω = for the pendulum  mg
L L L  L 
mg 2  A2 
= mg + A = mg 1 + 2  .
L2  L 
15. The amplitude of a damped oscillator becomes half of its original value in one minute. In three minutes
1
the amplitude is reduced by times. Then the value of n is
n
(A) 4 (B) 8 (C) 12 (D) 16
Ans (B)
− bt −b
A0
A t = A 0e 2m ; = A 0e 2m … (1)
2
3b
A0 −
= A 0 e 2m … (2)
n
2
n
2b
 b 
∴ Dividing equations (1) and (2) we get, =e 2 m =  e 2 m  = ( 2) 2
2  
 
∴n=8
A0
16. The amplitude of a damped oscillator is A0. It becomes in 2 minutes. The amplitude of oscillation
3
after 6 minutes will be
A A A A
(A) 0 (B) 0 (C) 0 (D) 0
6 9 27 81
Ans (C)
Since the amplitude decreases exponentially, in equal time it decreases by equal ratio. After 2 minutes
A0 A
the amplitude is , after another 2 minutes, the amplitude will be 0 . After another 2 minutes
3 9
A0
amplitude will be .
27

99
1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

17. A driven oscillator is acted upon by a force F = F0 sin ωt. The amplitude of oscillation is given by
F0
A= . The resonant angular frequency is
2
aω − bω + c
2a a b b
(A) (B) (C) (D)
b b a 2a
Ans (D)
When there is resonance, A must be maximum.
d
Hence, (aω2 − bω + c) must be minimum and
dω
( )
aω2 − bω + c = 0  2a ω – b = 0
b
Hence, ω =
2a
18. A particle with a restoring force proportional to negative of displacement is subjected to a force F sin ωt.
The amplitude of the particle is found to be maximum for ω = ω1 and the energy of the particle is found
to be maximum for ω = ω2. If the natural frequency of the particle is ω0, then
(A) ω1 = ω0 ; ω2 = ω0 (B) ω1 ≠ ω0 ; ω2 ≠ ω0 (C) ω1 ≠ ω0 ; ω2 = ω0 (D) ω1 = ω0 ; ω2 ≠ ω0
Ans (A)
25
19. An object of mass 0.2 kg executes simple harmonic motion along X-axis with frequency of Hz . At
π
the position x = 0.04m , the object has kinetic energy of 0.5 J and potential energy of 0.4 J. Amplitude
of oscillation in meter is equal to
(A) 0.05 (B) 0.06 (C) 0.01 (D) none of these
Ans (B)
1 1 1 2E
E = mω2 A 2  E = m (2πf ) 2 A 2  A =
2 2 2πf m
1 2 × (0.5 + 0.4)
Putting E = K + U we obtain, A =  A = 0.06 m
 25  0.2
2π  
 π 
20. A spring has a force constant k and a mass m is suspended from it. The spring is cut into two equal
halves, and the same mass is suspended from one of the halves. If the frequency of oscillation in the first
case is f, then the frequency in the second case will be
(A) f (B) 2 f (C) 3 f (D) 2 f
Ans (B)
1 k 1 2k
f= , f1 =
2π m 2π m
∴ f1 = 2 f
21. The work done by the string of a simple pendulum during one complete oscillation is equal to

(A) zero T
θ
(B) kinetic energy
(C) potential energy θ
mg sinθ mg
(D) total energy

100
 1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

Ans (A)
When the bob oscillates, the restoring force mg sin θ is always acts perpendicular to the length of the
string. So, work done by the string in one oscillation is zero.
22. A particle starts with SHM from the mean position as shown in the figure, its amplitude is A and its time
period is T. At one time its speed is half that of the maximum speed, then displacement is
2A 3A
(A) (B)
3 2
2A 3A u
(C) (D) u = max
2
2 2
Ans (B)
1/ 2
2 2 1/ 2  v2  Aω
v = ω(A − x )  x = A2 − 2  , given v =
 ω  2
1/ 2
 A 2 ω2  3
∴ x =  A2 −  = ⋅A
 4ω2  2

23. For a particle in SHM, the kinetic energy K is given by, K0 cos2 ωt. The maximum value of PE is
(A) K0 (B) 2K0 (C) 3K0 (D) 4K0
Ans (A)
Since K = K0 cos2ωt, the maximum value of KE = K0 = maximum value of PE at the extreme position of
the body in SHM.
24. Two simple pendulums of lengths 1.44 m and 1 m start swinging together. After how many vibrations
will they again start swinging together
(A) 5 oscillations of smaller pendulum (B) 6 oscillations of smaller pendulum
(C) 4 oscillations of bigger pendulum (D) 6 oscillations of bigger pendulum
Ans (B)
1 n 1.44 1.2
n∝  2 = =  n 2 = 1.2 n1
l n 1 1 1
For n2 be integer minimum value of n1 should be 5 and then n2 = 6 i.e., after 6 oscillations of smaller
pendulum both will be in phase.
25. The velocity at the mean position of the bob of a pendulum in SHM is v. If its amplitude is doubled
keeping the length same, its velocity in the mean position will be
(A) v (B) 2v (C) 3v (D) 4v
Ans (B)
v = Aω  v1 = (2A)ω = 2 v
 π
26. Figure obtained by combining x = A sin ωt and y = A sin  ωt +  will be
 4
(A) an ellipse (B) a circle (C) a straight line (D) a square
Ans (A)
x x2
sin ωt =  cos ωt = 1 −
A A2

101
1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

 π π π
Now y = A sin  ωt +  = A sin ωt cos + A cos ωt sin
 4 4 4
x 1 A2 − x2 1
=A +A
A 2 A 2
y 2 =x+ A2 − x2
2y2 = x2 + A2 – x2 + 2x A2 − x2
 2y2 = A2 + 2x A2 − x2 .
This is the equation of an ellipse.
27. One end of a spring of force constant k is fixed to a vertical wall and the other to a block of mass m
resting on a smooth horizontal surface. There is another wall at a distance x 0 from the black. The spring
is then compressed by 2x 0 and released. The time taken to strike the wall is
1 k k
(A) π (B)
6 m m M
2π m π k
(C) (D)
3 k 4 m
2x0 x0

Ans (C)
The total time from A to C
t AC = t AB + t BC
= (T / 4) + t BC A B C

where T = time period of oscillation of spring mass system

t BC can be obtained from, BC = ABsin(2π / T) t BC M

BC 1 T T T 2π m
Putting = we obtain t BC =  t AC = + =
AB 2 12 4 12 3 k
28. If x, v and a denote the displacement, the velocity and the acceleration of a particle executing simple
harmonic motion of time period T, then which of the following does not change with time
aT aT
(A) a2T2 + 4π2v2 (B) (C) aT + 2πv (D)
x v
Ans (B)
4π 2 aT 4π2
As for an SHM, a = −ω2 x = − 2 x, =− = constant (as T is constant)
T x T
29. The x-t graph of a particle undergoing SHM is as shown in figure. The acceleration of the particle at
4
t = s is
3
3 2 π2
(A) π cm s −2 (B) − cm s −2
32 32
2
π 3 2
(C) cm s −2 (D) − π cm s −2
32 32
Ans (D)
The given curve is a sine curve with A = 1 cm and T = 8 s

102
 1PBDBEPS-Oscillations

2π π
i.e., ω = =
T 4
If it is represented by x = A sin ωt,
2
2 π π 4
Acceleration, a = −ω A sin ωt = −   (1)sin  × 
4  4 3
π  3
2
3 2
=−   = − π cm s −2
16  2  32

30. The displacement time graph of a particle executing S.H.M. is as shown in the figure
y

O
t

The corresponding force-time graph of the particle is

F
F F F

(A) (B) (C) (D)

O O t
t
O t
O t
Ans (D)
Acceleration = −ω2 y . So F = − mω2 y
y is sinusoidal function.
So, F will be also sinusoidal function with phase difference π

103
14.1. Waves
Exercise
Very short answer questions (VSA)
1. What is a wave?
Solution
A wave is a continuously propagating disturbance.
2. Do transverse waves need a material medium for propagation?
Solution
Not necessarily. (Only mechanical transverse wave requires a medium).
3. Name a transverse wave, which can travel in vacuum.
Solution
Electromagnetic wave.
4. Give an example of a longitudinal wave.
Solution
Sound waves.
5. What is a mechanical wave?
Solution
A wave which requires a material medium for its propagation is called mechanical wave.
6. Give an example for a mechanical transverse wave.
Solution
Waves on a string.
7. What properties of a medium are responsible for the propagation of a mechanical wave?
Solution
Elastic and inertial properties.
8. Mention any two examples of a mechanical wave.
Solution
Waves on a string and sound waves.
9. Give an example for a one-dimensional wave.
Solution
Wave on a string.
10. Give an example for a two dimensional wave.
Solution
Ripples on the surface of the water.
11. Give an example for a three dimensional wave.
Solution
Sound (three dimensional mechanical wave), Light (three dimensional non-mechanical wave).
12. What is a longitudinal wave?
Solution
If the particles of the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of wave propagation then the wave is
called longitudinal wave.

104
 1PBDBEPS-Waves

13. What is a transverse wave?

Solution
If the particles of the medium vibrate perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation then the wave is
called transverse wave.
14. Define the following terms with respect to a progressive wave:
(a) amplitude (b) frequency (c) period (d) wavelength
Solution
(a) It is the maximum displacement of the particle from the mean position during the wave propagation.
(b) It is the number of oscillations made by a particle in unit time during wave propagation.
(c) It is the time taken by a particle to complete one oscillation during wave propagation.
(d) It is the minimum distance between two successive particles vibrating in phase.
15. The vibration of a particle is represented by y = a sin ( ω t + φ ) . What is its phase?
Solution
(ω t + φ) .
16. The distance between two successive points along a wave with a phase difference of 180° is 2 mm .
What is the wavelength?
Solution
2π 2π ( p.d ) 2π ( 2mm )
∆φ = ( p.d )  λ = = = 4mm
λ ∆φ π
17. y1 = a sin ( ω t − k x ) and y2 = a sin ( k x − ω t ) represent two waves. What is the phase difference
between them?
Solution
π rad .
18. Two waves are represented by y1 = a sin ( ω t + φ1 ) and y2 = a sin ( ω t + φ2 ) . What is the phase
difference between them?
Solution
( φ2 − φ1 ) .
19. Two waves are represented by y1 = a sin ( ω t + φ ) and y2 = a cos ( ω t + φ ) . What is the phase difference
between them?
Solution
π
rad .
2
20. The frequency of a wave is 50 Hz . What is its period?
Solution
1 1
T= = = 0.02 s .
f 50

21. What is wave velocity?

Solution
It is distance travelled by the wave in unit time.

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1PBDBEPS-Waves

22. Write the relation between wavelength and wave velocity.

Solution
v = f λ , where v → wave velocity, f → frequency and λ → wavelength of the wave.
23. Which quantities in the equation v = f λ change when a wave travels from one medium to another?
Solution
v and λ . f remains same.
24. What is a progressive wave?
Solution
A continuous propagating disturbance is called a progressive wave.
25. Define ‘particle velocity’ and ‘wave velocity’.
Solution
Particle velocity is the velocity of the particle at a given instant.
Wave velocity is distance covered by the wave in unit time.
26. A wave is represented by y = A sin ( a x + b t ) where a and b are positive constants. What is the
direction of propagation of the wave?
Solution
Negative X − direction.
27. Mention the factors on which the velocity of transverse wave propagating on a stretched string depends?
Solution
Tension in the string and linear mass density.
28. How does the intensity of a wave change with the amplitude of the wave?
Solution
For a wave of given frequency, in a given medium, I ∝ a 2 .
29. How does the intensity of a wave change when its frequency changes from 1000 Hz to 1414 Hz when
amplitude is kept constant?
Solution
2
I 2  1414 
=  =2.
I1  1000 
30. What is sound?
Solution
Sound is a form of energy that produces the sensation of hearing in human ear.
31. What are infrasonic waves?
Solution
Sound waves of frequencies less than 20 Hz are called infrasonics.
32. Write Newton’s formula for the velocity of sound in a gas.
Solution
P
v= .
ρ

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33. Write Newton-Laplace formula for the velocity of sound in a gas.

Solution
γP
v= .
ρ
34. Why do we see the flash of lightning before we hear the thunder though both occur together?
Solution
Speed of light is much greater than the speed of sound.
35. How does the velocity of sound in air vary with temperature?
Solution
Velocity of sound in air varies directly as the square root of its absolute temperature.
36. The temperature of a gas is increased to four times the initial value on the absolute scale. How does the
velocity of sound change?
Solution
Velocity doubles.

Short answer questions (SA - 2 Marks)

37. Obtain the relation connecting v, f and λ.
Solution
Wave velocity is the distance travelled by the wave per unit time. A wave travels a distance λ in time
T.
λ  1
v= = f λ. f = 
T  T
38. Define propagation constant (angular wave number). How is it related to wavelength?
Solution
Propagation constant is rate of change of phase with respect to the distance covered by the wave.
2π
k= .
λ
39. The velocity of a sound wave decreases from 330 m s −1 to 220 m s −1 on passing from one medium to
another. If the wavelength in the first medium is 3 m , what is the wavelength in the second medium?
Solution
v1 v2
Since the frequency of the wave remains same, f = =
λ1 λ 2
330 220
 =  λ2 = 2 m
3 λ2
40. A wave is represented by the equation y = a sin ( ω t + φ ) . Calculate the instantaneous velocity of a
particle of the medium.
Solution
Given, y = a sin ( ω t + φ )
On differentiating with respect to t we get, v p = a ω cos ( ω t + φ )

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41. A wave is represented by the equation y = a sin ( ω t + φ ) . Calculate the instantaneous acceleration of a
particle of the medium.
Solution
y = a sin ( ω t + φ )
On differentiating with respect to t we get, v p = a ω cos ( ω t + φ )
On differentiating with respect to t we get, a p = − a ω2 sin ( ω t + φ )

42. If tension in a wire is increased to four times, how be the wave speed affected?
Solution
Wave speed v ∝ T , Therefore, if tension T is increased four times, the wave speed becomes twice.
43. Explain why it is wrong to assume isothermal conditions for air during propagation of sound.
Solution
Since, air is bad conductor of heat and the oscillations are so rapid that there will be no time for
exchange of heat between the layers of air. Therefore, temperature of the medium, changes. Thus, it
cannot be considered as isothermal process.
44. Can sound waves of wavelengths 330 mm and 33 mm be heard in air? Justify.
Solution
v 330
f1 = = = 1000 Hz
λ1 330 × 10− 3
v 330
f2 = = = 10000 Hz
λ 2 33 × 10− 3
Both the waves belong to the audible range. Therefore they can be heard.
45. Sound waves are called pressure waves. Why?
Solution
When sound waves travel through a medium (gas), alternate compressions and rarefactions are formed in
any region. The pressure of gas in the region varies periodically with time. This variation of pressure
helps for the propagation of sound waves through the gas.
46. Sound produced in air is not heard by a diver in water. Why?
Solution
The water surface reflects most of the sound back into air and only a very small fraction of incident
sound is refracted into water. Hence, the sound produced in air is not heard by the diver in water.
47. Compare the velocities of sound in hydrogen and helium at 273 K .
Solution
vH M He 2
= = = 2 vH : vHe = 2 :1
vHe MH 1

48. Compare the velocities of sound in hydrogen and oxygen at a given temperature.
Solution
vH MO 16
= = =4 vH : vO = 4 :1
vO MH 1

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Short answer questions (SA - 3 Marks)

49. Distinguish between mechanical and electromagnetic waves.
Solution
Refer module
50. Distinguish between longitudinal and transverse waves.
Solution
Refer module
51. You have learnt that a travelling wave in one dimension is represented by a function y = f ( x, t ) where
x and t must appear in the combination ( x − v t ) or ( x + v t ) , i.e., y = f ( x ± v t ) . Is the converse true?
Examine if the following functions for y can possibly represent a travelling wave:
2 ( x + v t )  1
(a) ( x − v t ) (b) log   (c)
 x0  (x + v t)
Solution
The converse of the given statement is not true. The essential requirement for a function to represent a
travelling wave is that it should remain finite for all values of x and t.
2
(a) For x = 0 and t = 0 , the function ( x − v t ) becomes 0 .
Hence, for x = 0 and t = 0 , the function represents a point and not a wave.
(b) For x = 0 and t = 0 , the function
( x + v t)
log   = log 0 = ∞
 x0 
Since the function does not converge to a finite value for x = 0 and t = 0 , it represents a travelling
wave.
1
(c) For x = 0 and t = 0 , the function, =∞
(x + v t)
Since the function does not converge to a finite value for x = 0 and t = 0 , it represents a travelling wave.
52. Explain Laplace’s correction for Newton’s formula for the velocity of sound in a gas.
Solution
Refer module
53. Show that the speed of sound waves in air increases nearly by 0.61 m s −1 for every 1 οC rise in the
temperature of air.
Solution
 t   t   t 
We have vt = v0 1 +  or vt − v0 = v0   or ∆v = v0  
 546   546   546 
 1  −1
When the temperature is increased by 1 οC , ∆v = 332 ×   = 0.61 m s
 546 
54. Show that the velocity of sound in a gas is proportional to T.
Solution
Refer module

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Long answer type Questions (LA)

55. Give the differences between longitudinal and transverse waves.
Solution
Refer module
56. Obtain an equation for a sinusoidal wave travelling in the positive X − direction.
Solution
Refer module
57. Write Newton’s formula for the velocity of sound in air. Discuss the Laplace’s correction.
Solution
Refer module

Classwork Problems
58. A wave travelling in a string is described by an equation y ( x, t ) = 0.005 sin ( 80 x − 3 t ) . All are in SI
unit. Find (a) Amplitude ( a ) (b) Wave length ( λ ) (c) Period ( T ).
Solution
y ( x, t ) = 0.005 sin ( 80 x − 3 t )
On comparing with y ( x, t ) = a sin ( k x − ω t )
(a) a = 0.005 m
2 π 2 × 3.14
(b) k = 80 rad m −1 λ= = = 0.0785 m
k 80
2 π 2 × 3.14
(c) ω = 3 rad s −1 T= = = 2.093 s
ω 3
59. For the travelling harmonic wave y ( x, t ) = 20 cos 2 π (10 t − 0.0080 x + 0.35 ) ... cm , calculate the phase
difference between oscillatory motion of two points separated by a distance of
λ 3λ
(a) 4 m (b) 0.5 m (c) (d)
2 4
Solution
y ( x, t ) = 20 cos 2 π (10 t − 0.0080 x + 0.35 )
y ( x, t ) = 20 cos ( 20 π t − 0.016 π x + 0.7 π )
2π
On comparing with y ( x, t ) = a cos ( ω t − k x + φ0 ) , k= = 0.016 π rad cm −1
λ
2π
Phase difference is given by the relation: φ = ×x=k x
λ
(a) For x = 4 m = 400 cm , φ = 0.016 π × 400 = 6.4 π rad
(b) For x = 0.5 m = 50 cm , φ = 0.016 π × 50 = 0.8 π rad
λ 2π λ
(c) For x= , φ= × = π rad
2 λ 2
3λ 2π 3λ
(d) For x= , φ= × = 1.5 π rad
4 λ 4

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60. A steel wire has a length of 12 m and a mass of 2.1 kg . What should be the tension in the wire so that
speed of a transverse wave on the wire is 343 m s −1 ?
Solution
l = 12 m , m = 2.1 kg , v = 343 m s −1 , T = ?
m 2.1
Linear density, µ = = = 0.175 kg m−1
l 12
T
Velocity of the transverse wave, v = or T = v2 µ
µ
Tension in the wire, T = 3432 × 0.175 = 2.06 × 104 N
61. A stone dropped from the top of a tower of height 300 m high splashes into the water a pond near the
base of the tower. When is the splash heard at the top? Given that speed of sound in air is 340 m s −1 and
g = 9.8 m s − 2 .
Solution
s = 300 m , g = 9.8 m s − 2 , v = 340 m s −1 , t = t1 + t2 = ?
2s 2 × 300
The time t1 taken by the stone to strike the water in the pond, t1 = = = 7.825 s
g 9.8
s 300
Time t2 taken by the sound to reach the top of the tower, t2 = = = 0.882 s
v 340
Therefore, the time after which the splash is heard, t = t1 + t2 = 7.825 + 0.882 = 8.707 s
62. The velocity of sound in air at STP is 330 m s −1 . At what temperature will the velocity of sound be
418 m s −1 ?
Solution
v1 = 330 m s −1 , v2 = 418 m s −1 , T1 = 273 K , T2 = ?
2 2 2
v2 T T2  v2  v   418 
= 2  =   T2 = T1  2   T2 = 273 ×   = 438 K
v1 T1 T1  v1   v1   330 
63. The planet Jupiter has an atmosphere of a mixture of ammonia and methane at a temperature − 130 οC .
Calculate the velocity of sound on this planet assuming γ for mixture to be 1.3 . Molar mass of the
mixture is 16.5 × 10− 3 kg mol−1 and R = 8.3 J mol−1 K −1 .
Solution
γ = 1.3 , M = 16.5 × 10− 3 kg , M = 16.5 × 10−3 kg mol−1, R = 8.3 J mol−1 K −1 , T = − 130 + 273 = 143 K ,
v=?
γ RT 1.3 × 8.3 × 143
v= = = 305.8 m s −1
M 16.5 × 10− 3
64. On a dry day sound travels a certain distance in 10 s . What is the time required for sound to travel the
same distance on a humid day? The densities of dry air and humid air are in the ratio 3 : 2 .
Solution
ρd : ρh = 3 : 2 , td = 10 s , th = ?
1 1
t∝ (since s is constant) also, v∝
v ρ
th vd ρh ρh 2
= = th = t d = 10 = 8.165 s
td vh ρd ρd 3

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Practice Exercise
65. A progressive wave is represented by the equation y = 2 sin ( 3 π t − 2 x ) ... m . Find the velocity of a
particle at x = 3 m in the medium at t = 5 s .
Solution
y = 2 sin ( 3 π t − 2 x )
On differentiating with respect to time, v = 6 π cos ( 3 π t − 2 x )
At x = 3 m and at t = 5 s , v = 6 × 3.14 × cos ( 3 × 3.14 × 5 − 2 × 3)  v = 6 × 3.14 × cos ( 41.1)
cos ( 41.1) = cos ( 2356° ) = cos ( 6 × 360° + 196° ) = cos (196° ) = cos (180° + 16° ) = − cos (16° ) = − 0.9613
 v = − 6 × 3.14 × 0.9613 = − 18.11 m s −1
66. The equation for a transverse wave on a string is given by y = 5 sin 4 π ( 2.5 t − 0.1 x ) , where x and y
are in mm and t is in second. Calculate the maximum values of particle velocity and particle
acceleration.
Solution
y = 5 sin 4 π ( 2.5 t − 0.1 x ) or y = 5 sin (10 π t − 0.4 π x )
On comparing with y = a sin ( ω t − k x ) , a = 5 mm = 5 × 10− 3 m , ω = 10 π rad s −1
Maximum particle velocity, ( v p ) = a ω = 5 × 10− 3 × 10 × 3.14 = 0.157 m s −1
max
2
Maximum particle acceleration, ( a p ) = − a ω2 = − 5 × 10− 3 × (10 × 3.14 ) = − 4.93 m s − 2
max

67. A stretched rope of length 5 m has a net mass of 0.25 kg . Calculate the power that must be supplied to
the rope in order to generate harmonic waves of amplitude 0.1 m , wavelength of 0.5 m , traveling at a
speed of 100 m s −1 .
Solution
l = 5 m , m = 0.25 kg , a = 0.1 m , λ = 0.5 m , v = 100 m s −1 , P = ?
mass mass m v
Density, ρ = = = Frequency, f =
volume area × length A l λ
power P
intensity = 2 π2 f 2 a 2 ρ v =  P = 2 π2 f 2 a 2 ρ v A
area A
2
v m 2 π2 v 3 a 2 m
 P = 2 π2   a 2 vA  P=
λ Al λ2 l
2 × 3.142 × 1003 × 0.12 × 0.25
 P= = 3.944 × 104 W = 39.44 kW
0.52 × 5
68. Write the equation for a wave of wavelength 4 m , amplitude 5 m , traveling at a velocity of 200 m s −1
 t x
in the positive X − direction, in the form y = a sin 2 π  −  .
T λ 
Solution
λ = 4 m , a = 5 m , v = 200 m s −1
λ 4
T= = = 0.02 s
v 200
 t x
Substituting the above values in the standard wave equation, y = a sin 2 π  −  .
T λ 
 t x
y = 5 sin 2 π  − 
 0.02 4 

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 x
69. A sinusoidal wave is represented by the equation y = a sin 60 π t −  ... m . Find the frequency,
 15 
wavelength and velocity of the wave.
Solution
 x
y = a sin 60 π t −  or y = a sin ( 60 π t − 4 π x )
 15 
On comparing with y = a sin ( ω t − k x )
ω = 60 π rad s −1 , k = 4 π rad m −1
ω 60 π 2π 2π
f = = = 30 Hz λ= = = 0.5 m v = f λ = 30 × 0.5 = 15 m s −1
2π 2π k 4π
 x
70. The equation for a sound wave in positive X − direction is y = 0.8 sin16 π t −  , where the
 40 
amplitude and x are in metre and t is in second. Find the amplitude, wavelength and velocity of the
wave.
Solution
 x
y = 0.8 sin16 π t −  or y = 0.8 sin (16 π t − 0.4 π x )
 40 
On comparing with y = a sin ( ω t − k x )
a = 0.8 m , ω = 16 π rad s −1 , k = 0.4 π rad m −1
2π 2π ω 16 π
λ= = =5 m v= = = 40 m s −1
k 0.4 π k 0.4 π

71. A hospital uses an ultrasonic scanner to locate tumors in a tissue. What is wavelength of sound in the
tissue in which the speed of sound is 1.7 km s −1 ? Operating frequency of the scanner is 4.2 MHz .
Solution
v = 1.7 km s −1 = 1.7 × 103 m s −1 , f = 4.2 MHz = 4.2 × 106 Hz , λ = ?
v 1.7 × 103
λ= = 6
= 4.05 × 10− 4 m
f 4.2 × 10
 π
72. A travelling harmonic wave on a string is described by y ( x, t ) = 7.5 sin  0.0050 x + 12 t +  ... cm .
 4
(a) What are the displacement and velocity of oscillation of a point at x = 1 cm and at t = 1 s ? Is this
velocity equal to the velocity of wave propagation?
(b) Locate the points of the string which have the same transverse displacements velocity as the
x = 1 cm point at t = 2 s , 5 s and 11 s .
Solution
 π
(a) The given harmonic wave is y ( x, t ) = 7.5 sin  0.0050 x + 12 t +  ... cm
 4
At x = 1 cm and t = 1 s , y = 7.5 × sin ( 0.0050 × 1 + 12 × 1 + 0.785 ) = 7.5 × sin (12.79 )
12.79 × 180°
θ = 12.79 rad = = 733.2°
3.14
sin (12.79 ) = sin ( 733.2° ) = sin ( 2 × 360° + 13.2° ) = sin (13.2° ) = 0.2284
y = 7.5 × 0.2284 = 1.713 cm

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The velocity of the oscillation at a given point and time is given as

dy  π
vp = = 7.5 × 12 × cos  0.0050 x + 12 t + 
dt  4
At x = 1 cm and t = 1 s , v p = 7.5 × 12 × cos ( 0.0050 × 1 + 12 × 1 + 0.785 ) = 7.5 × 12 × cos (12.79 )
v p = 7.5 × 12 × cos (13.2° ) = 7.5 × 12 × 0.9736 = 87.6 cm s −1
From the given equation, ω = 12 rad s −1 and k = 0.0050 cm −1
ω 12
Velocity of wave propagation, v = = = 2400 cm s −1
k 0.0050
Hence, the velocity of the wave oscillation at x = 1 cm and t = 1 s is not equal to velocity of the
wave propagation.
2π
(b) The propagation constant is related to wavelength as k =
λ
2 π 2 × 3.14
λ= = = 1256 cm = 12.56 m
k 0.0050
Therefore, all the points at distances n λ ( n = ± 1, ± 2, ± 3, ...) , i.e., at ± 12.56 m, ± 25.12, ...
x = 1 cm , will have the same displacement as the x = 1 cm point at t = 2 s , 5 s and 11 s .
73. A factory siren is sounded at 2 pm . A person at a distance of 5 km from the factory after hearing the
sound sets his watch for 2 pm . If the atmospheric temperature is 300 K , by how much time will his
watch be slow or fast? (velocity of sound at 0 οC is 332 m s −1 )
Solution
x = 5 km = 5000 m , v1 = 332 m s −1 , T1 = 273 K , T2 = 300 K , t = ?
v2 T T2 300 x 5000
= 2  v2 = v1 = 332 × = 348 m s −1 t= = = 14.37 s fast
v1 T1 T1 273 v2 348
74. A bucket slips into a well and the splash is heard after 2.056 s . If the speed of sound is 350 m s −1 and
the acceleration due to gravity g = 9.8 m s − 2 , find the depth of the well.
Solution
t = t1 + t2 = 2.056 s , g = 9.8 m s − 2 , v = 350 m s −1 , d = ?
Let d be the depth of the well. Let t1 be the time taken by the bucket to reach the surface of water.
2d
t1 = … (1)
g
Let t2 be the time taken by the sound to travel up the well.
d
t2 = … (2) v → speed of sound
v
Given t1 + t2 = 2.056 s … (3)
On solving (1), (2) and (3) we get d = 19.6 m
75. The frequency of a tuning fork is 512 Hz and the sound produced travels a distance of 42 m while the
tuning fork completes 64 vibrations. Find the wavelength and the velocity of sound.
Solution
f = 512 Hz , x = 42 m , N = 64 , λ = ? , v = ?
x 42
λ= = = 0.656 m v = f λ = 512 × 0.656 = 335.9 m s −1
N 64

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76. The speed of sound in water is 1.5 km s −1 . If density of water is 1000 kg m − 3 , calculate the bulk
modulus water.
Solution
v = 1.5 km s −1 = 1.5 × 103 m s −1 , ρ = 1000 kg m − 3 , B = ?
B
v=
ρ
2
 B = v 2 ρ = (1.5 × 103 ) × 1000 = 2.25 × 109 N m − 2

77. The velocity of sound in carbon dioxide at 273 K is 255 m s −1 . If the density of carbon dioxide at STP
is 1.975 kg m − 3 , calculate the value of γ for carbon dioxide.
Solution
T = 273 K , v = 255 m s −1 , ρ = 1.975 kg m − 3 ,
P = 101.3 × 103 N m − 2 , γ = ?
γP γP
v=  v2 =
ρ ρ
v 2 ρ 2552 × 1.975
 γ= = = 1.268
P 101.3 × 103
78. Longitudinal waves of frequency 400 Hz are produced in a rod of material of density 8000 kg m − 3 and
Young’s modulus 7.2 × 1010 N m − 2 . What is the wavelength of the wave?
Solution
f = 400 Hz , ρ = 8000 kg m − 3 , Y = 7.2 × 1010 N m − 2 , λ = ?
Y 7.2 × 1010
v= = = 3000 m s −1
ρ 8000
v 3000
λ= = = 7.5 m
f 400
79. The velocity of sound in air at 300 K is 346 m s −1 . Calculate the velocity at 273 K .
Solution
T1 = 300 K , T2 = 273 K , v1 = 346 m s −1 , v2 = ?
v2 T
= 2
v1 T1
T2 273
 v2 = v1 = 346 × = 330 m s −1
T1 300

14.2 Superposition of Waves

Exercise
Very short answer questions (VSA)
1. What is a stationary wave?
Solution
A stationary wave or a standing wave is one which is formed when two waves of equal amplitude and
wavelength travel along a line in opposite direction and superimpose.

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2. Do stationary waves transport energy?

Solution
No.
3. What is a node?
Solution
In a stationary wave points where particles do not vibrate are called nodes.
4. What is an antinode?
Solution
In a stationary wave points where particles vibrate with maximum amplitude are called antinodes.
5. What is the length of a loop in a stationary wave in terms of λ ?
Solution
λ/2
6. What happens to the fundamental frequency of a sonometer wire when the length of the vibrating
segment is doubled and the tension is unchanged?
Solution
Frequency becomes half the initial value.
7. What happens to the fundamental frequency of transverse vibration of a string if the tension is increased
to four times?
Solution
Frequency doubles.
8. What is the meaning of the fundamental mode of vibration?
Solution
The mode of vibration with lowest frequency is called fundamental mode of vibration.
9. What is the frequency of an applied force in relation to the natural frequency of a body to vibrate in
resonance?
Solution
Frequency of the applied force is equal to natural frequency.
10. What is resonance?
Solution
In case of forced vibrations, if frequency of applied force is equal to natural frequency of the vibrating
body, the body vibrates with maximum amplitude. This is called resonance.
11. What are overtones?
Solution
For a vibrating system, the frequencies greater than the fundamental frequency are called overtones.
12. What are harmonics?
Solution
Harmonics are the integral multiples of fundamental frequency.
13. What is the ratio of the frequencies of the overtones to that of the fundamental in the case of an open
pipe?
Solution
f1 : f 2 : f 3 : ... : f n = 1: 2 : 3: ... : f n

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14. What is the ratio of the frequencies of the overtones to that of the fundamental in the case of a closed
pipe?
Solution
f1 : f 2 : f 3 : ... : f n = 1: 3: 5 : ... : f n
15. What is the lowest frequency that can be produced using an open pipe of length l ?
Solution
v
2l
16. What is the lowest frequency that can be produced using a closed pipe of length l ?
Solution
v
4l
17. Which acoustic phenomenon is responsible for a bridge to collapse when soldiers march on it?
Solution
Resonance.
18. What causes the vibration of windowpanes when an aeroplane flies at a low altitude?
Solution
Sound energy incident on the window pane get partly reflected and partly transmitted. This results in
vibration of window pane.
19. What is a segment or a loop in a stationary wave?
Solution
It is the wave portion of the string between any two adjacent nodes.
20. Mention the factors on which the velocity of transverse wave propagating on a stretched string depends?
Solution
Tension in the string and linear mass density.
21. When does resonance occur?
Solution
Resonance occurs when the frequency of applied force becomes equal to natural frequency of the body.
22. What are beats?
Solution
The phenomenon of periodic rise and fall in the intensity of sound due to super-position of two sound
waves of slightly different frequencies propagating along the same direction.
23. Two notes of frequencies 512 Hz and 508 Hz interfere. What is the beat frequency?
Solution
f b = 512 − 508 = 4 Hz
24. Are beats perceptible if the frequencies of two excited tuning forks are 500 Hz and 550 Hz ?
Solution
No. beats are heard only if fb < 10 Hz
25. What is beat period?
Solution
It is the time interval between two intense sounds. It is equal to reciprocal of beat frequency.

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26. How does the frequency of a tuning fork change when one of its prongs is loaded with a little wax?
Solution
Frequency decreases.
27. How does the frequency of a tuning fork change when one of its prongs is filed?
Solution
Frequency increases.

Short answer questions (SA - 2 marks)

28. State the principle of superposition of waves.
Solution
When two or more waves of the same nature travel past a point simultaneously, the net disturbance at the
point is the vector sum of the disturbance due to the individual waves.
29. Give examples for superposition of waves.
Solution
Formation of stationary waves, phenomena of interference and diffraction are the results of superposition
of waves.
30. Mention two important differences between stationary waves and progressive waves.
Solution
Progressive wave Stationary wave
1. A progressive wave propagates in a A stationary wave remains stationary between two
medium with a definite speed. boundaries in the medium.
2. A progressive wave transports energy in A stationary wave does not transport energy in the
the medium. medium.
31. Mention the conditions for the formation of stationary waves.
Solution
The two identical waves propagate (a) with the same speed in opposite directions and (b) along the same
line.
32. Calculate the fundamental frequency of vibration in a closed pipe of length l = 17.5 cm . Take velocity of
sound, v = 350 m s −1 .
Solution
v 350
f = = = 500 Hz
4 l 4 × 17.5 × 10− 2
33. How does the frequency of air column in an open pipe vary if the temperature of air is increased?
Solution
v
f ∝ T Because, f = and v ∝ T
2l
34. A closed pipe and an open pipe with fundamental frequencies f1 and f 2 respectively are joined to form
f1 f 2
a longer closed pipe. Show that its fundamental frequencies is .
f 2 + 2 f1
Solution
v v
f1 = or l1 =
4 l1 4 f1

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v v
f2 = or l2 =
2 l2 2 f2
v v
l1 + l2 = +
4 f1 2 f 2
Fundamental frequency of combined pipe is
v v 1 f f
f = = = = 1 2
4 ( l1 + l2 )  v v  1 2 f 2 + 2 f1
4 +  f + f
 4 f1 2 f 2  1 2

35. Soldiers are asked to break steps while crossing a suspension bridge. Why?
Solution
When the frequency of external periodic source impressed on a body is equal to the natural frequency of
the body, the amplitude of vibrations of the body becomes large. Thus sound becomes loud and the
phenomenon is called resonance.
The suspension bridge may collapse due to the large swing produced by the regular steps of the soldiers
marching in formation, if the period of their tramp (tramp is the sound produced by the troops marching)
were to be the same as the natural period of the bridge.
36. Justify the name stationary waves/standing waves given to a wave phenomena.
Solution
Refer Module.
37. If two sound waves of frequencies 500 Hz and 550 Hz superimpose, will they produce beats? Would
you hear the beats?
Solution
Yes they will produce beats at the rate of 50 per second. But due to the persistence of hearing, one would
not hear those beats. Instead, one would hear a continuous sound of frequency 50 Hz called “beat tone”.

Short answer questions (SA - 3 Marks)

38. Draw the diagrams showing the first three modes of vibration in a closed pipe.
Solution
Refer Module.
39. Draw the diagrams showing the first three modes of vibration in an open pipe.
Solution
Refer Module.
40. Write down the equation for a stationary wave and explain the terms.
Solution
Refer Module.
41. Explain why (or how):
(a) In a sound wave, a displacement node is a pressure antinode and vice versa,
(b) Bats can ascertain distances, directions, nature, and sizes of the obstacles without any “eyes”,
(c) A violin note and sitar note may have the same frequency, yet we can distinguish between the two
notes,
(d) Solids can support both longitudinal and transverse waves, but transverse waves can propagate only
in solids and on the surface of liquid.
(e) The shape of a pulse gets distorted during propagation in a dispersive medium.

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Solution
(a) A node is a point where the amplitude of vibration is minimum and pressure is maximum. On the
other hand, an antinode is a point where the amplitude vibration is maximum and pressure is
minimum.
Therefore, a displacement node is nothing but a pressure antinode, and vice versa.
(b) Bats emit very high-frequency ultrasonic sound waves. These waves get reflect back toward them by
obstacles. A bat receives a reflected wave (frequency) estimates the distance, direction, nature, and
size of an obstacle with the help of brain sensors.
(c) The overtones produced by a sitar and a violin, and the strengths of the overtones, are different.
Hence, one can distinguish between the notes produced sitar and a violin even if they have the same
frequency of vibration.
(d) Solids have shear modulus. They can sustain shearing stress. Since fluids do not have any definite
shape, they yield to shearing stress. The propagation of a transverse wave is such that it produces
shearing stress in a medium. The propagation of transverse wave is possible only in solids, and not in
gases. Both solids and fluids have their respective bulk moduli. They can sustain compressive stress.
Hence, longitudinal waves can propagate through solids and fluids.
(e) A pulse is actually is a combination of waves having different wavelengths. Waves travel in a
dispersive medium with different velocities, depending on the nature the medium. This results in the
distortion of the shape of a wave pulse.
42. Given below are some functions of x and t to represent the displacement (transverse longitudinal) of an
elastic wave. State which of these represent (a) a traveling wave, (b) a stationary wave or (c) none at all:
(a) y = 2 cos ( 3 x ) sin (10 t )
(b) y = 2 x−v t
(c) y = 3 sin ( 5 x − 0.5 t ) + 4 cos ( 5 x − 0.5 t )
(d) y = cos ( x ) sin ( t ) + cos ( 2 x ) sin ( 2 t )
Solution
(a) The given equation represents a stationary wave because, the harmonic terms (k x) and ( ω t )
appear separately in the equation. It is in the form, y = 2 a cos ( k x ) sin ( ω t ) .
(b) The given equation does not contain any harmonic term. Therefore, it does represent either a
travelling wave or a stationary wave.
(c) The given equation represents a travelling wave as the harmonic terms ( k x ) and are in the
combination of ( k x − ω t ) .
(d) The given equation represents a stationary wave because, the harmonic terms (k x) and ( ω t )
appear separately in the equation. This equation actually represents superposition of two stationary
waves.
43. Two wires of the same material but of diameters 1 mm and 2 mm respectively are stretched with the
same tension. The lengths of the two wires under the bridges in sonometer are also the same. Which will
vibrate with greater frequency and why?
Solution
1
We know that fundamental frequency f ∝
d
Obviously, the wire of diameter 1 mm vibrates with greater frequency.

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Long answer type Questions (LA)

44. Explain the formation of stationary waves in a medium.
45. Compare the variation of phase and amplitude along a stationary wave with that of a progressive wave.
46. Explain any five distinguishing properties of stationary and progressive waves.
47. Show that the overtones in a closed pipe are odd harmonics of the fundamental.
48. Show that the overtones in an open pipe are harmonics of the fundamental.
49. State the laws of vibration of stretched string and give the expression for the fundamental frequency.
50. Give the theory of beats.
For solution to questions 44 to 50 Refer Module.

Classwork Problems
51. Stationary waves of frequency 256 Hz are formed in air. If the velocity of sound in air is 356 m s −1 ,
calculate the distance between (a) two consecutive nodes (b) a node and the next antinode.
Solution
f = 256 Hz , v = 356 m s −1
v 356
λ= = = 1.391 m
f 256
λ 1.391
(a) Distance between consecutive nodes, x = = = 0.6955 m
2 2
λ 1.391
(b) Distance between node and next antinode, y = = = 0.3478 m
4 4
52. A wire stretched between two rigid supports vibrates in its fundamental mode with a frequency of
45 Hz . The mass of the wire is 3.5 × 10− 2 kg and its linear density is 4 × 10− 2 kg m −1 . What is (a) the
speed of a transverse wave on the string and (b) the tension in the string?
Solution
f = 45 Hz , m = 3.5 × 10− 2 kg , µ = 4 × 10− 2 kg m −1 , v = ? , T = ?
m 3.5 × 10− 2
Length of the wire, l = = = 0.875 m
µ 4 × 10− 2
λ
(a) When the wire vibrates in its fundamental mode, l = or λ=2l
2
λ = 2 × 0.875 = 1.75 m
Velocity of the wave, v = f λ = 45 × 1.75 = 78.75 m s −1
T 2
(b) v = or T = v 2 µ = ( 78.75 ) × 4 × 10− 2 = 248.06 N
µ
53. A pipe 20 cm long is closed at one end. Which harmonic mode of the pipe is resonantly excited by a
430 Hz source? Will the same source be in resonance with the pipe if both ends are open? (Speed of
sound in air is 340 m s −1 )
Solution
l = 20 cm = 0.2 m , f n = 430 Hz , v = 340 m s −1
(a) In a closed pipe, the nth mode of frequency is given by the relation,

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v
f n = ( 2 n − 1) n = 0, 1, 2, 3, ...
4l
340
430 = ( 2 n − 1)
4 × 0.2
or
430 × 4 × 0.2
( 2 n − 1) = = 1.01
340
2 n = 1.01 + 1 = 2.01
or
n =1
Hence, the first mode of vibration frequency is resonantly excited by the given source.
(b) In a pipe open at both ends, the nth mode of vibration frequency is given by the relation
v
fn = n n = 1, 2, 3, ...
2l
340
430 = n or
2 × 0.2
430 × 2 × 0.2
n= = 0.506
340
Since n has to be an integer, the given source does not produce a resonant vibration in an open pipe.
54. Two tuning forks T1 and T2 when sounded together produce 6 beats per second. When T1 is loaded with
a little wax, the beat frequency increases. If the frequency of T1 is 260 Hz , find the frequency of T2 .
Solution
f1 = 260 Hz , f b = 6 Hz , f 2 = ?
f 2 = f1 ± f b
f 2 = 260 ± 6
i.e., f 2 = 266 Hz or f 2 = 254 Hz
Since the beat frequency decreases on loading T1 with a little wax, f 2 = 266 Hz
55. A tuning fork A produces 2 beats per second when sounded together with a tuning fork B of frequency
200 Hz . When A is loaded with a little wax, the beats stop. Find the frequency of the tuning fork A .
Solution
f B = 200 Hz , f b = 2 Hz , f A = ?
f A = f B ± fb
f A = 200 ± 2 i.e., f A = 202 Hz or f A = 198 Hz
Since the beat stops on loading A with a little wax, f A = 200 Hz

Practice Exercise
56. The transverse displacement of a string (clamped at its both ends) is given by
2π 
y ( x, t ) = 0.06 cos  x  sin (120 π t ) , where x and y are in metre and t in second . The length of
 3 
the string is 1.5 m and its mass is 3.0 × 10− 2 kg . Answer the following:
(a) Does the function represent a travelling wave or a stationary wave?
(b) What is the wavelength, frequency and speed of each wave?
(c) Determine the tension in the string.

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Solution
l = 1.5 m , m = 3.0 × 10− 2 kg , λ = ? , f = ? , T = ?
(a) The general equation representing a stationary wave is given by
y ( x, t ) = 2 a cos ( k x ) sin ( ω t )
This equation is similar to the given equation
2π 
y ( x, t ) = 0.06 cos  x  sin (120 π t )
 3 
Hence, the given function represents a stationary wave.
2π 
(b) Given y ( x, t ) = 0.06 cos  x  sin (120 π t )
 3 
On comparing with y ( x, t ) = 2 a cos ( k x ) sin ( ω t )
2π 2π
k= = Wavelength, λ = 3 m
λ 3
ω = 2 π f = 120 π Frequency, f = 60 Hz
Speed of component waves, v = f λ = 60 × 3 = 180 m s −1
(c) The velocity of a transverse wave travelling in a string is given by the relation,
2
T 2 2 m (180 ) × 3.0 × 10− 2
v= or T =v µ=v = = 648 N
µ l 1.5
57. The frequency of sound in a pipe closed at one end is 200 Hz . What will be the frequency of
fundamental note of the pipe of same kind with both ends open?
Solution
f c = 200 Hz , lc = lo , f o = ?
v
For closed pipe, f c =
4 lc
v
For an open pipe, f o =
2 lo
v
fo 2 lo fo
= =2 or =2 or f o = 400 Hz
fc v 200
4 lc
58. A pipe closed at one end produces a fundamental note of frequency 412 Hz . It is now cut into pieces of
equal lengths. What will be the frequency of the fundamental note produced by each piece?
Solution
f = 412 Hz
Initially the pipe is closed at one end. Fundamental frequency,
v v v
f = or 412 = or = 412 × 4 = 1648
4l 4l l
When the pipe is cut into two equal halves, then each of length l1 = 0.5 l and one half is an open pipe
and the other half is a closed pipe.
v v v
For the open pipe, f1 = = = = 1648 Hz
2 l1 2 × 0.5 l l
v v v 1648
For the closed pipe, frequency f 2 = = = = = 824 Hz
4 l1 4 × 0.5 l 2 l 2

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59. A steel wire 0.5 m long and mass 5 × 10− 3 kg is stretched with a tension of 400 N . What is the
frequency of its fundamental mode of vibration? What is the number of highest overtone that could be
heard by a person who can hear frequencies up to 10 kHz ?
Solution
l = 0.5 m , m = 5 × 10− 3 kg , T = 400 N , f n = 10 kHz = 10 × 103 Hz , f1 = ? , n = ?
m 5 × 10− 3
Linear density, µ = = = 10 × 10− 3 kg m −1
l 0.5
1 T 1 400
Fundamental frequency, f1 = = = 200 Hz
2 l µ 2 × 0.5 10 × 10− 3
We know that nth harmonic, f n = n f1 or 10 × 103 = n × 200 or n = 50
Highest harmonic is 50 and highest overtone is ( 50 − 1) = 49
th th

60. The fundamental frequencies of two wires of the same material and of same length stretched by weights
of 0.8 kg and 0.2 kg are in the ratio 1: 2 . Find the ratio of their diameters.
Solution
T1 = 0.8 kg wt , T2 = 0.2 kg wt , f1 : f 2 = 1: 2 , d1 : d 2 = ?
1 T
f = Here l and ρ are constants
ld πρ
T T d1 f 2 T1 2 0.8 2 2 4
f ∝ or d∝ or = = × = × =
d f d2 f1 T2 1 0.2 1 1 1
d1 : d 2 = 4 :1
61. If the tension in a stretched string is increased by 50 N , then its fundamental frequency is in the ratio
2 : 3 . Calculate the initial tension in the string.
Solution
T2 = (T1 + 50 ) N , f1 : f 2 = 2 : 3 , T1 = ?
According to the law of tension, f ∝ T
2
f2 T T2  f 2 
or = 2 or = 
f1 T1 T1  f1 
2
T1 + 50  3  9
=  = or 9 T1 = 4 (T1 + 50 ) or 9 T1 = 4 T1 + 200
T1 2 4
5 T1 = 200 or T1 = 40 N
62. A string of length 2 m and mass 2 g is stretched by a certain tension so that it vibrates in 4 segments
with a frequency of 600 Hz . What is the tension in the string?
Solution
l = 2 m , m = 2 g = 2 × 10− 3 kg , n = 4 , f n = 600 Hz , T = ?
m 2 × 10− 3
Linear density, µ = = = 1 × 10− 3 kg m −1
l 2
n T f 2 × 4× l2 × µ
fn = or T= n
2l µ n2
6002 × 4 × 22 × 1 × 10− 3
T= = 360 Hz
42

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63. A tuning fork P produces 7 beats per second, when sounded together with another tuning fork of
frequency 512 Hz . When the first tuning fork is loaded with little wax, if the beat frequency increases to
9 beats per second, find the frequency of the tuning fork P , before and after loading.
Solution
f b1 = 7 Hz , f 2 = 512 Hz , f b 2 = 9 Hz , f P = ? , f P′ = ?
f P = f 2 − fb1 = 512 − 7 = 505 Hz
f P′ = f 2 − f b 2 = 512 − 9 = 503 Hz
64. A tuning fork produces 2 beats per second when sounded together with second tuning fork of frequency
420 Hz . When the first tuning fork is filed, if the number of beats heard per second becomes twice the
initial number of beats heard per second, find the frequency of the first tuning fork before and after
filing.
Solution
f b1 = 2 Hz , f 2 = 420 Hz , f b 2 = 4 Hz , f1 = ? , f1′ = ?
f1 = f 2 + f b1 = 420 + 2 = 422 Hz
f1′ = f 2 + fb 2 = 420 + 4 = 424 Hz
65. Two sitar strings A and B playing the note ‘Ga’ are slightly out of tune and produce beats of frequency
6 Hz . The tension in the string A is slightly reduced and the beat frequency is found to reduce to 3 Hz .
If the original frequency of A is 324 Hz , what is the frequency of B ?
Solution
f b = 6 Hz , f b′ = 3 Hz , f A = 324 Hz , f B = ?
f B = f A ± fb
f B = 324 ± 6 i.e., f B = 330 Hz or f B = 318 Hz
Frequency decreases with a decrease in the tension in a string.
Since the beat frequency decreases, hence f B = 318 Hz
66. A tuning fork produces 5 beats per second when sounded together with second tuning fork of frequency
486 Hz . When the second tuning fork is loaded with wax, 8 beats are heard per second. Find the
frequency of first tuning fork.
Solution
f b = 5 Hz , f b′ = 8 Hz , f 2 = 486 Hz , f1 = ?
f1 = f 2 ± f b
f1 = 486 ± 5 i.e., f1 = 491 Hz or f1 = 481 Hz
Since the beat frequency decreases on loading f 2 with a little wax, f1 = 491 Hz
67. T1 , T2 and T3 are three tuning forks. When T1 and T2 are sounded together, the beat frequency is 4 Hz .
When T2 and T3 are sounded together, the beat frequency is 4 Hz , while the beat frequency is 8 Hz
when T1 and T3 are sounded together. When T2 is loaded with wax and sounded with T1 , the beats stop.
If the frequency of T2 is 512 Hz , find the frequency of T1 and T3 .
Solution
f 2 ∼ f1 = 4 Hz , f 3 ∼ f 2 = 4 Hz , f 3 ∼ f1 = 8 Hz , f 2 = 512 Hz
f1 = f 2 ± 4
f1 = 512 ± 4 i.e., f1 = 516 Hz or f1 = 508 Hz

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Since the beat stops on loading T2 with a little wax, f1 = 508 Hz

f 3 = 512 ± 4 i.e., f 3 = 516 Hz or f 3 = 508 Hz
Since, f 3 ∼ f1 = 8 Hz
f 3 = 516 Hz

Additional Information
14.3 Doppler Effect
Exercise
Very Short answer questions (VSA)
1. A source of sound starts moving away from an observer. What happens to the frequency of sound heard
by him?
Solution
Frequency decreases.
2. An observer starts moving towards a source of sound. What change is observed in the frequency of
sound heard by him?
Solution
Frequency increases.
3. Write the expression for the apparent frequency of sound as heard by an observer when moving towards
a stationary source.
Solution
 v + vo 
f′=  f
 v 
4. Write the expression for the apparent frequency of sound as heard by a stationary observer, when a
source of sound is approaching.
Solution
 v 
f′=  f
 v − vs 
5. Write the expression for the apparent frequency of sound as heard by an observer if an observer moves
away from a source of sound.
Solution
 v − vo 
f′=  f
 v 
6. Write the expression for the apparent frequency of sound as heard by an observer when a source moves
away from the observer.
Solution
 v 
f′=  f
 v + vs 
7. How does the apparent frequency of sound from a stationary source as heard by a stationary observer
change if wind blows along the direction of sound propagation?
Solution
Frequency remains unchanged.

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8. A source of sound moves towards an observer. Does the frequency of the source change?
Solution
No.
9. With the help of the general formula for the apparent Doppler frequency, obtain an expression for the
apparent frequency in the case of
(a) source moving towards a stationary observer
(b) source moving away from a stationary observer
(c) observer moving towards a stationary source
(d) observer moving away from a stationary source
Solution

The general formula for apparent frequency is f ′ =

( v + vm − vo ) f
( v + vm − vs )
 v   v 
(a) f ′ =   f (b) f ′ =   f
 v − vs   v + vs 
 v + vo   v − vo 
(c) f ′ =   f (d) f ′ =   f
 v   v 

Short answer questions (SA - 2 marks)

10. Write the general expression for the apparent frequency due to Doppler effect. Explain the terms.
Solution

The general formula for apparent frequency is f′=

( v + vm − vo ) f
( v + vm − vs )
f ′ → apparent frequency f → true frequency v → velocity of sound
vm → velocity of medium vs → velocity of source vo → velocity of observer
11. The pitch of a railway engine goes on increasing as the train approaches and decreases as it is receding.
Why?
Solution
This is due to Doppler’s effect. As the train approaches an observer, the waves emitted by the engine
(source) are contracted in length ( v − vs ) instead of v , v being the speed of sound and vs being that of
engine. Therefore, the wavelength decreases and frequency increases.
When the train is receding from the observer, these wave are spread in length of ( v + vs ) , thus increasing
the wavelength and decreasing the frequency.
12. Doppler effect in sound is asymmetric. Explain.
Solution
Refer Module
13. Give two cases in which there is no Doppler effect in sound.
Solution
(a) When the source of sound as well as the observer moves in the same direction with the same speed.
(b) When both the observer and the source are stationary
(c) When one of source/ listener is at the centre of the circle and the other is moving on the circle with
uniform speed.

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14. In everyday life, the Doppler effect is observed readily in sound and rarely in light. Why?
Solution
Doppler effect depends on the ratio velocity of source to velocity of wave. As the speed of light is very
large, and common object move with small speeds, ratio is almost zero for light. For sound, it has a finite
value.

Short answer questions (SA - 3 Marks)

15. Mention two applications of Doppler’s effect.
Solution
Refer Module
16. A listener is moving towards a stationary source of sound. What should be his velocity so that the
apparent frequency of the sound is double of its actual value?
Solution
Given f ′ = 2 f
 v + vo   v + vo 
But f ′ =   f or 2 f =  f or vo = v
 v   v 

Long answer questions

17. Obtain an expression for apparent frequency when a source of sound, a listener and wind, all are in
motion in the same direction.
Solution
Refer Module

Classwork Problems
18. A train, standing at the outer signal of a railway station blows a whistle of frequency 400 Hz in still air.
What is the frequency of the whistle for a platform observer when train?
(a) approaches the platform with a speed of 10 m s −1 ?
(b) recedes from platform with a speed of 10 m s −1 ?
(c) What is the speed of sound in each case?
Speed of sound in still air can be taken as 340 m s −1 .
Solution
(a) f = 400 Hz , vs = 10 m s −1 , v = 340 m s −1 , vo = 0 , f = ?
 v   340  340 × 400
f′=  f =  × 400 = = 412.12 Hz
 v − vs   340 − 10  330
(b) f = 400 Hz , vs = 10 m s −1 , v = 340 m s −1 , vo = 0 , f = ?
 v   340  340 × 400
f′=  f =  × 400 = = 388.57 Hz
 v + vs   340 + 10  350
(c) The apparent change in the frequency or sound is cause by the relative motion the source and the
observer. These relative motions produce no effect on the speed of sound. Therefore, the speed of
sound in air in both the cases remains the same, i.e., 340 m s −1 .

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19. The sirens of two engines have a frequency of 600 Hz each. A man hears the sirens from the two
engines, one approaching him with a speed of 36 kmph and other going away from him at a speed of
54 kmph . What is the difference of frequency of two sirens heard by man? Speed of sound is 340 m s −1 .
Solution
f = 400 Hz , vs1 = 36 kmph = 10 m s −1 , vs 2 = 54 kmph = 15 m s −1 , v = 340 m s −1 , vo = 0 , ∆f = ?
For the engine approaching the man,
 v   340  340 × 600
f1′ =   f =  × 600 = = 618.18 Hz
 v − vs1   340 − 10  330
For the engine moving away from the man,
 v   340  340 × 600
f 2′ =   f =  × 600 = = 574.65 Hz
 v + vs 2   340 + 15  355
Difference between the frequencies,
∆f = f1′ − f 2′ = 618.18 − 574.65 = 43.53 Hz
20. With what velocity should sound source move towards a stationary observer so that the apparent
frequency heard be three times its natural frequency? Speed of sound in air is 330 m s −1 .
Solution
f ′ = 3 f , v = 330 m s −1 , vs = ?
 v 
f′=  f
 v − vs 
 330  330
3 f =  f or 330 − vs = = 110
 330 − vs  3
vs = 330 − 110 = 220 m s −1
th
21. An observer moves towards a stationary source of sound with a speed (1 / 5 ) of the speed of sound.
The frequency of the source emitted is f . Find the apparent frequency recorded by the observer.
Solution
1
vo = v = 0.2 v , f ′ = ?
5
 v + vo   v + 0.2 v 
f′=  f =  f = 1.2 f
 v   v 
22. Two cars are approaching each other on a straight road and moving with a velocity 60 kmph . If the
sound produced in one car is of frequency 500 Hz , what will be the frequency of sound as heard by a
person sitting in another car. When the car has crossed and moving away from each other, what will be
the frequency of sound as heard by the same person. Speed of sound in air is 332 m s −1 .
Solution
(a) When cars are approaching each other
f = 500 Hz , vs = vo = 60 kmph = 16.67 m s −1 , v = 332 m s −1 , f ′ = ?
 v + vo   332 + 16.67  348.67 × 500
f′=  f =  × 500 = = 552.87 Hz
 v − v s   332 − 16.17  315.33

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(b) When cars have crossed and moving away each other
f = 500 Hz , vs = vo = 60 kmph = 16.67 m s −1 , v = 332 m s −1 , f ′ = ?
 v − vo   332 − 16.67  315.33 × 500
f′=  f =  × 500 = = 452.19 Hz
 v + vs   332 + 16.17  348.67

Practice Exercise
23. The difference between the apparent frequency of a source of sound as perceived by an observer during
its approach and recession is 2 % of the natural frequency of the source. If the velocity of sound in air is
350 m s −1 , find the velocity of the source.
Solution
∆f ′ = 2 % f = 0.02 f , v = 350 m s −1 , vs = ?
While approaching, apparent frequency
 v  350 f
f1′ =   f =
 v − vs  350 − vs
While receding, apparent frequency
 v  350 f
f 2′ =   f =
 v + vs  350 + vs
∆f ′ = 0.02 f = f1′ − f 2′
350 f 350 f  350 + vs − 350 + vs 
0.02 f = − = 350 f  
350 − vs 350 + vs  ( 350 − vs ) ( 350 + vs ) 
700 vs
0.02 =
3502 − vs2
or 3502 − vs2 = 35000 vs
or vs2 − 35000 vs + 122500 = 0
On solving, vs = 3.5 m s −1 ( vs cannot be greater than v )
24. Two distant sources situated together emit sound of frequency 300 Hz . If one of them were to approach
and the other were to recede from a stationary observer at a velocity which is 1 % of the speed of sound,
calculate the number of beats heard by the observer per second.
Solution
f = 300 Hz , vs = 1 % v = 0.01 v , f b = ?
 v   v 
f b = f1′ − f 2′ =   f −  f
 v − vs   v + vs 
 v   v  300 300
fb =   × 300 −   × 300 = −
 v − 0.01 v   v + 0.01 v  0.99 1.01
f b = 303 − 297 = 6 Hz
25. A sound source is approaching a stationary observer with a velocity of 166 m s −1 . The observer hears a
sound whose apparent frequency is twice the real frequency. Find the speed of sound in air.
Solution
f ′ = 2 f , vs = 166 m s −1 , vo = 0 , v = ?

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 v 
f′=  f
 v − vs 
 v 
2 f =  f or 2 ( v − 166 ) = v
 v − 166 
2 v − 332 = v or v = 332 m s −1
26. A train, standing in a station-yard, blows a whistle of frequency 400 Hz in still air. Wind starts blowing
in the direction from the yard to the station with at a speed of 10 m s −1 . What are the frequency,
wavelength, and speed of sound for an observer standing on the station’s platform? Is the situation
exactly identical to the case when the air is still and the observer runs towards the yard at a speed of
10 m s −1 ? The speed of sound in still air can be taken as 340 m s −1 .
Solution
(a) f = 400 Hz , vm = 10 m s −1 , v = 340 m s −1 , vo = 0 , vs = 0
As there is no relative motion between the source and the observer, the frequency of sound heard by
the observer will be the same as that produced by the source, i.e., f = 400 Hz .
The wind is blowing towards the observer. Hence, the effective speed of the sound increases.
Effective speed of the sound,
vv = v + vm = 340 + 10 = 350 m s −1
The wavelength of the sound heard by the observer
v 350
λ= e = = 0.875 m
f 400
(b) f = 400 Hz , vm = 0 , v = 340 m s −1 , vo = 10 m s −1 , vs = 0
 v + vo   340 + 10  350 × 400
f′=  f =  × 400 = = 411.76 Hz
 v   340  340
Effective speed of the sound,
vv = v + vm = 340 + 0 = 340 m s −1
The source is at rest. Hence, the wavelength of the sound will not change, i.e., λ = 0.875 m .
Hence, the given two situations are not exactly identical.
27. A SONAR system fixed in a submarine operates at a frequency 40 kHz . An enemy submarine moves
towards the SONAR with a speed of 360 kmph . What is the frequency of sound reflected by the
submarine? Take the speed of sound in water to be 1450 m s −1 .
Solution
f = 40 kHz = 40 × 103 Hz , vo = 360 kmph = 100 m s −1 , v = 1450 m s −1
The source is at rest and the observer (enemy submarine) is moving toward it. Here the apparent
frequency f ′ received and reflected by the submarine is given by relation
 v + vo   1450 + 100  3 1550 × 40 × 103
f′=  f =  × 40 × 10 = = 42.76 × 103 Hz
 v   1450  1450
The frequency f received by the enemy submarine is
′′
 v   1450  3 1450 × 42.76 × 103
f ′′ =   f′=  × 42.76 × 10 = = 45.93 × 103 Hz
 v − v s   1450 − 100  1350

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28. A bat is flitting about in a cave, navigating via ultrasonic beeps. Assume that the sound emission
frequency of the bat is 40 kHz . During one fast swoop directly toward a flat surface, the bat is moving at
0.03 times the speed of sound in air. What frequency does the bat hear reflected off the wall?
Solution
f = 40 kHz = 40 × 103 Hz , vs = 0.03 v , f ′′ = ?
The apparent frequency of the sound striking the wall is
 v   v  3 1 × 40 × 103
f′=  f =   × 40 × 10 = = 41.24 × 103 Hz
 v − vs   v − 0.03 v  0.97
This frequency is reflected by the stationary wall vs = 0 toward the bat.
The frequency f ′′ of the received sound is given by the relation
3
 v + vo   v + 0.03 v  3 1.03 × 41.24 × 10
f ′′ =   f′=  × 41.24 × 10 = = 42.48 × 103 Hz
 v   v  1

Competitive Corner
Classwork MCQs
Waves
1. The equation of a plane progressive wave is given by y = 2 sin (5πt – 0.5 πx). The speed of the wave is
[x and y are in metre and t is in second]
(A) 10 m s−1 (B) 5 m s−1 (C) 0.5 m s−1 (D) 2.5 m s−1
Ans (A)
Compare the equation with a standard form y = a sin (ωt – kx)
ω = 5 π rad s−1 k = 0.5 π rad m−1.
ω 5π
Wave velocity v = = = 10 ms–1
k 0.5 π
2. The equation of a progressive wave is given by y = 2 sin (πt – 0.5πx) where x and y are in metre and t is
in second. The velocity of the particle at t = 1 second and x = 1 m is
(A) 2 m s−1 (B) zero (C) 4 m s−1 (D) 0.5 m s−1
Ans (B)
The particle velocity is given by vp = ω A 2 − y 2 ;
Compare the equation with the standard form y = A sin (ωt – kx); A = 2 m, ω = π rad s−1.
At x = 1 m and t = 1 s, y = 2 sin (π – 0.5 π) = 2 sin 0.5 π
π
= 2 sin  y = 2 m
2
∴ vp = π 2 2 − 2 2 = 0
3. Waves in a medium are represented by the equation y = 0.25 sin[π (x − 2t)] metre. The displacement at a
point x = 50 cm and t = 2 s is
(A) + 0.25 (B) −0.25 (C) 2.5 (D) −2.5
Ans (A)
y = 0.25 sin [π (0.5 − 2 × 2)]
y = 0.25 sin [π (0.5 − 4)]
y = 0.25 sin [−π (3.5)]
y = 0.25 sin [−2π − 1.5π]

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 3   3 
y = 0.25sin  − π  = 0.25  − sin π  [∵ sin(−θ) = − sin θ]
 2   2 
y = 0.25 × − 1 × − 1 = + 0.25
 x
4. A transverse wave is described by the equation y = y0 sin 2π  νt −  . The maximum particle velocity is
 λ
equal to the wave velocity if
πy πy
(A) λ = 0 (B) λ = 0 (C) λ = πy0 (D) λ = 2πy0
4 2
Ans (D)
 x
y = y 0 sin 2π  νt − 
 λ
Wave velocity v = νλ
Maximum particle velocity = aω = y0 2πν
2πy0ν = νλ or λ = 2πy0
5. A wave of frequency 500 Hz is propagating at a velocity 360 ms–1. The distance between the two
particles with a phase difference of 60° is
(A) 60 cm (B) 24 cm (C) 48 cm (D) 12 cm
Ans (D)
2π λ π v 1 360
Phase difference ∆φ = × ∆x  ∆x = × = × = = 12 cm
λ 2π 3 2ν 3 2 × 500 × 3
6. If two waves of same frequency and same amplitude on superposition, produce a resultant disturbance of
the same amplitude, the waves differ in phase by
2π π
(A) π (B) (C) (D) 3π
3 3
Ans (B)
Resultant amplitude A R = A 12 + A 22 + 2A 1 A 2 cos φ = A 2 + A 2 + 2A 2 cos φ
But A R = A
φ
∴ A = 2A 2 (1 + cos φ) But 1 + cos φ = 2cos 2
2
φ φ φ 1 2π
A = 4A 2 cos 2 = 2A cos or cos = or φ =
2 2 2 2 3
7. Two speakers that are in synchronization, are connected to a sine wave source. Waves of 2.2 m
wavelength travel to point P from the speakers. The phase difference ∆φ, between the waves from
S2 and S1 when they arrive at point P is
(A) π
(B) 2π
(C) 6π
(D) 8π
Ans (B)
∆ x = 11.0 − 8.8 = 2.2 m
2π 2π
∆φ = (∆x) = (2.2) = 2π
λ 2.2

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2π
8. The equation of a progressive wave is given as, y = 0.05 sin (64t − x) where the distances are in
3.2
metre and time is in second. The phase velocity and wavelength are
(A) 32 ms–1, 3⋅2 m (B) 32 ms–1, 1⋅6 m (C) 64 ms–1, 3⋅2 m (D) 64 ms–1, 1⋅6 m
Ans (C)
2π
Comparing, y = 0⋅05 sin (64t – x)
3.2
2π
with the standard equation, y = A sin (vt – x),
λ
we get the phase velocity (or wave velocity) = 64 ms–1 and wavelength λ = 3⋅2 m
9. A wave along a string has the following equation y = 0⋅02 sin (30 t – 4 x), where the distances are in
metre and time is in second. The phase difference between two points separated by 0.785 m is (in radian)
(A) π (B) 2π (C) π/2 (D) 3π/2
Ans (A)
y = A sin ( ωt − kx )
2π
From the equation, =4
λ
π
π
we get λ = m. λ 2 π
2 = = = 0.785
2 2 4
λ
∴ 0⋅785 =
2
2π 2π 2π  λ 
Now ∆φ = ∆x = × 0⋅785 = ×   = π radian.
λ λ λ 2
10. A plane progressive wave of frequency 25 Hz, amplitude 2.5 × 10–5 m, and initial phase zero propagates
along the negative x-direction with a velocity of 300 ms–1. At any instant, the phase difference between
the oscillations at two points 6 m apart along the line of propagation is
(A) π rad (B) 2π rad (C) π/2 rad (D) 0 rad
Ans (A)
v 300
λ= = = 12 m.
ν 25
λ
Distance between two given points = 6 m = .
2
2π
Phase difference = ( path difference )
λ
2π  λ 
Phase difference =  
λ 2
∴ Phase difference = π
11. A light pointer fixed to one prong of a tuning fork touches a vertical plate. The fork is set vibrating and
the plate is allowed to fall freely. Eight complete oscillations are counted when the plate falls through
10 cm. Then frequency of the tuning fork is
8 7
(A) 112 Hz (B) 56 Hz (C) Hz (D) Hz
7 8

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Ans (B)
The time taken by the plate to fall through a distance y is given by
2y  10   1 
t= = 2×  =   second
g  980   7 
1
The number of oscillations completed in second is 8.
7
∴ Frequency = number of oscillations completed in one second
1
8 oscillations → s
7
1 oscillation → ?
1/ 7 1
T = 1× T= s
8 56
1
f = = 56 Hz
T
Sound
12. The velocity of sound in hydrogen is 1224 ms–1. Its velocity in a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen
containing 4 parts by volume of hydrogen and 1 part by volume of oxygen is
(A) 1224 ms–1 (B) 612 ms–1 (C) 2448 ms–1 (D) 306 ms–1
Ans (B)
ρO VO + ρH VH 16 × 1 + 1 × 4
ρmix = = = 4,
VO + VH 1+ 4
vmix ρH
Now =
vH ρmix
1 1
∴ vmix = vH = 1224 × = 612 ms–1
4 2
13. Transverse waves are generated in two uniform steel wires A and B when a source of frequency 500 Hz
is attached to their free-ends. The diameter of A is half that of B and the tension in A is half that in B.
The ratio of the velocity of the waves in wires A and B is
(A) 1 : 2 (B) 2 : 1 (C) 1 : 2 (D) 2 : 1
Ans (D)
T
T T T
v= = πd 2  v = 2 2  v∝
µ ρ π d ρ d
4
vA TA d B 1 d vA 2
× = × B
= TB d A 2 1  =
vB dB vB 2
2
∴ vA : vB = 2 : 1
14. The temperature at which the speed of sound in air is 1.5 times the speed of sound at 27 °C is
(A) 204 °C (B) 402 °C (C) 102 °C (D) 204 K
Ans (B)
vO T1 1.5v2 T1 T1
Velocity of sound v ∝ T  = ; =  = (1.5)2
vH T2 v2 T2 T2

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T1 = 2.25 × T2  T2 = 300K,
T1 = 2.25 × 300 = 675 K or T1 = 402 °C .
15. A stone is dropped in a well which is 19.6 m deep. Echo sound is heard after 2.06 sec (after dropping)
then the velocity of sound is
(A) 332.6 m s −1 (B) 326.7 m s −1 (C) 300.4 m s −1 (D) 290.5 m s −1
Ans (B)
2h h 2 × 19.6 19.6
t= + = + = 2.06  v = 326.7 ms −1
g v 9.8 v

16. If the air pressure is doubled keeping the temperature constant, then the speed of sound will be
(A) double (B) three times
(C) four times (D) equal to the initial value
Ans (D)
As the pressure increases, density also increases thereby the ratio p / ρ = constant.
γp
Velocity of sound v = = constant.
ρ
Velocity of sound is independent of change in pressure.
17. The velocity of sound in air at 15° C is v1. If the temperature (absolute scale) is doubled and the
pressure is halved, the velocity is v2. Then v1 : v2 is
(A) 1 : 1 (B) 1 : 2 (C) 1 : 2 (D) 2 : 1
Ans (C)
v1 ∝ 273 + 15 = 288 and
v2 ∝ 2 × 288
v 1
Therefore, 1 =
v2 2
or v1 : v2 = 1 : 2
18. A sound wave has frequency 500 Hz and velocity 350 m s−1. The distance between the two particles
having phase difference of 60° is
(A) 0.7 cm (B) 12 cm (C) 70 cm (D) 120 cm
Ans (B)
λ v
∆x = ∆φ ∴ ∆x = ∆φ
2π 2πν
350 π
∴ ∆x = × = 0.12 m = 12 cm
2 × π × 500 3
19. A man fires a bullet standing between two cliffs. First echo is heard after 3 second and second echo is
heard after 5 seconds. If the velocity of sound is 336 m s−1, then the distance between the cliffs is
(A) 5 × 336 m (B) 4 × 336 m (C) 3 × 336 m (D) 2 × 336 m
Ans (B)
Man is not hearing echo’s at regular intervals so he is standing
vt1 vt2
unsymmetrically between the cliffs.
vt vt 336
Thus, d = 1 + 2 = [3 + 5] = 4 × 336 m
2 2 2 d

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Superposition of Waves
20. Three waves of amplitudes 12 µm, 4 µm, and 9 µm but of same frequency arrive at a point in a medium
with a successive phase difference of (π/2). Then the resultant amplitude in µ m is
(A) 4 (B) 7 (C) 5 (D) 25
Ans (C)
a1 = 12 µm, a 2 = 4 µm, a 3 = 9 µm.
The phase difference between a1 and a 3 = 180°
∴ The resultant amplitude of a1 and a 3 .
a p = a1 − a 3 = 3 µm.
The resultant amplitude
R= a 2P + a 22 + 2a 2 a P cos φ
π
∴R= a 2P + a 22 (∵ φ =  cos φ = 0) = 32 + 42  R = 5 µm
2
21. A stretched wire of some length under a tension is vibrating with its fundamental frequency. Its length is
decreased by 45% and tension is increased by 21%. Now its fundamental frequency
(A) increases by 50% (B) increases by 100% (C) decreases by 50% (D) decreases by 25%
Ans (B)
1 T1 1 T2 ν l T2
ν1 = , ν2 = ∴ 2 = 1
2l1 m 2l2 m ν1 l2 T1
Let l1 = 100l, l2 = 55l
T1 = 100T, T2 = 121T
ν 2 100 121 100 11
∴ = = × = 2 ∴ν2 = 2ν1.
ν1 55 100 55 10
22. A sonometer wire of length 0.1 m under a tension of 2 kg weight, when sounded together with a tuning
fork of frequency 502 Hz, produces 2 beats per second. When the fork is loaded with a little wax and
sounded together, no beats are heard. Then, the linear density in kg m−1 of the wire is (g = 10 mm−2).
(A) 0.02 × 10−3 (B) 0.2 × 10−3 (C) 2 × 10−3 (D) 20 × 10−3
Ans (C)
On loading the tuning fork with wax, the beat frequency decreases from 2 to 0.
Therefore, the frequency of the wire is less than the frequency of tuning fork.
i.e., ν = 502 – 2 = 500 Hz
1 T 1 T
We know ν0 =  ν 02 =
2L m 4L2 m
T 2 × 10
m= 2 = = 0.002 = 2.00 × 10−3 kg m−1
4 × L × ν 0 4 × (0.1) 2 × 5002
2

23. A number of tuning forks are arranged in order of increasing frequency and any two successive tuning
forks produce 4 beats per second, when sounded together. If the last tuning fork has a frequency
one octave higher than that of first running fork and frequency of the first tuning fork is 256 Hz then the
number of tuning forks is
(A) 63 (B) 64 (C) 65 (D) 66

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Ans (C)
Let the frequency of the first fork be ν. Then the frequency of last fork is 2ν.
Since the successive tuning fork gives four beats, then
frequency of first fork = ν = 256 Hz
frequency of second fork = ν + 4
frequency of third fork = ν + 8 = ν + 2 × 4
Frequency of Nth fork = ν + (N − 1) 4
As Nth fork is the last fork
2ν = ν + (N − 1) 4 or ν = (N − 1) 4 or 256 = (N − 1) 4 ∴ N = 65
24. A tuning fork A of frequency 512 Hz produces 5 beats per second when sounded with another tuning
fork B of unknown frequency. If B is loaded with wax the number of beats is again 5 per second. The
frequency of the tuning fork B before it was loaded is
(A) 502 Hz (B) 507 Hz (C) 517 Hz (D) 522 Hz
Ans (C)
25. Two tuning forks A and B produce 6 beats/sec. The fork A is in unison with a closed pipe of length
15 cm and fork B is in unison with an open pipe of length 30.5 cm. The frequencies of these forks
respectively are
(A) 366 Hz and 372 Hz (B) 366 Hz and 360 Hz
(C) 360 Hz and 354 Hz (D) 348 Hz and 354 Hz
Ans (B)
Let νA and νB be the frequencies of A and B respectively.
v v
νA = ; νB = ; l1 = 15 cm ; l2 = 35.5 cm
4l1 2l2
v v
νA = ; νB = ∴ νA > νB
60 61
ν A 61
=
ν B 60
ν 61 νA − νB 1
 A –1= –1  =
νB 60 νB 60
But ν A − ν B = 6 ∴ ν B = 360 Hz and ν A = 366 Hz
26. Two tuning forks A and B, when sounded together produce 8 beats per second. One of the tuning forks
resonates with an air column of length 0.375 m and the other with an air column of length 0.385 m. The
frequencies of A and B are
(A) 108 and 100 (B) 208 and 200 (C) 308 and 300 (D) 408 and 400
Ans (C)
We know that, ν1L1 = ν 2 L 2 , L1 = 0.375 and L 2 = 0.385 i.e., L1 < L 2
ν1 > ν 2 i.e., ν 2 = ( ν1 – 8) Also 0.375 × ν1 = 0.385 ( ν1 – 8)
Thus, ν1 = 308 Hz and ν 2 = 300 Hz
27. It is found that the third overtone of an open pipe of length L0 is exactly equal to the second overtone of
a closed pipe of length Lc . The ratio L0 : Lc is equal to
(A) 8 : 5 (B) 5 : 8 (C) 2 : 3 (D) 3 : 2

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Ans (A)
For a closed pipe ν1 : ν 2 : ν3 = 1 : 3 : 5… where ν3 is the frequency of the second overtone.
 v 
ν3 = 5  
 4L c 
For an open pipe, ν1 : ν 2 : ν3 : ν 4 = 1 : 2 : 3 : 4… where ν 4 is the frequency of the third overtone.
v v
ν4 = 4 = 2 .
2L o Lo
5v v
Since, the frequency is same in both the cases. =2 or
4Lc Lo
Lo 8
= Therefore, L 0 : L c = 8 : 5
Lc 5
28. A stretched string of length l fixed at both ends can sustain stationary waves of wave length λ given by
n2 l2 2l
(A) λ = (B) λ = (C) λ = (D) λ = 2ln
2l 2n n
Here n is a whole number.
Ans (C)
λ 2l
Let there be n loops in the string then, n = l or λ =
2 n
29. An open and closed organ pipe have the same length. The ratio of the pth mode of frequency of vibration
of the two pipes is
2p
(A) 1 (B) p (C) p(2pH) (D)
2p − 1
Ans (D)
v
pth mode of vibration of open organ pipe ν1 = p and of closed organ pipe is,
2l
 2p − 1  v ν 2pv / 2l 2p
ν2 =    1 = =
 2  2l ν 2 (2p − 1)v / 2l 2p − 1

30. A closed pipe is vibrating in the second overtone mode. When opened, it vibrates in the first overtone
mode with frequency that differs by 100 Hz. The fundamental frequency of the open pipe is
(A) 100 Hz (B) 200 Hz (C) 300 Hz (D) 400 Hz
Ans (B)
5v
Second overtone of the closed pipe =
4l
v
First overtone of the open pipe =
l
5v v v v
But – = = 100  ν = = 2 × 100 = 200 Hz
4l l 4l 2l

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Additional Information
Doppler Effect
31. The velocity of sound in air is 332 m s−1. An observer is moving at a velocity u away from a stationary
source and the apparent frequency becomes half the actual value. The value of u is
(A) 332 m s−1 (B) 166 m s−1 (C) 498 m s−1 (D) 83 m s−1
Ans (B)
v − v0 ν ′ v − v0 1 v − u 332 − u
ν′ = ν  =  = =  u = 166 ms −1
v ν v 2 v 332
32. A train whistling at a constant frequency n is moving towards a station at a constant speed v. The train
goes past a stationary observer on the station. The frequency n of the sound heard by the observer is
plotted as function of time t. Identify the correct curve.

(A) (B) (C) (D)

Ans (B)
When the whistling train is approaching the listener, n′ > n
When the whistling train is receding the listener, n′ < n.
Also, the apparent frequency does not depend on the distance between train (source) and the listener.
Therefore, the expected curve is (B).
33. A car moves towards a wall at a speed of 5 m s−1 with its horn blowing. The driver inside the car hears
5 beats per second. If the speed of sound in air is 350 m s−1, the actual frequency of the horn is
(A) 170 Hz (B) 210 Hz (C) 230 Hz (D) 160 Hz
Ans (A)
The driver will listen two sounds. Direct sound of the horn (true frequency) and sound reflected from the
wall. For the reflected sound, the wall acts as source (virtual source). When the car moves towards the
wall the virtual source also appears to move towards the car with the same speed. Relative velocity of the
car with respect to the wall (virtual source) is vR = 2 vs = 2 × 5 = 10 m s−1
 v   350 
ν'= ν   ν' = ν  
 v − vR   350 − 10 
But ν ' – ν = 5
350
∴ ν–ν =5
340
 ν = 170 Hz
34. An ambulance blowing a siren of frequency 700 Hz is travelling at a speed of 2 ms−1 towards a vertical
reflecting wall. If the speed of sound is 352 ms−1. The number of beats the driver of the ambulance will
hear each second is
(A) 6 (B) 8 (C) 10 (D) 12
Ans (B)
Beat frequency is equal to difference in the frequencies of the sound from the siren and that of sound
reflected by the wall. The ambulance is approaching the wall (reflector).
If an object moves towards a mirror with velocity v, the image moves towards the object with

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velocity 2v.
Hence, the velocity of source may be treated as vs = 2 va ,
where va is the velocity of the ambulance = 2 × 2 = 4 ms−1
we know ∆ν = ν′ − ν
νv
∆ν = −ν
v − vs
700 × 352
= −700
352 − 4
= 8 Hz i.e., the driver hears 8 beats s−1.
35. A passenger is sitting in a train which is moving fast. The engine of the train blows a whistle of
frequency ν. If the apparent frequency of the sound heard by the passenger is ν′ then
(A) ν ′ = ν (B) ν ′ > ν (C) ν ′ < ν (D) ν ′ ≤ ν
Ans (A)
ν ′ = ν , because there is no relative motion between source of sound and observer.

Assignment MCQs
 t x
1. The equation of progressive wave is given by y = a sin π  −  , where ‘t’ is in seconds and x is
2 2
in metre. The distance through which the wave moves in 8 seconds is
(A) 8 m (B) 16 m (C) 4 m (D) 2 m
Ans (A)
 t x
Given wave equation is y = a sin π  − 
2 2
 t x
The standard wave equation, y = a sin 2π − 
T λ
 t x
The given equation can be written as, y = a sin 2π  −  comparing.
4 4
T = 4 s, λ = 4 m
λ 4
∴ distance = velocity × time = × t = ×8 = 8 m
T 4
2. A source of frequency ν sends waves of wavelength λ travelling at speed v in a medium. The wavelength
and the speed of a wave of frequency 4ν in the same medium are respectively
λ λ v
(A) 4λ and v (B) 4λ and 4v (C) and v (D) and
4 4 4
Ans (C)
Speed of a wave in a medium is independent of frequency.
Therefore, the speed v remains the same. (only in non-dispersive medium)
1
Speed v = ν λ  λ ∝
ν
1 1 λ
Therefore λ1 = 1 = =
ν 4ν 4

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3. The displacement of a progressive wave is described by the equation y = 5sin (60t + 2x) where
x and y are in metres and t is in seconds. This wave has
(A) wavelength equal to 2π metres
π
(B) period of oscillation equal to s
15
(C) velocity equal to 30 m s−1 along the negative x direction
15
(D) frequency equal to Hz
2π
Ans (C)
Equation of progressive wave is y = A sin (ωt − Kx)
Given equation y = 5 sin (60 t + 2x)
Wave is in negative x direction comparing with standard equation
ω = 60 K=2
2π 1 30
ω= = 60  = =ν
T T π
2π 1 1
K= = 2  = and λ = π
λ λ π
30
v = νλ = × π = 30 m s −1
π
4. The displacement of the particles of the medium when wave is propagating through the medium is given
by y = A cos (ax + bt) where A, a and b are positive constants. The wave is reflected by an obstacle at
x = 0. The intensity of the reflected wave is 0.64 times that of the incident wave. The wavelength and
frequency of the incident wave are
π b 2π b 2π b π b
(A) λ = and ν = (B) λ = and ν = (C) λ = and ν = (D) λ = and ν =
a 2π a 2π a π a π
Ans (B)
y = a cos(ax + bt) = A cos (kx + ωt)  k = a
2π 2π
=a ∴λ =
λ a
b
ω = b, 2πν = b ∴ν =
2π
5. The displacement of the particles of the medium when wave is propagating through the medium is given
by y = A cos (ax + bt) where A, a and b are positive constants. The wave is reflected by an obstacle at
x = 0. The intensity of the reflected wave is 0.64 times that of the incident wave. The equation for the
reflected wave is
(A) + 0.8A cos (bt − ax) (B) + 4A cos (bt − ax)
(C) − 0.8A cos (bt − ax) (D) − 4A cos (bt − ax)
Ans (C)
When wave gets reflected from an obstacle, phase of the wave changes by π radians.
Ir = 0.64, Ii  A 2r = 0.64 A 2 or A r = 0.8 A
∴ Reflected wave y2 = − 0.8 A cos (bt − ax)

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6. The displacement of the particles of the medium when wave is propagating through the medium is given
by y = A cos (ax + bt) where A, a and b are positive constants. The wave is reflected by an obstacle at
x = 0. The intensity of the reflected wave is 0.64 times that of the incident wave. In the resultant wave
formed after reflection, the maximum and minimum values of the particle speeds in the medium are
(A) vmax = 1.8 Ab and vmin = 0.2 Ab (B) vmax = 1.6 Ab and vmin = 0.1 Ab
(C) vmax = 1.4 Ab and vmin = 0.1 Ab (D) vmax = 1.2 Ab and vmin = 0.2 Ab
Ans (A)
dy
Particle speed due to incident wave is (v p )1 = 1 = − Ab sin (ax + bt)
dt
(vp)max = Ab
dy
Particle speed due to reflected wave is (v p )2 = 2 = 0.8 Ab sin(bt − ax)
dt
(vp)max = 0.8 Ab
∴ maximum value of particle speed is ( v p ) max = v p1 + v p 2 = 1.8 Ab
and minimum value of particle speed is ( v p ) min = Ab − 0.8 Ab = 0.2 Ab

 x
7. The equation of a progressive wave is given by y = 0.2 sin 2π 60 t −  , where x and y are in metre and
 5
1 1
t is in second. The phase difference at any point between two instants s and s is
120 40
π π
(A) (B) (C) π (D) 2π
4 2
Ans (D)
Comparing the given equation with the standard wave equation
 t x 1
y = a sin 2π −  we find that T = s
T λ 60
 1 1 
 − 
2π
Phase difference ∆φ = (∆t ) = 2π 40 120  = 2π
T  1 
 
 60 
8. The equation of a travelling wave is y = 60 cos (1800t − 6x), where y is in microns, t in seconds and
x in metres. The ratio of maximum particle velocity to velocity of wave propagation is
(A) 3.6 (B) 3.6 × 10−6 (C) 3.6 × 10−11 (D) 3.6 × 10−4
Ans (D)
ω 1800 −1 dy 0.108
Velocity of wave propagation = v = = ms , v p = = 0.108, = 3.6 × 10−4 ms −1
k 6 dt 300
9. In the interference of waves from two sources of intensities I0 and 4I0. The intensity at a point where the
phase difference π is
(A) 5I0 (B) 3I0 (C) 2I0 (D) I0
Ans (D)
I R = I1 + I 2 + 2 I1I 2 cos φ = I0 + 4I0 + 2 4I20 cos π = 5I0 − 4I0 = I0

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π
10. The phase difference between two points separated by 0.8 m in a wave of frequency 100 Hz is . The
2
wave velocity is
(A) 3.2 m s−1 (B) 320 m s−1 (C) 32 m s−1 (D) 300 m s−1
Ans (B)
2π
φ= × ∆x
λ
2π 2π
λ= × ∆x = × 0.8
φ  π
 
2
λ = 3.2 m
Wave velocity v = νλ = 100 × 3.2  v = 320 m s−1
 t x 
11. A wave is given by y = 3sin 2π  −  where y is in cm. Frequency of wave and maximum
 0.04 0.01 
acceleration will be
(A) 100 Hz, 4.7 × 103 cm s−2 (B) 50 Hz, 7.5 × 103 cm s−2
(C) 25 Hz, 4.7 × 104 cm s−2 (D) 25 Hz, 7.5 × 104 cm s−2
Ans (D)
 t x
Compare with the standard equation y = A sin 2π  − 
T λ 
 t x 
Given equation y = 3sin 2π  − 
 0.04 0.01 
1
T = 0.04 s, ν = = 25 Hz
T
∴ 2πν = 2π 25 ∴ ν = 25 Hz
2
Maximum acceleration = ω2 A = ( 2π × 25 ) × 3 = 7.5 × 104 cms −2
 2π 
12. If y = Asin  (ct − x)  represents a transverse wave travelling along x-axis, then the particle
 λ 
velocity v, wave velocity c and slope ‘s’ of the wave are related as
c c
(A) v = − sc (B) v = − (C) v = s2c (D) v = −
s s2
Ans (A)
dy 2πcA  2π 
Particle velocity v = = cos  (ct − x)
dt λ λ 
dy A2π  2π 
Slope of curve s = =− cos  (ct − x) 
dx λ  λ 
s 1
=− or v = −sc
v c
13. A transverse wave of amplitude 0.5 m and wavelength 2 m and frequency 25 Hz is propagating in a
string in the negative x-direction then the expression for this wave is
(A) 0.5 cos π (50t + x) (B) 0.5 cos π (5t + x) (C) 0.5 cos (50t + x) (D) 0.5 cos (5t + x)

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Ans (A)
2π
y = a cos (vt + x)
λ
v = νλ = 25 × 2 = 50 ms −1
 2π 
y = 0.5cos  (50t + x)  = 0.5cos π(50t + x)
 2 
14. The equation of a travelling wave is y = 60 cos (1800t − 6x). Where y is in microns, t in seconds and
x in metres. The ratio of the maximum particle velocity to velocity of wave propagation is
(A) 3.6 × 10−6 (B) 3.6 × 10−11 (C) 3.6 × 10−4 (D) 3.6
Ans (C)
Compare the equation with standard equation, from y = A cos (ωt – kx)
Maximum particle velocity = Aω = 60 × 10−6 × 1800
ω 1800
Now, Wave velocity =
k 6
v p 60 × 10 × 1800
−6
= = 3.6 × 10−4
v  1800 
 6 
 
15. The phase difference between two waves represented by
 x   x
y1 = 10−6 sin 100t + + 0.5 m , y 2 = 10−6 cos 100t +  m
 50   50 
where x is expressed in metres and t is expressed in seconds approximately
(A) 1.07 rad (B) 2.07 rad (C) 0.5 rad (D) 1.5 rad
Ans (A)
π  x π  x 
90° = rad = 1.57 rad, y 2 = 10−6 sin 100t + +  ∴ y 2 = 10−6 sin 100t + + 1.57 
2  50 2   50 
x x
φ1 = 100t + + 0.5 and φ2 = 100t + + 1.57
50 50
∴ Phase difference φ2 − φ1 = 1.57 − 0.5 = 1.07 rad
 x
16. A transverse wave is described by the equation y = y0 sin 2π  νt −  . The maximum particle velocity is
 λ
equal to four times the wave velocity if
πy πy
(A) λ = 0 (B) λ = 0 (C) λ = πy 0 (D) λ = 2πy 0
4 2
Ans (B)
dy   x 
v= = 2πνy0 cos  2π  νt −  
dt   λ 
  x 
The particle velocity is maximum, when cos  2π  νt −   = 1
  λ 
∴ v max = 2πνy0 ...(1)
We know that y = a sin (ωt − kx). The wave velocity v is given by
ω 2πν
v= = = νλ ...(2)
k 2π
λ

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Given that, v max = 4v

∴ 2πνy 0 = 4νλ
πy
or λ = 0
2
17. A point mass is subjected to two simultaneous sinusoidal displacements in X-direction:
 2π 
x1 (t) = A sin ωt and x 2 (t) = A sin  ωt + .
 3 
Adding a third sinusoidal displacement x3(t) = B sin(ωt + φ) brings the mass to complete rest. The values
of B and φ are
3π 4π 5π π
(A) 2 A, (B) A, (C) 3 A, (D) A,
4 3 6 3
Ans (B)
For the mass to be at complete rest,
x1 + x 2 + x 3 = 0 as shown in figure
Since | x 3 | = | x 2 | = | x1 | ,
B=A
4π
Also, φ =
3
18. The variation of the square of speed of sound (v2) with absolute temperature of a gas (T) is shown
correctly in
v2 v2 v2 v2

(A) (B) (C) (D)

T T T T

Ans (B)
Since v ∝ T , we get v2 ∝ T which is represented in figure (B).
19. With decrease in water vapour content in air, velocity of sound
(A) increases (B) decreases (C) remains constant (D) cannot say
Ans (B)
γp
v=
ρ
With the decrease in water vapour, the density increases and hence, the velocity of sound in air
decreases.
20. A sound wave of wavelength 90 cm in glass is refracted into air. If the velocity of sound in glass is
5400 m s−1, the wavelength of the wave in air is (velocity of sound in air = 330 m s−1)
(A) 55 cm (B) 5.5 cm (C) 55 cm (D) 5.5 m
Ans (B)
Velocity = frequency × wavelength
5400 × 100
In glass: n = Hz
90

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330 5400 × 100

In air: =n=
λ 90
330 × 90
∴ λ= = 0.055 m = 5.5 cm
5400 × 100
21. The increase in the speed of sound in air for every degree Celsius rise in temperature is (velocity of
sound at 0 °C is 330 m s−1)
(A) 6 m s−1 (B) 0.6 m s−1 (C) 0.12 m s−1 (D) 1.2 m s−1
Ans (B)
We know that vo ∝ 273
vo 273 274
and vt ∝ 273 + 1 = 274 or = ∴ vt = vo
vt 274 273
 274 1 / 2 
Difference in speed δv = vt − vo = vo   − 1 = 0.6 ms−1
 273  

22. If v and c denote the sound velocity and root mean square velocity of molecules in a gas, then
1
 γ 2
(A) v > c (B) v = c   (C) v = c (D) v and c are not related
 3
Ans (B)
1
γRT 3RT  γ 2
v= , c= ∴ v = c 
M M  3
23. The frequency of tuning fork is 500 Hz and velocity of sound in air is 300 ms−1. How far does sound
travel while the fork executes 200 vibrations.
(A) 120 cm (B) 1.2 m (C) 12 m (D) 120 m
Ans (D)
1 1 2
time = 200 × = 200 × = s
ν 500 5
2
distance d = vt = 300 × = 120 m
5
24. A block of mass 2.0 kg is suspended from the ceiling of an elevator which is accelerating upwards
uniformly at 2.2 m s−2. If the linear density of the material of the suspension wire is 96 × 10−4 kg m−1,
then the speed of a transverse wave pulse excited in the string is
(A) 25 m s−1 (B) 32 m s−1 (C) 41.5 m s−1 (D) 50 m s−1
Ans (D)
T
v= T = m ( g + a ) = 2 [9.8 + 2.2] = 24 N
µ
24
v= = 50 ms −1
96 × 10−4
25. Two monatomic ideal gases 1 and 2 of molecular masses m1 and m2 respectively are enclosed in separate
containers kept at the same temperature. The ratio of the speed of sound in gas 1 to that in gas 2 is given
by
m1 m2 m m
(A) (B) (C) 1 (D) 2
m2 m1 m2 m1

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Ans (B)
γRT 1 v m2
Speed of sound in gases is given by v =  v∝  1 =
M M v2 m1

26. A wavelength 0.60 cm is produced in air and it travels at a speed of 300 ms–1. It will be an
(A) Audible wave (B) Infrasonic wave (C) Ultrasonic wave (D) None of the above
Ans (C)
v 300 3
n= = −2
Hz = × 104 Hz = 50,000Hz  Wave is ultrasonic
λ 0.6 × 10 6

Additional Information

27. A man watches a carpenter driving nails at a regular rate of 4 stroke per second. He hears the sound of
the blow exactly synchronized with the blows he sees. He hears two more blows after he sees the
carpenter stop hammering. The distance of the carpenter from man is (speed of sound = 340 m s−1)
(A) 348 m (B) 170 m (C) 340 m (D) 170 cm
Ans (B)
Time taken by sound of last stroke to reach observer = 0.5 s
[Time for one stroke = 0.25 s As time for 4 stroke = 1 s] ∴ Distance of the carpenter = vt
D = 340 × 0.5 = 170 m
28. Compressional wave impulses are sent to the bottom of sea from a ship and the echo is heard after
3 seconds. If bulk modulus of water is 2 × 109 N m−2 and the mean temperature is 4 °C, then the depth of
the sea is
(A) 1122 m (B) 2211 m (C) 1212 m (D) 2121 m
Ans (D)
B
Velocity of sound in water v =
ρ
2 × 109
v= = 1414 ms −1
103
vt
If d is the depth of the sea then the total distance covered 2d = vt or d =
2
vt 1414 × 3
Distance d = = = 2121 m
2 2
29. The speed of sound in hydrogen is v. Then, in a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen in the ratio 5 : 1 by
volumes and at same temperature, the speed of sound is
5 7 2
(A) v (6.5) (B) v (C) v (D) v
6 2 7
Ans (D)
γP γP
Vmix = V= (γH = γ0 = 1.4)
ρmix ρH
Vmix ρH
=
V ρmix

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V0ρ0 + VH ρH VH
∴ ρmix = ρ0 = 16ρH V0 =
V0 + VH 5
 16 
 + 1 VH ρH 6 2
5
ρmix =   Vmix = v H or Vmix = vH
1  21 7
 5 + 1 VH
 
30. If the amplitude of sound is doubled and its frequency is reduced to one-fourth, then intensity of the
sound at the same point will
(A) increase by a factor of 2 (B) increase by a factor of 4
(C) decrease by a factor of 2 (D) decrease by a factor of 4
Ans (D)
I ∝ ν 2a 2
∴ I = kν2a2
2
ν kν 2 a 2 I
I = k   (2a) 2 =
′ =
4 4 4
31. In a mixture of gases, the average number of degrees of freedom per molecule is 6. The rms speed of the
molecules of the gas is c. The velocity of sound in the gas is
c 3c 2c c
(A) (B) (C) (D)
2 4 3 3
Ans (C)
2 2 8 4
γ =1+ = 1+ = =
f 6 6 3
3RT
c= …(1)
M
γRT
and v = …(2)
M
v γ 4 2 2c
Dividing eq. (2) by eq. (1), we get = = = v=
c 3 3× 3 3 3
32. In the figure shown M = 2 kg. The strings AB and CD are identical with linear density 16 gm−1 the speed
of the transverse waves in AB and CD are respectively [g = 10 m s−2]
A
−1100 −1
(A) 100 ms , ms
2
B
50
(B) 50 ms −1 , m s −1 M
2
C
25
(C) 25ms −1 , ms −1
2
D
30
(D) 30 ms −1 , m s −1 M
2
Ans (B)
TAB
v AB = TAB = ( 2 + 2 ) × 10 = 40 N
µ

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40
v AB = = 50 ms −1
16 × 10−3
TCD
vCD = TCD = 2 × 10 = 20 N
µ
20 1 50
vCD = −3
= × 102 = m s −1
16 × 10 2 2 2
33. A wave of frequency 100 Hz is sent along a string towards a fixed end. When this wave travels back
after reflection, a node is formed at a distance of 10 cm from the fixed end of the string. The speed of
incident (and reflected) wave are
(A) 40 ms −1 (B) 20 ms −1 (C) 10 ms −1 (D) 5 ms −1
Ans (B)
At fixed end node is formed and distance between two consecutive nodes
λ
= 10cm  λ = 20cm
2
 v = nλ = 20 ms −1
34. Two travelling waves y1 = A sin[k(x − c t)] and y 2 = A sin[k(x + c t)] are superimposed on string. The
distance between adjacent nodes is
(A) c t / π (B) c t / 2π (C) π / 2k (D) π / k
Ans (D)
λ
The distance between adjacent nodes x =
2
2π π
Also k = . Hence, x = .
λ k
35. A cylindrical resonance tube open at both ends has a fundamental frequency ν in air. Half of the length
of the tube is dipped vertically in water. Then the fundamental frequency of the air column becomes
(A) ν (B) 2ν (C) 3ν (D) ν/2
Ans (A)
v
When the tube is open at both ends, ν =
2l
v v
When the tube is in water, ν1 = = =v
l 2l
4 
2
36. A resonance air column of length 40 cm resonates with a tuning fork of frequency 450 Hz. Ignoring end
correction, the velocity of sound in air will be (closed pipe)
(A) 720 m s−1 (B) 820 m s−1 (C) 920 m s−1 (D) 1020 m s−1
Ans (A)
v
ν = or v = ν 4l = 450 × 4 × 40 × 10−2 ∴ v = 720 m s−1
4l
37. Transverse waves are generated in two uniform wires A and B by attaching their free ends to a vibrating
source of frequency 600 Hz. The diameter of wire A is one-third that of wire B and tension in the wire A
is double that in wire B. The ratio of the velocities of waves in wire A and B is
(A) 3 : 2 (B) 2 : 3 (C) 3 : 2 (D) 3 2 : 1

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Ans (D)
Velocity of a transverse wave in a wire
T
v= , µ = mass per unit length
µ
T 4T
v= 2
=
πr ρ πρd 2
T vA T d 2TB dB
v∝ ∴ = A× B = × = 2 ×3 = 3 2
d vB TB dA TB dB
3
vA : vB = 3 2 :1
38. The length of a sonometer wire between two fixed ends is 44 cm. Where should the two bridges be
placed to divide the wire into three segments whose fundamental frequencies are the ratio 1 : 2 : 3?
(A) at 4 cm, 18 cm (B) at 8 cm, 12 cm (C) at 12 cm, 24 cm (D) at 16 cm, 32 cm
Ans (B)
ν1 : ν2 : ν3 = 1 : 2 : 3
1 1 1 l l
we know that ν ∝ ∴ l1 : l2 : l3 = 1 : : if l1 = l, then l2 = and l3 =
l 2 3 2 3
Also l1 + l2 + l3 = 44 cm  l = 24 cm = l1
l2 = 12 cm and l3 = 8 cm
39. A long glass tube is held vertically, dipping into water while a tuning fork of frequency 512 Hz is struck
and held over the open end. Strong resonance is obtained when the length of the tube above the surface
of water is 50 cm and again at 84 cm, but not at any intermediate point. The speed of sound in air and
next length of the air column for resonance are nearly
(A) 350 m s−1, 1.50 m (B) 350 m s−1, 1.2 m (C) 330 m s−1, 1.5 m (D) 330 m s−1, 1.2 m
Ans (B)
v = 2ν (l2 − l1)  v = 348.16 m s−1
Also v = 2ν (l3 − l2)  l3 = 118 cm
l3 − l2 = l2 − l1 or l3 = 2l2 − l1
40. An organ pipe open at one end is vibrating in first overtone and is in resonance with another pipe open at
both ends and vibrating in third harmonic. The ratio of length of two pipes is
(A) 1 : 2 (B) 4 : 1 (C) 8 : 3 (D) 3 : 8
Ans (A)
3v
In first overtone of organ pipe open at one end, f c = ...(i)
4lc
3v
Third harmonic or second overtone of organ pipe open at both end, f 0 = ...(ii)
2l0
3v 3v0 l 1
Given f c = f o  =  c = .
4lc 2l0 lo 2
41. A piano wire having a diameter of 1 mm is replaced by another wire of the same material but with a
diameter of 1.2 mm. If the tension of the wire is kept the same, then the percentage change in the
frequency of the fundamental note is
(A) 20 % (B) −20 % (C) −30 % (D) 30 %

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Ans (B)
1 ∆ν ∆d (1.2 − 1) ∆ν
ν ∝ or =− =−  % = −0.2 × 100 = −20 %
d ν d 1 ν
42. The tension of a stretched string is increased by 69 %. In order to keep the frequency of vibration as
constant, its length must be increased by
(A) 69% (B) 69 % (C) 20 % (D) 30 %
Ans (D)
T1 T2 T l2 T 
= or 1 = 12 Given  2 − 1 × 100 = 69
l1 l2 T2 l2  T1 
T2 l2 l2
= 0.69 + 1 = 1.69 = 22 ∴ = 1.3
T1 l1 l1
l 
∴ Percentage increase in length =  2 − 1 × 100 = 30%
 l1 
43. A mass of 0.5 kg is suspended from one end of a sonometer wire which is in resonance with a fork of
frequency 280 Hz. The apparatus is taken to moon. In order that the sonometer will resonate with the
g 1
same fork at moon, the mass suspended from the sonometer (at moon) is: [Given m = ]
ge 6
 0.5   0.5 
(A) 0.5 kg (B)   kg (C) 3 kg (D)   kg
 6   6
Ans (C)
1 me g e
νe =
2l m
m  mass per unit length of wire, me  mass of the load attached to the string (earth)
1 Mg m
νm = M  mass of the load attached to the string (moon)
2l m
νe = νm
0.5 g e 0.5
∴ 0.5 ge = Mgm or M = = = 0.5 × 6 = 3 kg
gm 1
6
44. A sonometer wire resonates with a given tuning fork forming standing waves with five antinodes
between the two bridges when a mass of 9 kg is suspended from the wire. When this mass is replaced by
a mass M, the wire resonates with the same tuning fork forming three antinodes for the same positions of
the bridges. The value of M is
 1 
(A) 25 kg (B) 5 kg (C) 12.5 kg (D)   kg
 25 
Ans (A)
5 2l
When there are 5 antinodes between the two bridges then λ1 = l or λ1 =
2 5

3λ 2 2l
When there are 3 antinodes between the two bridges = l or λ 2 =
2 3

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V1 = νλ1, V2 = νλ2
9g Mg λ1 9
= νλ1 , = νλ 2 ∴ =
µ µ λ2 M
2l × 3 9 9 9
= = or M = 25kg
5 × 2l M 25 M
45. In which of the following does the intensity of sound vary with time?
(A) Doppler effect (B) Beats (C) Transverse waves (D) Longitudinal waves
Ans (B)
46. Two turning forks of frequencies n1 and n2 produces n beats per second. If n2 and n are known, n1 may be
given by
n n
(A) 2 + n 2 (B) n2n (C) n2 ± n (D) 2 − n 2
n n
Ans (C)
Beat frequency = number of beats/second.
n = n2 − n1 or n1 − n2 ∴ n1 = n2 ± n
47. Which of the following phenomenon is used by the musicians to tune their musical instruments?
(A) Interference (B) Diffraction (C) Beats (D) Polarisation
Ans (C)
48. A tuning fork and a sonometer wire were sounded together and produce 4 beats per second. When the
length of sonometer wire is 95 cm or 100 cm, the frequency of the tuning fork is
(A) 148 Hz (B) 152 Hz (C) 156 Hz (D) 160 Hz
Ans (C)
Probable frequencies of tuning fork be n + 4 or n − 4
1
Frequency of sonometer wire n ∝
l
n + 4 100
∴ = or 95(n + 4) = 100(n − 4)
n − 4 95
or 95n + 380 = 100n − 400 or 5n = 780 or n = 156
49. The beats are produced by two sound sources of same amplitude and of nearly equal frequencies. The
maximum intensity of beats will be _______ that of one source
(A) same (B) double (C) four times (D) eight times
Ans (C)
Intensity ∝ (amplitude)2
as A max = 2a o (ao= amplitude of one source) so I max = 4Io
50. Two waves of wavelengths 50 cm and 51 cm produces 12 beats per second. The velocity of sound is
(A) 306 m s–1 (B) 331 m s–1 (C) 340 m s–1 (D) 360 m s–1
Ans (A)
v v v v
n1 = = and n 2 = =
λ1 0.50 λ 2 0.51

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1PBDBEPS-Waves

 1 1 
∆n = n1 − n 2 = v  −  = 12
 0.05 0.51 
12 × 0.51 × 0.50
 v= = 306 ms −1
0.01
51. The frequency of tuning forks A and B are respectively 3% more and 2% less than the frequency of
tuning fork C. When A and B are simultaneously excited, 5 beats per second are produced. Then the
frequency of the tuning fork 'A' (in Hz) is
(A) 98 (B) 100 (C) 105 (D) 103
Ans (D)
Let n be the frequency of fork C then
3n 103n 2n 98
nA = n + = and n B = n − =
100 100 100 100
5n (103)(100)
but n A − n B = 5  = 5  n = 100 Hz ∴ nA = = 103Hz
100 100
52. A sonometer wire of length 0.1 m under a tension of 2 kg weight, when sounded together with a tuning
fork of frequency 502 Hz, produces 2 beats per second. When the fork is loaded with a little wax and
sounded together, no beats are heard. Then, the linear density in kg m−1 of the wire is [g = 10 m s−2].
(A) 0.02 × 10−3 (B) 0.2 × 10−3 (C) 2 × 10−3 (D) 20 × 10−3
Ans (C)
On loading the tuning fork with wax, the beat frequency decreases from 2 to 0.
Therefore, the frequency of the wire is less than the frequency of tuning fork. i.e., ν = 502 – 2 = 500 Hz
1 T 1 T
We know ν 0 = , ν 02 = .
2L µ 4L2 µ
T 2 × 10
µ= 2 2
= = 0.002 = 2.00 × 10−3 kg m−1
4 × L × ν0 4 × (0.1) 2 × 500 2
53. A tuning fork A, when sounded with a tuning fork B of frequency 512 Hz, produces 2 beats per second.
When A is loaded with a little wax and sounded with B, beats stop. Then, the frequency of A is
(A) 514 Hz (B) 508 Hz (C) 516 Hz (D) 510 Hz
Ans (A)
After loading A (of unknown frequency) with wax, the beat frequency decreases from 2 Hz to 0.
Therefore, ν = ν1 + νb = 512 + 2 = 514 Hz.
54. If a stretched string fixed at both the ends has n nodes, the length of the string is
nλ λ
(A) (B) n λ (C) λ (D) (n −1)
2 2
Ans (D)
λ
n nodes have (n – 1) loops. ∴ l = (n – 1)
2

Additional Information

55. An ambulance blowing a siren of frequency 700 Hz is travelling at a speed of 2 m s−1 towards a vertical
reflecting wall. If the speed of sound is 352 m s−1, number of beats will the driver of the ambulance hear
each second is
(A) 6 (B) 8 (C) 10 (D) 12

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 1PBDBEPS-Waves

Ans (B)
Beat frequency is equal to difference in the frequencies of the sound from the siren and that of sound
reflected by the wall. The ambulance is approaching the wall (reflector).
 v + vS 
ν/ =  ν
 v − vS  v
 v + vS  2vSν L S
νb = ν/ − ν =  − 1 ν = vL = vS is −ve vS is +ve
 v − vS  v − vS
2 × 2 × 700
= = 8 Hz
352 − 2
56. A source of sound of frequency ν is moving towards a wall at a speed vs. A person is following the
source with a speed v0. If v is the velocity of sound, then the number of beats heard by the person is
2vs [v + v0 ]ν 2vs [v + v0 ]ν 2vs [v − v 0 ]ν 2vs [v − v 0 ]ν
(A) 2 2
(B) (C) 2 2
(D)
v − vs v − vs v − vs v 2 + vs2
Ans (A)
Actual frequency of source = ν
 v + v0 
The direct frequency heard by the person, ν1 = ν   …(1)
 v + vs 
 v 
The frequency heard at the wall ν′ = ν  
 v − vs  v0 vs
∴ The reflected sound reaches the person.
Person Source Wall
The frequency of reflected sound
 v + v0  νv  v + v 0   v + v0 
ν2 = ν/   =   = ν   …(2)
 v  v − vs  v   v − vs 
 v + v0 v + v0 
∴ Beat frequency, νb = ν2 – ν1 =  − 
 v − vs v + vs 
2vs (v + v 0 )ν
ν=
v 2 − vs2
57. The fractional change in wavelength of light coming from a star is 0.014 %. What is its velocity?
(A) 4.2 × 103 m s–1 (B) 3.8 × 108 m s–1 (C) 3.5 × 103 m s–1 (D) 4.2 × 104 m s–1
Ans (D)
v 0.014 × 3 × 108
∆λ = λ ∴ v=
c 100
∆λ v
= v = 4.2 × 104 ms–1
λ c
0.014 v
=
100 c
0.014
∴ v= ×c
100

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1PBDBEPS-Waves

v
58. A source and an observer are moving towards each other with a velocity equal to , where v is the
2
speed of sound. The source is emitting sound of frequency ν. The frequency heard by the observer will
be
ν
(A) 0 (B) (C) v2 (D) 3 ν
3
Ans (D)
v+b v
ν' =  ν Given a = b =
 v − a  2
 v
v+ 2 
∴ v' =   ν = 3ν
v− v 
 2
59. Two cars are moving on two perpendicular roads towards a crossing with uniform speeds of
72 km hr–1 and 36 km hr–1. If first car blows horn of frequency 280 Hz then the frequency of horn heard
by the driver of second car when line joining the cars make 45° angle with the roads, will be
(A) 321 Hz (B) 298 Hz (C) 289 Hz (D) 280 Hz
Ans (B)
72 × 5 36 × 5
v1 = = 20 ms −1 ; v 2 = = 10 ms −1
18 18
The components of velocities of the two cars along the direction of propagation of sound
= 20cos 45° = 14.14 m s–1 and 10 cos 45° = 7.07 m s–1
 v + v 2 cos 45°   330 + 7.07 
∴ Apparent frequency = ν ' = ν   ∴ ν ' = 280   = 298 Hz
 v − v cos 45°   330 − 14.14 
60. Two whistles A and B produce notes of frequencies 660 Hz and 596 Hz respectively. There is a listener
at the midpoint of the line joining them. Both the whistle B and the listener start moving with speed
30 m s−1, away from whistle A. If speed of sound be 330 m s−1, number of beats heard by the listener is
(A) 2 (B) 4 (C) 6 (D) 8
Ans (B)
Here, the whistle B and listener are moving with same speed. Hence, there will be no change in the pitch
of whistle B to the listener. Frequency of the note from A will be
 v − v0   330 − 30 
ν' = ν  = 660   = 600 Hz ∴ Beat frequency = 600 − 596 = 4 Hz
 v   330 

JEE Main

1. A string of length 1 m and mass 5 g is fixed at both ends. The tension in the string is 8.0 N. The string is
set into vibration using an external vibrator of frequency 100 Hz. The separation between successive
node on the string is close to
(A) 10.0cm (B) 33.3cm (C) 16.6cm (D) 20.0cm
Ans (D)
T 8
Velocity of wave on string V = = × 1000 = 40 m s −1
µ 5

156
 1PBDBEPS-Waves

V 40
Wavelength of the wave λ = = m
ν 100
λ 40
Separation between successive nodes, = m = 20cm
2 2 × 100
2. The pressure wave P = 0.01sin [1000t − 3x ] Nm −2 , corresponds to the sound produced by a vibrating
blade on a day when atmospheric temperature is 0 °C. On some other day when temperature is T, the
speed produced by the same blade and at the same frequency is found to be 336 ms−1 . Approximate
value of T is
(A) 4 °C (B) 11 °C (C) 12 °C (D) 15 °C
Ans (A)
On comparing with P = P0 sin ( ωt − kx ) , we have ω = 1000 rad s −1 , k = 3rad m −1
ω 1000
V0 = = = 333.3ms −1
k 3
V0 T 333.3 273 + 0
= 0 = ∴ t = 4 °C
V T 336 273 + t

Additional Information
3. A train moves towards a stationary observer with a speed of 34 ms −1 . The train sounds a whistle and its
frequency registered by the observer is f1 . If the speed of the train is reduced to 17 ms −1 , the frequency
f
registered is f 2 . If the speed of sound is 340 ms−1 , then the ratio 1 is
f2
18 19 20 21
(A) (B) (C) (D)
17 18 19 20
Ans (B)
According to Doppler’s effect, when source is moving but observer at rest
 V   340   340 
f app =   f  f1 =   f 0 and f 2 =   f0
 V − Vs   340 − 34   340 − 17 
f 340 − 17 323 f1 19
∴ 1 = = or =
f 2 340 − 34 306 f 2 18
4. A wire of length L and mass per unit length 6 × 103 kg m −1 is put under tension of 540 N. Two
consecutive frequencies that it resonates at are: 420 Hz and 490 Hz. Then L in meter is
(A) 8.1 m (B) 2.1 m (C) 1.1 m (D) 5.1 m
Ans (B)
The difference of two consecutive resonant frequencies is the fundamental resonant frequency.
Fundamental frequency = 490 − 420 = 70Hz
1 T
We have f =
2L µ
1 540
70 =
2L 6 × 10−3
1 300
L= 90 × 10−3 = ≃ 2.1m
2 × 70 140

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5. A sinusoidal wave travelling in the positive direction has an amplitude of 15 cm, wavelength 40 cm and
frequency 8 Hz. The vertical displacement of the medium at t = 0 and x = 0 is also 15 cm (see figure).
The phase constant δ and general expression for wave function are
π  π 
(A) , 15cos 16πt − x  y (cm)
2  20 
 π  40 cm
(B) 0, 15sin 16πt − x 
 20 
15 cm
π  π 
(C) , 15sin 16πt − x  x (cm)
2  20 
π  π π
(D) , 15sin 16πt − x + 
4  20 4
Ans (A)
2π 2 π π 1 1
k= = = rad cm −1 T= = s
λ 40 20 ν 8
−1
ω = 2πν = 2π(8) = 16π rad s
v = νλ = 8 × 40 = 320 cm s −1
At x = 0 and t = 0, y = 15 cm
y = A sin (ωt − kx + δ)  15 = 15sin (0 − 0 + δ)
π
sin δ = 1  δ =
2
 π π
∴ Wave equation is y = 15sin 16πt − x + 
 20 2
 π 
 y = 15cos 16πt − x 
 20 
6. A wire under a load has a frequency n1, when the load is completely immersed in water its frequency is
n2. The density of the load is
n2 n2 n1 n2
(A) 2 1 2 (B) 2 2 2 (C) (D)
n1 − n 2 n1 − n 2 n1 + n 2 n1 + n 2
Ans (A)
n ∝ T or n1 ∝ T1 , T = weight(w)  W1 ∝ n12 and W2 ∝ n 22
weight in air
The density of the load =
loss of weight in water
W1 n2
 ρ= = 2 1 2
W1 − W2 n1 − n 2

7. Two wires are fixed on a sonometer. Their tensions are in the ratio 8 : 1, their lengths are in the ratio
36 : 35, the diameters are in the ratio 4 : 1 and densities are in the ratio 1 : 2. The frequency of beats
produced, if the note of higher pitch has a frequency of 360 s−1 is
(A) 10 Hz (B) 15 Hz (C) 20 Hz (D) 25 Hz
Ans (A)
T1 L 36 D ρ 1
= 8, 1 = , 1 = 4, 1 =
T2 L2 35 D2 ρ2 2

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 1PBDBEPS-Waves

πD12 πD 22
µ1 = × ρ1 and µ 2 = × ρ2 [∵ linear mass density = area × density]
4 4
2
µ1  D1  ρ1 1
=  = 16 × = 8
µ 2  D 2  ρ2 2
ν1 L 2 T1 µ 2 35 1 35
= × = 8× =
ν 2 L1 T2 µ1 36 8 36
ν2 > ν1
We have ν2 = 360 Hz ∴ ν1 = 350 Hz
νbeats = ν2 − ν1 = 10 s−1 or 10 Hz

Additional Information

8. Two identical loudspeakers placed 3 m apart are driven by the same oscillator. A listener is originally at
point ‘O’, located 8 m from the centre of the line connecting the two speakers. The listener then moves
to point P, which is at a perpendicular distance 0.35 m from O (see fig.) and she experiences the first
minimum sound intensity. The frequency of the oscillator is (vsound = 343 m s−1).
r1
P
(A) 1320 Hz
(B) 1450 Hz 8m 0.35 m
3m
(C) 1395 Hz O
(D) 1425 Hz r2

Ans (A)
r1 = 1.152 + 82 = 8.08 m L1 r1
2 2
r2 = 1.85 + 8 = 8.21 m 1.15

Path difference = 8.21 − 8.08 = 0.13 m 8m

This corresponds to first minimum. O 1.85
r2
λ
∴ = 0.13  λ = 0.26 m
2 L2
v 343
ν= = ≈ 1320 Hz
λ 0.26
9. A closed pipe in its second over tone mode is in resonance with the third harmonic mode of a open pipe.
The ratio of their lengths l1 : l2 is
(A) 4 : 5 (B) 5 : 4 (C) 5 : 6 (D) 6 : 5
Ans (C)
The second overtone frequency of closed pipe
5v
ν1 = 5ν o = . The third harmonic of open pipe
4l1
v
ν 2 = 3ν o = 3
2l2
5v 3v l 5
But ν1 = ν 2  =  1 =
4l1 2l2 l2 6

159
1PBDBEPS-Waves

Additional Information

10. The difference between the apparent frequency of a source of sound as perceived by an observer during
its approach and recession is 2 % of the natural frequency of the source. The velocity of the source is
[Take the velocity of sound as 350 m s−1]
(A) 3.5 m s−1 (B) 7 m s−1 (C) 10 m s−1 (D) 15 m s−1
Ans (A)
 v   v 
ν′a − ν′r = ν   − ν 
 v − vs   v + vs 
ν′a − ν′r  v + vs − v + vs  2vvs 2
= v 2 2  = 2 [As v >> vs neglect v s ]
ν  v − vs  v
 ν′a − ν′r  2vs
 100 = ×100
 ν  v
2v
2 = s × 100  vs = 3.5 ms −1
350

Numerical problems
Additional Information
11. A bus is moving with a velocity of 5 ms −1 towards a huge wall. The driver sounds a horn of frequency
165 Hz. If the speed of sound in air is 332 ms −1 , calculate the number of beats per second heard by the
passengers in the bus?
Ans 5
Case I: The bus acts as a source
vs = 5 m s −1 , v = 335 m s −1 , ν = 165 Hz
v × ν 335 × 165 335
ν' = = = Hz
v − vs 335 − 5 2
Case II: For reflected sound from the wall, bus acts as listener

ν '' =
( v + v0 ) ν ' = ( 335 + 5) × 335 = 170 Hz
v 335 × 2
∴ Number of beats per second = ν ''− ν = 170 − 165 = 5
12. A string 10 m long fixed at both ends oscillates in 5 segments with velocity of waves 20 m s−1. What is
its frequency in Hz?
Ans 5
10
Length of each element = = 2m
5
λ
∴ Distance between two successive nodes, = 2 m; λ = 4 m
2
v 20
Frequency ν = = = 5 Hz
λ 4
13. A string is stretched between fixed points separated by 75 cm. It is observed to have resonant
frequencies of 420 Hz and 315 Hz. There are no other resonant frequencies between these two. Find the
lowest resonant frequency of the string in Hz?

160
 1PBDBEPS-Waves

Ans 105
nv
For string fixed at both the ends, resonant frequency are given by f =
.
2L
It is given that 315 Hz and 420 Hz are two consecutive resonant frequencies, let these are n th and
( n + 1)th harmonics.
nv
∴ 315 = ...(1)
2L

420 =
( + 1) v
n
...(2)
2L
315 n
Eq.(i) ÷ Eq.(ii)  = n =3
420 n + 1
v 315 315
Lowest possible frequency is f 0 = = = = 105 Hz (using eq.(i))
2L n 3
14. 50 tuning forks are arranged in increasing order of their frequencies such that each gives
4 beats per second with its previous tuning fork. If the frequency of the last fork is octave of the first,
determine the frequency of the first tuning fork in Hz?
Ans 196
Frequencies of tuning forks is given by n last = n first + (N − 1)x
2n = n + (50 − 1) × 4  n = 196Hz.
15. A wave equation which gives the displacement along the Y direction is given by the equation
y = 104 sin(60t + 2x) , where x and y are in metres and t is time in seconds. Find the velocity (in ms −1 )
of the wave?
Ans 30
y = a sin(ω t + kx), it is clear that wave is travelling in negative x-direction.
It's amplitude a = 104 m and ω = 60, k = 2.
ω 60 30
Hence, frequency f = = = Hz
2π 2π π
2π
k= =2
λ
ω 60
 λ = π m and v = = = 30 m s −1
k 2

NEET
1. A uniform rope of length L and mass m1 hangs vertically from a rigid support. A block of mass m 2 is
attached to the free end of the rope. A transverse pulse of wavelength λ1 is produced at the lower end of
λ
the rope. The wavelength of the pulse when it reaches the top of the rope is λ 2 . The ratio of 1 is
λ2
m2 m1 + m2 m1 m1 + m2
(A) (B) (C) (D)
m1 m1 m2 m2
Ans (D)
T1
Wavelength of pulse at the lower end, λ1 ∝ velocity(v1 ) =
µ

161
1PBDBEPS-Waves

T2
Similarly λ 2 ∝ velocity(v 2 ) =
µ
λ2 T2 ( m1 + m 2 ) g m1 + m 2
∴ = = =
λ1 T1 m2g m2

2. The second overtone of an open organ pipe has the same frequency as the first overtone of a closed pipe
L metre long. the length of the open pipe will be
L
(A) L (B) 2L (C) (D) 4L
2
Ans (B)
3v
Second overtone of an open organ pipe = (3rd harmonic) = 3f '0 =
2L '
3v
First overtone of a closed organ pipe = (3rd harmonic) = 3f 0 =
4L
' 3v 3v
According to the question 3f 0 = 3f 0  = ∴ L ' = 2L
2L ' 4L

Additional Information
3. Two cars moving in opposite directions approach each other with speed of 22 ms −1 and 16.5m s −1
respectively. The driver of the first car blows a horn having a frequency 400 Hz. The frequency heard by
the driver of the second car is (velocity of sound is 340 ms −1 )
(A) 361Hz (B) 411Hz (C) 448Hz (D) 350 Hz
Ans (C)
The required frequency of sound heard by the driver of second car is given by
 V + V0 
f ' = f0  
 V − Vs 
 340 + 16.5   356.5 
f ' = 400   = 400   = 448 Hz
 340 − 22   318 
4. A tuning fork is used to produce resonance in a glass tube. The length of the air column in this tube can
be adjusted by a variable piston. At room temperature of 27 °C two successive resonances are produced
at 20 cm and 73 cm column length. If the frequency of the tuning fork is 320 Hz, the velocity of sound in
air at 27 °C is
(A) 330 ms −1 (B) 339 ms −1 (C) 350 ms −1 (D) 300 ms −1
Ans (B)
V = 2f (l2 − l1 ) = 2 × 320 × ( 0.73 − 0.20 )
V = 640 × 0.73 = 339.2 ms −1
5. 4.0 g of a gas occupies 22.4 litres at NTP. The specific heat capacity of the gas at constant volume is
5.0 J K −1mol−1 . If the speed of sound in this gas at NTP is 952 ms −1 , then the heat capacity at constant
pressure is (Take R = 8.3J K −1 mol−1 )
(A) 7.0 J K −1 mol−1 (B) 8.5J K −1 mol−1 (C) 8.0 J K −1 mol−1 (D) 7.5J K −1 mol−1
Ans (C)
Since 4.0 g of a gas occupies 22.4 litres at NTP, so the molecular mass of the gas is M = 4.0 g mol−1

162
 1PBDBEPS-Waves

γRT
As the speed of the sound in the gas is V =
M
Where γ is the specific heat ratio
MV 2
∴γ =
RT
Here, M = 4.0g mol−1 = 4.0 × 10−3 kg mol−1
V = 952 ms −1 , R = 8.3J K −1 mol−1 and T = 273K (at NTP)
2

γ=
( 4.0 × 10 ) ( 952)
−3

= 1.6
8.3 × 273
Cp
By definition γ = or C p = γC v
Cv
But γ = 1.6and C v = 5.0 J K −1 mol −1
∴ Cp = 1.6 × 5.0 = 8.0 J K −1 mol−1

6. In a guitar, two strings A and B made of same material are slightly out of tune and produce beats of
frequency 6 Hz. When tension in B is slightly decreased, the beat frequency increases to 7 Hz. If the
frequency of A is 530 Hz, the original frequency of B will be
(A) 536 Hz (B) 537 Hz (C) 523 Hz (D) 524 Hz
Ans (D)
Given nA = 530 Hz
Suppose nB = N
nA − nB = ± 6
So, nB = 536 or 534
Now, given that tension is decreases in B
n∝ T
∴ nB decreases
As final beat frequency is 7 frequency of B is 524 Hz.
7. Two waves in the same medium are represented by y-t curves in the figure. The ratio of their average
intensities is
y
16
(A)
25 5 cm
9 Wave I
(B) 2 cm Wave II
16
t
25
(C)
16
16
(D)
9
Ans (C)
1
I = 2π2ν 2 A 2ρv = 4π2ν 2 A 2ρv  I α ω2 A 2
2
ω2 = 2 ω1 A1 = 5 cm, A2 = 2 cm
I1 ω12 A12 ν12 A12 1× 25 25
= = = =
I 2 ω22 A 22 ν 22 A 22 4 × 4 16

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8. A simple harmonic wave of amplitude 8 cm travels along +ve X-axis. At a given instant of time, for a
particle at a distance of 10 cm from the origin, the displacement is +6 cm and for a particle at a distance
of 25 cm from the origin, the displacement is +4 cm. The wavelength is
(A) 100 cm (B) 150 cm (C) 290 cm (D) 200 cm
Ans (C)
y = A sin (ωt − kx)
3
∴ 6 = 8sin (ωt − 10k)  sin (ωt −10k) =  ωt − 10k = 0.8481 rad …(1)
4
1 π
and 4 = 8sin (ωt − 25k)  sin(ωt − 25k) =  ωt − 25k = rad = 0.5236 rad …(2)
2 6
Subtracting (ii) from (i) we get k = 0.0216 rad cm−1
2π
∴ λ= = 290 cm
k
9. The stress developed in a tight wire of a material whose Young’s modulus is 19.6 × 1011 dyne cm−2, so
that the speed of the longitudinal waves is 10 times the speed of transverse waves is
(A) 19.6 × 1011 dyne cm−2 (B) 19.6 × 109 dyne cm−2
(C) 9.8 × 1011 dyne cm−2 (D) 9.8 × 109 dyne cm−2
Ans (B)
Y T T
= 10 or Y = 10 [µ = ρA]
ρ ρA A
Y T T Y
= 10  = = 19.6 × 109 dyne cm−2
ρ µ A 100
∴ Stress = 19.6 × 109 dyne cm−2
th
1
10. A is singing a note and simultaneously B is singing another note whose frequency is that of A. The
8
energy of two notes are the same, the amplitude of B note as compared to that of note A is
(A) equal (B) two times (C) four times (D) eight times
Ans (D)
1
I = 2π2f 2a 2ρv = constant  a ∝
f
a B f A 8f A
So, = = =8 ∴ aB = 8aA
a A fB fA
11. If ν1, ν2 and ν3 are the fundamental frequencies of three segments of stretched string, then the
fundamental frequency of the overall string is
−1
1 1 1 
(A) v1 + v2 + v3 (B)  + +  (C) v1v2v3 (D) [v1v2v3]1/3
 v1 v 2 v3 
Ans (B)
1 1 1
v1 = v; v 2 = v ; v3 = v
2L1 2L2 2L3
v v v
∴ L1 = , L2 = and L3 =
2v1 2v 2 2v3

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1 v
For overall string ν = v L=
2L 2v
−1
v v v v 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
L = L1 + L2 + L3  = + +  =  + +  or f =  + + 
2ν 2ν1 2ν 2 2ν 3 ν  ν1 ν 2 ν 3   ν1 ν 2 ν 3 

Additional Information
12. Two trains, one coming towards and another going away from an observer both at 4 m s−1 produce a
whistle simultaneously of frequency ν. If the number of beats produced are 7, then ν is [v = 332 m s−1]
(A) 200 Hz (B) 250 Hz (C) 300 Hz (D) 350 Hz
Ans (C)
 v   v 
For approaching train, ν′ = ν   and for receding train, ν′′ = ν  
 (v − vs )   v + vs 
 v v 
∴ ∆ν = ν′ − ν′′ = ν  − 
 v − vs v + vs 
 2vv  ν × 2 × 4 × 332
= ν 2 s2   = 7 ∴ ν = 300 Hz
 v − vs  (332)2 − (4) 2
13. An observer starts from rest and moves with a constant acceleration towards a stationary source
producing sound of frequency ν. Which of the following correctly represent the variation of frequency
heard by the observer with respect to time?
ν1 ν1 ν1 ν1

(A) (B) (C) (D)

t t t t
Ans (C)
 V + V0 
When the observes moves towards a stationary source the apparent frequency heard ν ' = ν  
 V 
But the velocity of the observer moving towards the source varies with time as
Vo= uo + at uo = 0  vo = at
να
 ν' = ν + t which is of the form y = c + mx σ = 6
v
14. A body of specific gravity σ = 6 is suspended vertically from a wire. The wire can sustain transverse
2
waves of fundamental frequency 300 Hz. If this body is immersed with its volume inside water then
3
the fundamental frequency of the transverse waves will be
(A) 300 Hz (B) 300 2 Hz (C) 200 2 Hz (D) 100 2 Hz
Ans (D)
Frequency with the object in air ν ∝ T
T = mg = V ρg ρ → density of the body V → volume
But ρ = σ ρw ρ → density of water
T = 6 V ρw g

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When immersed in water ν′ ∝ T′ T′ = mg − ν up

upthrust νup = Vw ρw g
2 2
Volume of water displaced Vw = V  T1 = Vρg − Vρw g
3 3
2 16
T1 = V × 6 ρw g − Vρw g = Vρw g
3 3
ν1 T1 16 2 2
= = =  ν1 = 300 × = 100 2 Hz
ν T 18 3 3
15. A stretched wire of length l vibrates in its fundamental mode with a frequency νo. If a bridge is placed at
a distance ∆l (≪ l) from the centre of the wire. If both the segments of the wire vibrate respectively in
their fundamental modes then the number of beats heard per second is
∆l ∆l ∆l ∆l
(A) ν o (B) 2ν o (C) 4ν o (D) 8ν o
l l l l
Ans (D)
When the bridge is placed bat the distance ∆ l from the centre ‘O’ the fundamental frequencies of the
respectively segments are
v  2∆l   2∆l  
−1 −1
ν
(ν o l1 = & (ν o l2 =  1 − − 1 + 
l   l   l   l  
2  + ∆l  2× 
2   2
 2∆l  2∆l   ∆l
but V = 2l ν o  ν b = 2ν o 1 + − 1 −    ν b = 8ν o l
 l  l 

Self Assessment Test - 14.1

1. Sound waves transfer
(A) energy (B) momentum
(C) both energy and momentum (D) only energy not momentum
Ans (C)
Sound waves transfer both energy and momentum.
2. To propagate both longitudinal and transverse waves, a material must have
(A) Bulk and shear moduli (B) Only bulk modulus
(C) Only shear modulus (D) Young’s and Bulk modulus
Ans (A)
Conceptual
 t x
3. y = 3 sin π −  represents an equation of a progressive wave, where ‘t’ is in second and ‘x’ is in
2 4
metre. The distance travelled by the wave in 5 seconds is
(A) 10 m (B) 5 m (C) 32 m (D) 8 m
Ans (A)
 t x  t x
y = 3 sin  −  = 3 sin 2π − 
2 4 4 8
 t x
Comparing with a standard form, y = a sin 2π − 
T λ

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λ 8
v= = = 2 ms −1
T 4
Distance travelled by the wave in 5s is d = 2 × 5 = 10 m.
 π
4. The displacement of a particle executing SHM is given by x = 3sin  2πt +  where ‘x’ is in metres and
 4
‘t’ is in seconds. The amplitude and maximum speed of the particle is
(A) 3 m, 4 π m s−1 (B) 3 m, 6 π m s−1 (C) 3 m, 8 π m s−1 (D) 3 m, 2 π m s−1
Ans (B)
 π
x = 3sin  2πt + 
 4
x = Asin ( ωt + φ )
A = 3 m, ω = 2π rad s−1
vmax = ωA
=2π×3
vmax = 6 π m s–1
5. The equation of a simple harmonic wave is given by y = 6 sin 2π (2t – 0.1x), where x and y are in mm
and t is in seconds. The phase difference between two particles 2 mm apart at any instant is
(A) 54 0 (B) 72 0 (C) 18 0 (D) 36 0
Ans (B)
2π
Phase difference = × path difference.
λ
y = 6 sin 2π (2t – 0.1x)
 t x
y = Asin 2π  − 
T λ
1
Comparing both we will get, λ = = 10 mm
0.1
2π 2 × 180
Phase difference = ×2 = = 72°
10 5
 2π 
6. The equation of a wave is given by y = 10 sin  t + α . If the displacement is 5 cm at t = 0, then the
 45 
total phase at t = 7.5 s is
π π π
(A) (B) π (C) (D)
6 3 2
Ans (D)
1
At t = 0, sin α = α = 30°
2
2πt 2 π × 7 .5 π
θ= +α= +
T 45 6
2π π π
θ= + =
6 6 2

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π
7. The equation of a simple harmonic wave is given by y = 5 sin (100t − x ) where x and y are in metre
2
and time is in second. The period of the wave in second will be
(A) 0.04 (B) 0.01 (C) 1 (D) 5
Ans (A)
y = A sin (ωt − kx)
2π
ω=
T
ω = 50π
2π
 = 50π  T = 0.04 s
T
8. How many times more intense is a 60 dB sound than a 30 dB sound?
(A) 100 (B) 4 (C) 1000 (D) 2
Ans (C)
 I
L = 10 log10  
 I0 
I 
60 = 10 log10  1 
 I0 
 I1  6
 I  = 10 … (1)
 0
Similarly,
I 
30 = 10log10  2 
 I0 
 I1  3
 I  = 10 … (2)
 0
I 
Divide equation (1) by equation (2) we get  1  = 1000.
 I2 
 7  5
9. The ratio of the velocity of sound in hydrogen  γ =  to the helium  γ =  at the same temperature is
 5  3
21 42 5 5
(A) (B) (C) (D)
5 5 21 42
Ans (B)
γP γRT
As v = =
ρ M
7
vH γ H M He  4 42
∴ = × = 5 =
v He γ He M H 5 5
 2
3
10. A metallic wire of 1 m length has a mass of 10 × 10−3 kg. If a tension of 100 N is applied to a wire, what
is the speed of transverse wave?
(A) 200 m s−1 (B) 100 m s−1 (C) 0.1 m s−1 (D) 10 m s−1

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Ans (B)
l=1m
m = 10 × 10−3 kg
T = 100 N
Speed of transverse waves
T
v=
m
Where m = mass per unit length T = Tension
100
v=
10 × 10−3
= 10 × 103 = 10000 = 100 m s −1

11. A stationary point source of sound emits sound uniformly in all directions in a non-absorbing medium.
Two points P and Q are at a distance of 4 m and 9 m respectively from the source. The ratio of
amplitudes of the waves at P and Q is
4 2 9 3
(A) (B) (C) (D)
9 3 4 2
Ans (C)
2 2
1 I1  d 2   9 
Intensity, I ∝ 2 = = 
d I2  d1   4 
Amplitude, A ∝ I
A I 9
∴ 1 = 1 =
A2 I2 4

12. A pipe of 30 cm long and open at both the ends produces harmonics. Which harmonic mode of pipe
resonates at 1.1 kHz source? Given speed of sound in air = 330 m s−1
(A) Third harmonic (B) Fifth harmonic
(C) Second harmonic (D) Fourth harmonic
Ans (C)
For open pipe, fundamental frequency is
v 330
f1 = = = 550 Hz
2l 2 × 0.3
In open pipe, all harmonics are present
∴ 1.1 kHz is second harmonic (f2 = 2f1 = 1100 Hz = 1.1 kHz)
13. A closed organ pipe and an open organ pipe of same length produce 2 beats/second while vibrating in
their fundamental modes. The length of the open organ pipe is halved and that of closed pipe is doubled.
Then, the number of beats produced per second while vibrating in the fundamental mode is
(A) 8 (B) 7 (C) 2 (D) 6
Ans (B)
v v
fc = ; f0 =
4L 2L
v  1 v v v
fb = f0 − fc = 1 −  =  =2  =8
2L  2  4L 4L L

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1PBDBEPS-Waves

 
 v v   v  1  7
f b/ =  −  =  1 −   = 8 × = 7 Hz .
L 4 × 2L
2×   L  8  8
 2 
14. A string vibrates with a frequency of 200 Hz. When its length is doubled and tension is altered, it begins
to vibrate with a frequency of 300 Hz. The ratio of the new tension to the original tension is
(A) 3 : 1 (B) 1 : 3 (C) 9 : 1 (D) 1 : 9
Ans (C)
T
f∝
L
f2 T2 L1
=
f1 T1 L 2
L2 = 2L1, f1 = 200 Hz, f2 = 300 Hz
T2 9
=
T1 1
15. A uniform wire of length L, diameter D and density P is stretched under a tension T. The correct relation
between its fundamental frequency ‘f‘, the length L and the diameter D is
L 1 1 1
(A) f α 2 (B) f α 2
(C) f α (D) f α
D LD LD L D
Ans (C)
1 T 1 T 1 2T 1 T 1
f= = 2
= 2
= f ∝
2L µ 2L πD Lρ / L 2L πρD LD πρ LD
4
16. A stretched string is vibrating in the second overtone. Then the number of nodes and antinodes between
the ends of the string are respectively
(A) 2 and 3 (B) 3 and 4 (C) 3 and 2 (D) 4 and 3
Ans (D)

17. When two tuning forks A and B are sounded together, 4 beats per second are heard. The frequency of the
fork B is 384 Hz. When one of the prongs of the fork A is filed and sounded with B, the beat frequency
increases. Then the frequency of the fork A is
(A) 380 Hz (B) 388 Hz (C) 379 Hz (D) 389 Hz
Ans (B)
Beat frequency b = f A − f B
As on filing the fork A, beat frequency increases.
Thus fork A has greater frequency than fork B as on filing, frequency of fork increases.
 b = fA − fB
∴ 4 = f A − 384  f A = 388Hz

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18. Two tuning forks, A and B, produce notes of frequencies 258 Hz and 262 Hz. An unknown note sounded
with A produces certain number of beats. When the same note is sounded with B, the beat frequency gets
doubled. The unknown frequency is
(A) 254 Hz (B) 256 Hz (C) 250 Hz (D) 252 hz
Ans (A)
Beat frequency b = f A − f B

19. The waves set up in a closed pipe are

(A) Longitudinal and Progressive (B) Transverse and Progressive
(C) Transverse and Stationary (D) Longitudinal and Stationary
Ans (D)
20. First overtone frequency of a closed pipe of length ‘ l1 ’ is equal to the second harmonic frequency of an
l
open pipe of length l2 . The ratio 1
l2
3 4 3 2
(A) (B) (C) (D)
4 3 2 3
Ans (A)
3v
For closed pipe, 1st overtone f 2c =
4l1
2v
For open pipe, 2nd harmonic f 2o =
2l2
Given frequency of 1st overtone of closed pipe = 2nd harmonic frequency of open pipe
3v 2v l 3
∴ =  1 =
4l1 2l2 l2 4
 πx 
21. The equation of a stationary wave is y = 2sin   cos ( 48πt ) . The distance between a node and its next
 15 
antinode is
(A) 22.5 units (B) 7.5 units (C) 30 units (D) 1.5 units
Ans (B)
 πx 
y = 2sin   cos ( 48πt )
 15 
2π π
= λ = 30
λ 15
λ 30
= = 7 .5
4 4
22. When the length of the vibrating segment of a sonometer wire is increased by 1%, the percentage change
in its frequency is
100 99
(A) (B) (C) 1 (D) 2
101 100
Ans (C)
n T
f=
2l µ
Fractional change in frequency is

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∆f ∆l
=
f l
∆f ∆l
× 100 = × 100
f l
∆f
× 100 = 1%
f
As length increases, frequency decreases.
23. A tuning fork A produces 4 beats per second with another tuning fork B of frequency 320 Hz. On filing
one of the prongs of A, 4 beats per second are again heard when sounded with same fork B. Then, the
frequency of the fork A before filing is
(A) 328 Hz (B) 316 Hz (C) 324 Hz (D) 320 Hz
Ans (B)
Beat frequency b = f A − f B

24. A glass tube is open at both the ends. A tuning fork of frequency f resonates with the air column inside
the tube. Now the tube is placed vertically inside water so that half the length of the tube is filled with
water. Now the air column inside the tube is in unison with another fork of frequency f ′ . Then
f
(A) f ′ = (B) f ′ = 2f (C) f ′ = 4f (D) f ′ = f
2
Ans (D)
λ
l =  λ = 2l
2
v v
∴f = = … (1)
λ 2l
In second case,
l λ'
=
2 4
∴ λ' = 2l
v v
f '= = … (2)
λ ' 2l
From (1) and (2), f ' = f

Additional Information

25. A train is approaching towards a platform with a speed of 10 m s–1 while blowing a whistle of frequency
340 Hz. What is the frequency of whistle heard by a stationary observer on the platform? Given speed of
sound = 340 m s−1
(A) 340 Hz (B) 330 Hz (C) 360 Hz (D) 350 Hz
Ans (D)
When source (train) moves towards stationary observer
 v 
ν′ =   ν where vS is the speed of source.
 v − vs 
 340 
ν′ =   340  350.30 Hz
 340 − 10 

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 1PBDBEPS-Waves

26. With what velocity should an observer approach a stationary sound source so that the apparent frequency
of sound should appear double the actual frequency? (v is velocity of sound)
v
(A) 2 v (B) v (C) (D) 3 v
2
Ans (B)
 v + v0 
ν' = ν 
 v − vS 
 v + v0 
 2ν = ν  
 v 
 2v = v + v0
 v = v0
27. An engine is moving towards a wall with a velocity 50 m s −1 emits a note of 1.2 kHz. Speed of sound in
air = 350 m s−1. The frequency of the note after reflection from the wall as heard by the driver of the
engine is
(A) 1.2 kHz (B) 1.6 kHz (C) 0.24 kHz (D) 2.4 kHz
Ans (B)
 v + v0 
ν' = ν 
 v − v0 
 350 + 50 
 1.2  
 350 − 50 
 1.6 kHz
28. A train whistling at a constant frequency n is moving towards a station at a constant speed v. The train
goes past a stationary observer on the station. The frequency n of the sound as heard by the observer is
plotted as function of time t. Identify the correct curve.

(A) (B) (C) (D)

Ans (B)
When the whistling train is approaching the listener, n′ > n
When the whistling train is receding the listener, n′ < n.
Also, the apparent frequency does not depend on the distance between train (source) and the listener.
Therefore, the expected curve is (B).
29. A source of sound is moving with a velocity of 50 m s–1 towards a stationary observer. The observer
measures the frequency of sound as 500 Hz. The apparent frequency of sound as heard by the observer
when source is moving away from him with the same speed is (Speed of sound at room temperature
350 m s–1)
(A) 177.5 Hz (B) 375 Hz (C) 666 Hz (D) 400 Hz
Ans (B)
When source move towards the observer

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1PBDBEPS-Waves

 v 
f app =   fsource
 v − vs 
 350 
500 =   × fsource
 350 − 50 
500 × 300
f source =
350
When source moves away from observer
 v 
f 'app =   f source
 v + vs 
350 500 × 300 500 × 300
f 'app = × = = 375Hz
350 + 50 350 400
30. A motor-cyclist moving towards a huge cliff with a speed of 18 kmh–1, blows a horn of source frequency
325 Hz. If the speed of the sound in air is 330 ms–1, the number of beats heard by him is
(A) 5 (B) 4 (C) 10 (D) 7
Ans (C)
 v + v0 
f '=f   f = 325 Hz
 v − vs 
 330 + 5 
= 325  
 330 − 5 
f ' = 335 Hz
beats, fB = f ' – f
= 335 − 325
= 10 Hz

Self Assessment Test - 14.2

1. A wave along a string has the following equation y = 0.02 sin (30t – 4 x), where the distances are in
metres and time is in seconds. The phase difference between two points separated by 1.57 m is
π 3π
(A) π (B) 2π (C) (D)
2 2
Ans (B)
y = A sin (wt – kx)
2π π
From the equation, = 4, we get λ = m ∴ λ = 1.57
λ 2
2π 2π
Now ∆φ = ∆x = × 1.57 = 2π
λ λ
2. A light pointer fixed to one prong of a tuning fork touches a vertical plate. The fork is set vibrating and
the plate is allowed to fall freely. Eight complete oscillations are counted when the plate falls through
10 cm. Then frequency of the tuning fork is
8 7
(A) 112 Hz (B) 56 Hz (C) Hz (D) Hz
7 8
Ans (B)
1
The time taken by the plate falling through a distance y is given by y = g t 2 or
2

174
 1PBDBEPS-Waves

2y  10   1 
t= = 2×  =   sec ond
g  980   7 
1
The number of oscillations completed in second is 8.
7
no. of oscillations 8
∴ Frequency = = = 56 Hz
time 1
 
7
1
3. The amplitude of a wave disturbance propagating in the positive x-direction is given by y = at
1+ x2
1
t = 0 and y = at t = 2 s, where x and y are in m. If the shape of the wave disturbance does
[1 + ( x − 1) 2 ]
not change during the propagation, the velocity of the wave is
(A) 1 m s−1 (B) 1.5 m s−1 (C) 0.5 m s−1 (D) 2 m s−1
Ans (C)
1 1− y
At t = 0, y = 2
or x = = x1
1+ x y
1
At t = 2 s, y =
[1 + ( x − 1) 2 ]
1− y
or x = 1 + = x2
y
1− y 1− y
1+ −
x 2 − x1 y y 1
∴v = = = = 0.5 m s −1
t 2 − t1 2−0 2
4. Two sinusoidal plane waves of same frequency having intensities I0 and 4I0 are travelling in the same
direction. The resultant intensity at a point at which waves meet with a phase difference of zero radian is
(A) I0 (B) 5I0 (C) 9I0 (D) 3I0
Ans (C)
I = I1 + I2 + 2 I1 I 2 cos φ
= I0 + 4I0 + 2 I 0 (4 I 0 ) cos 0 = 9I0.

5. An earthquake generates both transverse (S) and longitudinal (P) waves, the speed of S wave is about
4.5 km s−1 and that of P wave is about 8.0 km s−1. A seismograph records P and S wave from an
earthquake, the first P wave arrives 4.0 min before first S wave, the epicenter of the earthquake is located
at a distance of about
(A) 250 km (B) 2500 km (C) 25 km (D) 5000 km
Ans (B)
x
Time taken by S wave t1 =
4.5
x
Time taken by P wave t 2 =
8.0
Given t1 − t2 = 4 min
x x
 − = 4 × 60 s
4.5 8.0
Solving x = 2500 km

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1PBDBEPS-Waves

6. At STP the velocity of sound is minimum in

(A) He (B) O2 (C) H2 (D) O3
Ans (D)
1
v∝ , O3 is heaviest
ρ
∴ Velocity in it is minimum
7. A sound wave of frequency 256 Hz travels at 330 m s−1 through air. The speed of a sound wave of
frequency 718 Hz traveling through the same air is
(A) 330 m s−1 (B) 160 m s−1 (C) 600 m s−1 (D) 500 m s−1
Ans (A)
Velocity of sound in a medium is unaffected by change of frequency for non-dispersive medium.
8. The equation of a sound wave is given by y = 0.0015 sin (62.8x + 314 t). The wave length of this wave is
(A) 0.2 unit (B) 0.1 unit (C) 0.3 unit (D) 0.4 unit
Ans (B)
x t 
Standard equation y = A sin 2π  + 
λ T 
2π
By comparison = 62.8
λ
2 × 3.14 6.28
λ= = = 0.1 unit
62.8 62.8
9. The velocity of sound in hydrogen is 1224 m s–1. Its velocity in a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen
containing 4 parts by volume of hydrogen and 1 part by volume of oxygen is
(A) 1224 m s–1 (B) 612 m s–1 (C) 2448 m s–1 (D) 306 m s–1
Ans (B)
ρ V + ρH VH (16 ρH × 1) + ρH × 4
ρmix = O O ρmix = =4
VO + VH 1+ 4
v mix ρH 1 1
Now = ∴ vmix = vH = 1224 × = 612 m s–1
vH ρmix 4 2

10. Under identical conditions of pressure and density, the speed of sound is highest in
(A) monatomic gas (B) diatomic gas (C) triatomic gas (D) polyatomic gas
Ans (A)
γp
As v = and γ is highest for a monatomic gas, the velocity of sound is highest in a monatomic gas.
ρ
11. Two simple harmonic motions are represented by
 π
y1 = 5(sin 2πt + 3 cos 2πt), y 2 = 5sin  2πt + 
 4
The ratio of the amplitudes of two SHMs is
(A) 1 : 1 (B) 1 : 2 (C) 2 : 1 (D) 1 : 3
Ans (C)
(
As y1 = 5 sin 2πt + 3 cos 2πt )

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 1  3 
= 10 sin 2πt   + (cos 2πt)   
 2  2  
 π π
= 10  sin 2πt cos + cos 2πt sin 
 3 3
 π  π  A 10
= 20sin  2πt +  and y 2 = 5sin  2πt +  , 1 = = 2 : 1
 3  4  A2 5
12. In the figure the intensity of waves arriving at D from two coherent sources S1 and S2 is I0. The
wavelength of the wave is λ = 4 m. Resultant intensity at D will be
4m D
S1
(A) 4I0
(B) I0
3m
(C) 2I0
(D) zero
S2
Ans (C)
Path difference, ∆x = S2D − S1D = 5 − 4 = 1 m
2π 2π π
∴The corresponding phase difference will be φ = ∆x = (1) =
λ 4 2
π
Using I = I1 + I2 + 2 I1I 2 cos φ, I = I0 + I0 + 2 I 0 I 0 cos = 2I0.
2
13. If two tuning forks A and B are sounded together, they produce 4 beats per second. A is then slightly
loaded with wax and the same number of beats are produced again. If frequency of A is 256 Hz, the
frequency of B is
(A) 250 Hz (B) 262 Hz (C) 252 Hz (D) 260 Hz
Ans (C)
Two possible frequencies of B are 256 ± 4 = 260 or 252. On loading A with wax, its frequency reduces
producing the same number of beats. Thus B must have a frequency of 252 Hz.
14. A vibrating tuning fork is held near the ear and given one full rotation. The intensity of the sound
becomes maximum and minimum
(A) once (B) twice (C) thrice (D) four times
Ans (B)
In one complete rotation, intensity of sound becomes maximum and minimum two times.
15. An open organ pipe of length l is sounded together with another open organ pipe of length l + x in their
fundamental tones. Speed of sound in air is v. The beat frequency heard will be (x << 1)
vx vl 2 vx vx 2
(A) 2 (B) (C) 2 (D)
4l 2x 2l 2l
Ans (C)
v v
Beat frequency = ν1 − ν2 = −
2l 2(1 + x )
−1
v   x  v x vx
= 1 −  1 +   ≅ 1 −1 +  = 2
2l   l   2l  l 2l

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16. Two uniform strings A and B made of steel are made to vibrate under the same tension. If the first
overtone of A is equal to the second overtone of B and if the radius of A is twice that of B, the ratio of
the lengths of the strings is
(A) 2 : 1 (B) 3 : 2 (C) 3 : 4 (D) 1 : 3
Ans (D)
2ν1 = 3ν2 or
1 T 1 T
2× 2
= 3×
2l1 πr1 ρ 2l2 πr22ρ
2
l 2 r22 2  1  1
 1 = 2
=   =
l2 3 r1 3 2 3

17. The vibrations of a string of length 60 cm fixed at both ends are represented by the equation
 πx 
y = 4 sin   cos (96 πt) where x and y are in cm and t in seconds. The positions of nodes located
 15 
along the string are
(A) x = 0, 15, 30 … cm (B) x = 0, 5, 10 … cm
(C) x = 0, 10, 20 … cm (D) x = 0, 20, 40 … cm
Ans (A)
The positions of zero displacement or nodes are given by
πx πx
sin = 0 or = nπ (where n = 0, 1, 2, 3 …)
15 15
x = 15 × nm = 0, 15, 30, 45, 60.……..
18. The vibrations of a string of length 60 cm fixed at both ends are represented by the equation
 πx 
y = 4 sin   cos (96 πt) where x and y are in cm and t in seconds. The velocity of the particle at
 15 
x = 7.5 cm and t = 0.25 s is
(A) 3 cm s−1 (B) 6 cm s−1 (C) 9 cm s−1 (D) zero
Ans (D)
1
At x = 7.5 m and t = 0.25 s = s
4
 π × 7.5 
y = 4sin   × cos(24π]
 15 
 y = 4 = A The particle is at the extreme position ∴ v = 0
19. The vibrations of a string of length 60 cm fixed at both ends are represented by the equation
 πx 
y = 4 sin   cos (96 πt) where x and y are in cm and t in seconds. Write down the equations of
 15 
component waves whose superposition gives the above wave.
 πx   πx   πx   πx 
(A) y1 = 2sin  + 96 π t  , y 2 = 2sin  − 96 π t  (B) y1 = sin  + 96 π t  , y 2 = sin  − 96 π t 
 15   15   15   15 
 πx   πx   πx   πx 
(C) y1 = 2sin  + 96 π t  , y 2 = 2sin  + 96 π t  (D) y1 = 2sin  − 96 π t  , y 2 = 2sin  − 96 π t 
 15   15   15   15 

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Ans (A)
Using the relation
2sin A cos B = sin(A + B) + sin(A – B) (1) may be expressed as
  πx   πx 
y = 2 sin  + (96πt ) + sin  − (96πt )
  15   15 
 πx   πx 
= 2sin  + 96πt  + 2sin  − 96πt  = y1 + y2
 15   15 
 πx   πx 
Component waves are, y1 = 2sin  + 96πt  and y2 = 2sin  − 96πt  .
 15   15 
20. The first overtone of an open organ pipe beats with the first overtone of a closed organ pipe with a beat
frequency of 2.2 Hz. The fundamental frequency of the closed organ pipe is 110 Hz. The lengths of the
pipes are (v = speed of sound in air = 330 m s−1)
(A) 0.75 m, 1.25 m (B) 1.0 m, 1.25 m (C) 0.75 m, 1 m (D) 1.25 m, 1.5 m
Ans (C)
v
= 110 Hz  lc = 0.75 m, taking v = 330 m s−1
4l c
 v   v 
2  − 3  = 2.2
 2lo   4lC 
 v   v 
 lo = 0.993 m or 3  − 2  = 2.2
 4l c   2l o 
 lo = 1.0067 m

Additional Information

21. Two trains, one coming towards and another going away from an observer both at 4 m s−1 produce a
whistle simultaneously of frequency 300 Hz. The number of beats produced are (v = 332 m s−1)
(A) 5 (B) 6 (C) 7 (D) 12
Ans (C)
 v   v 
For approaching train, ν′ = v   and for receding train, ν′′ = ν  
 (v − vs )   v + vs 
 v v 
∴ ∆ν = ν′ − ν′′ = ν  − 
 v − vs v + vs 
 2vv  300 × 2 × 4 × 332
= ν 2 s 2  = =7
 v − vs  (332) 2 − (4)2

22. An observer moves towards a stationary source of sound with a speed (1/5)th of the speed of sound. The
wave length and frequency of the source are λ and ν respectively. The apparent frequency and
wavelength recorded by the observer are
(A) 1.2 ν and λ (B) ν and 1.2 λ (C) 0.8 ν and 0.8 λ (D) 1.2 ν and 1.2 λ
Ans (A)
1
Velocity of source (vs) = 0. Velocity of observer (v0) = v = 0.2 v (where v is the velocity of sound);
5
Actual frequency of source = ν and actual wavelength of source = λ. We know from the Doppler’s effect

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that the apparent frequency recorded, when the observer is moving towards the stationary source
 v + v0   v + 0.2v  1.2v
ν′ =  × ν =  × ν = × ν = 1.2ν
 v − v s   v − 0  v
Since the source is stationary, the apparent wavelength remains unchanged, i.e., λ.
23. A source of sound moves towards a stationary listener with a speed 1 % the speed of sound. If the
frequency of the sound from the source is 550 Hz, then the frequency of sound as heard by the listener is
(A) 544.5 Hz (B) 555.5 Hz (C) 560 Hz (D) 580 Hz
Ans (B)
The apparent frequency is given by
 v − vL  v 100 v
ν/ = ν   = 550 × = 550 × = 555.5 Hz. S L
 v − vS   1  99 vS is +ve vL = 0
v − v
 100 

24. Wave enters water from air, in air the frequency, wavelength, intensity and velocity are ν1, λ1,
I1 and v1 respectively. In water the corresponding quantities are ν2, λ2, I2 and v2 respectively, then
(A) I1 = I2 (B) ν1 = ν2 (C) v1 = v2 (D) λ1 = λ2
Ans (B)
When wave enters from one medium to another, its frequency remains unchanged.
25. A bomb explodes on Moon, the sound waves from explosion reach the earth
(A) after 1000 s (B) after 1 day (C) after 10 s (D) never
Ans (D)
26. A wire of length l is divided into a number of segments. If ν1, ν2, ν3…. are the fundamental frequencies
of the segments, the frequency of the string is
1 1 1 1
(A) ν = ν1 + ν2 + ν3 +…. (B) = + + + ...
ν ν1 ν 2 ν 3
1 1 1 1
(C) = − − − .... (D) ν = ν12 + ν 22 + ν 32 + ....
ν ν1 ν 2 ν 3
Ans (B)
1 1 1 1
= + + + ...
ν ν1 ν 2 ν 3
27. The frequency of a vibrating wire is n when the area of cross section of the wire is halved and tension is
doubled, the new frequency is
(A) n (B) 2n (C) 3n (D) 2n
Ans (B)
T
ν∝
Aρ
ν2 T2 A1
= = 2× 2 = 2
ν1 T1 A 2
ν2
= 2  n 2 = 2n
ν1

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28. A wave motion is given by the equation x = 3 sin (3 πt) + 4 cos (3πt). If ‘x’ is in meter, the amplitude of
the wave motion is
(A) 7 m (B) 4 m (C) 5 m (D) 3 m
Ans (C)
Wave motion equation
1
x = a sin ωt + b cos ωt is A = ( a 2 + b 2 ) 2
1
∴ A = ( 32 + 42 ) 2 = 5 m
29. When an organ pipe is vertically dipped in water and when 77.5 cm is inside the water fundamental
frequency is 400 Hz. If it is 70 cm inside the water the fundamental frequency is 300 Hz. The length of
the tube is
(A) 60 cm (B) 120 cm (C) 160 cm (D) 100 cm
Ans (D)
V V
ν1 = , ν2 =
4 (l − x ) 4 (l − y)
ν 2 (l − x)
=
ν1 (l − y)
300 l − 77.5
∴ =
400 l − 70.0
∴ l = 100 cm
30. An open organ pipe is suddenly closed with the result the 2nd overtone of closed pipe is formed to be
100 Hz above the 1st overtone of original pipe. the fundamental frequency of open pipe is
(A) 100 Hz (B) 200 Hz (C) 400 Hz (D) 50 Hz
Ans (B)
5V
Second overtone of closed pipe =
4l
2V V
First overtone of open pipe = =
2l l
5V V V
= + 100 = 200 Hz
4l l 2l

***

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