Chapter 7

Simple Harmonic Motion

Short Answers
7.1 Name two characteristics of simple harmonic motion.
Ans. i) Acceleration is directly proportional to the displacement from the mean position, and is directed
towards the mean position.
ii) The total energy of a system is conserved in SHM.
7.2 Does frequency depend on amplitude for harmonic oscillators?
Ans. No, it does not depend upon the amplitude of a harmonic oscillator.
In the case of simple pendulum
1 g
f= √
2π l
In the case of mass-spring system

1 k
f= √
2π m
These equations show that the frequency of a harmonic oscillator is independent of amplitude.
7.3 Can we realize an ideal simple pendulum?
Ans. No, we cannot realize an ideal simple pendulum. For an ideal simple pendulum following
conditions must be met:
i. The string must be massless and inextensible.
ii. The bob should be a point mass
iii. The support must be frictionless.
In practice, it is not possible.
7.4 What is the total distance traveled by an object moving with SHM in a time equal to its period,
if its amplitude is A?
Ans. The time period is the time during which the vibrating body completes one round trip. Therefore,
the total distance traveled in one vibration is equal to 4A. i.e. S = A+A+A+A = 4A
7.5 What happens to the period of a simple pendulum if its length is doubled? What happens if
the suspended mass is doubled?
Ans. The time period of the simple pendulum is given by the formula:
(1) Effect of doubling the length
l
T = 2π√
g

2l
T ∕ = 2π√
g

l
T ∕ = √2 (2π√ )
g

T ∕ = √2T
(2) Effect of doubling the mass
Since the time period is independent of mass, therefore, there will be no change in the time period when
the suspended mass is doubled.
7.6 Does the acceleration of a simple harmonic oscillator remain constant during its motion? Is
the acceleration ever zero? Explain.
Ans. No, the acceleration of a simple harmonic oscillator does not remain constant during its motion.
Acceleration depends upon displacement, x
𝐚 = − 𝛚𝟐 𝐱
The acceleration is zero at the mean position (x = 0). It becomes maximum at the extreme position (x =
xo).
7.7 What is meant by phase angle? Does it define an angle betwe en maximum displacement and
the driving force?
Ans. Phase angle (or phase):
The angle θ = ωt which gives the displacement as well as the direction of motion of the point executing
SHM. It indicates the state of motion of a vibrating particle.
No, it does not define an angle between maximum displacement and the driving force.
7.8 Under what conditions does the addition of two simple harmonic motions produce a resultant,
which is also simple harmonic?

Ans. The conditions are as under:

i. The two SHMs must have the same nature.
ii. The two SHMs must be parallel and have the same frequency.
iii. The two SHMs must have the same phase difference.

7.9 Show that in SHM the acceleration is zero when the velocity is greatest and the velocity is zero
when the acceleration is greatest.
Ans. We have for SHM
v = ω√x° 2 − x 2 a = ω2 x
At mean position (x = 0)
v = ω√x° 2 − 02 a = ω2 (0)
v = ωx° (max) a = 0 (min)
At extreme position (x = x° )
v = ω√ x ° 2 − x ° 2
a = ω2 x° (max)
v = 0 (min)

So, in SHM when a = 0, v is maximum, and when v = 0, a is maximum.

7.10 In relation to SHM, explain the equations;

(i) y = A sin (ω t + ϕ ) (ii) a = - ω2 x
Ans. (i) y = A sin (ω t + ϕ)
y = Instantaneous displacement
A= Amplitude
ω t = angle subtended in time t
ϕ= initial phase angle
(ii) a = - ω2 x
a = acceleration of a particle executing SHM
ω = angular frequency
x = instantaneous displacement from the mean position.
7.11 Explain the relation between total energy, potential energy, and kinetic energy fora body
oscillating with SHM.

Ans. The total energy for a body oscillating with SHM always remains constant.
Explanation:

 At the extreme position, the whole energy is in the form of P.E.

 At the mean position, the whole energy is in the form of K.E.
 At any point between the mean and extreme position, the total energy of a simple harmonic
oscillator is a sum of P.E and K.E.
7.12 Describe some common phenomena in which resonance plays an important role.

Ans. Children’s Swing: It is a good example of mechanical resonance. If a series of regular pushes are
given to the swing, resonance will take place and the amplitude of the swing will increase enormously.

Tuning radio/TV: It is the best example of electrical resonance. To tune a radio station, we turn the
knob of a radio to change the natural frequency of the electric circuit of the receiver so that it becomes
equal to the transmission frequency of a particular station. When two frequencies become equal
resonance takes place and that station is selected on the radio/TV.

7.13 If a mass-spring system is hung vertically and set into oscillations, why does the motion
eventually stop?
Ans. Due to air resistance, a damping force acts on the mass-spring oscillating system. The energy of a
mass-spring system is dissipated into heat in doing work against frictional forces. Hence, the motion
will eventually stop.

Chapter 7 MCQs
Tuning of the radio set is an example of………….resonance?
a) Mechanical b) Musical c) Electrical d) None
The frequency of the waves produced in the microwave oven is:
a) 1860MHz b) 2850MHz c) 1435MHz d) 2450MHz
In SHM, the velocity of the particle is maximum at:
a) Mean position b) Extreme position c) Both d) None
The time period of a second pendulum is:
a) 1s b) 2s c) 3s d) 4s
Length of the simple pendulum whose time period is 1sec:
a) 0.25 m b) 100 m c) 25 m d) 0.25cm
In SHM total energy is maximum at:
a) Mean position b) Extreme position c) Mid way b/w d) At every point
mean and extreme
The SI unit of the spring constant is:
a) Nm b) Nm-1 c) Nm-2 d) m-1
If the length of the pendulum becomes four times, then its frequency will become?
a) half b) doubled c) 4 times d) 8 times
The relation b/w time period and frequency is:
a) ƒ = 2𝜋𝑇 b) f = 1⁄2πT c) f = T⁄2π d) fT = 1
The distance covered during one vibration of an oscillating body in terms of Amplitude “A” is:
a) A/2 b) 2A c) 4A d) 3A
A body in SHM with amplitude x° goes from mean position to x° /2. Its phase is:
a) 30˚ b) 45˚ c) 60˚ d) 90˚
The profile of periodic waves generated by a source executing S.H.M is represented by a:
a) Circle b) Sine Curve c) Tangent curve d) Cosine curve
The S.I unit of force constant is identical with that of:
a) force b) Pressure c) Surface tension d) Loudness
The displacement of S.H.M is x=x o Cos wt and if it is written as x=x o Sin wt. Then initial phase will be equal
to:
a) 0˚ b) 45˚ c) 90˚ d) 120˚
The force responsible for the vibratory motion of the simple pendulum is:
a) mg cosθ b) mg sinθ c) mg tanθ d) mg
The distance covered by a body in one complete vibration is 4cm. What is the amplitude of the body:
a) 1cm b) 4cm c) 5cm d) 6cm
The time period of the second hand of clock is:
a) 12 h b) 60 sec c) 1 sec d) 24h
Time period of oscillating bodies is independent of:
a) Temperature b) Length c) mass d) Amplitude
A body executing SHM. What fraction of its total energy will be kinetic energy when its displacement
from the mean position is half of its displacement?
a) 1/2 b) 3/2 c) 3/4 d) 1/4
The period of simple pendulum only depends on:
a) Mass of bob b) Length of the c) Amplitude of d) Size of bob
pendulum vibration
The frequency of second pendulum is:
a) 1Hz b) 2Hz c) 0.5Hz d) 5Hz
The amplitude of simple pendulum is increased 4 times, the time period will be:
a) Four times b) Half c) Two times d) Same
The wavelength of waves produced by microwave oven is:
a) 0.12cm b) 12cm c) 1cm d) 6cm
The length of second pendulum is?
a) 100cm b) 99cm c) 99.2cm d) 98cm
The acceleration of a body performing SHM depends upon?
a) Mass b) Time period c) Amplitude d) Displacement
Instantaneous displacement of a SHM is:
a) x = x o sin  b) x o = x cos  c) x = x o Tan  d) none of these
A body performing SHM moves toward the mean position then its:
a) velocity and P.E b) velocity and P.E c) Acceleration and P.E d) Acceleration and P.E
increases decreases decrease increases
What is the Correct for a time period of the simple pendulum:
a) T∝ √𝑙 b) T∝ l c) T∝ m d) T ∝ g
Maximum Velocity in S.H.M is :
a) X0 𝜔2 b) X0 𝜔 c) X𝜔 d) none of these
 Chapter 8
Wave Motion
Short Answers
8.1 What features do longitudinal waves have in common with transverse waves?
Ans. Common features of longitudinal and transverse waves:
1) In both waves, particles of the medium vibrate about their mean position.
2) Both transport energy and momentum.
3) While propagated in a medium they obey, v = f λ
4) Both are mechanical waves.
8.2 Which trace represents the loudest note?
b) Which trace represents the highest frequency?
Ans. a) Trace D represents the loudest note because the amplitude is maximum.
b) Trace B represents the highest frequency because it has a larger number of waves.
8.3 Is it possible for two identical waves traveling in the same direction along a string to give rise
to a stationary wave?
Ans. No, it is not possible. In this case, interference will take place. For stationary waves, two identical
waves should travel in opposite directions along a string.
8.4 A wave is produced along a stretched string but some of its particles permanently showzero
displacement. What type of wave is it?
Ans. This is a stationary wave. In stationary waves some of its particles permanently show zero
displacement, are called nodes whereas some of its particles show maximum displacements are called
antinodes.
8.5 Explain the terms crest, trough, node, and antinode.
Ans. Crest:
The portion of a transverse wave above the mean level is called the crest.
Trough:
The portion of a transverse wave below the mean level is called a trough.
Node:
The particles in stationary waves which have zero displacement are called nodes.
Antinode:
The particles in stationary waves with maximum displacement from the mean position are called
antinodes.
8.6 Why does sound travel faster in solids than in gases?
E
Ans. In the relation v = √
ρ
The density of solids is greater than the density of gases, but the E of solids is far greater than the E of
gases. Therefore, the speed of sound is greater in solids than in gasses. Also, solid molecules are very
close to each other compared to gas molecules. Therefore, sound waves pass through solids more
quickly than gases.
8.7 How are beats useful in tuning musical instruments?
Ans. Tuning the musical instruments means to match their frequencies. The musical instrument which
is to be tuned is sounded against a note of known frequency. If the two frequencies do not match, beats
are produced, then the frequency of the musical instruments is changed by either changing the length
or tension in the strings until the beats are not produced and then the instrument is said to be tuned.
8.8 When two notes of frequencies f1 and f2 are sounded together, beats are formed. If f1 > f2,
what will be the frequency of beats?
i) f1 + f2 ii) ½ (f1 + f2) iii) f1 - f2 iv) ½ (f1 - f2)
Ans. The correct answer is (iii) (f1 - f2 )
Number of beats per second is equal to the difference between the frequencies of the two tuning forks.
8.9 As a result of a distant explosion, an observer senses a ground tremor and then hears the
explosion. Explain the time differe nce.
Ans. The sound waves produced by the explosion reach the observer through ground and air. As sound
waves travel faster in solids than in gases, therefore, sound waves traveling through the ground reach
the observer earlier than the sound waves that reach the observer through the air. Hence the observer
first feels the ground tremor and then hears the sound.
8.10 Explain why sound travels faster in warm air than in cold air.
Ans. As v ∝ √T
The above relation shows that the speed of sound is directly proportional to the square root of Kelvin's
temperature. Since the temperature of warm air is greater than cold air that’s why sound travels faster
in warm air than in cold air.
8.11 How should a sound source move with respect to an observer so that the frequency ofits
sound does not change?
Ans. From the Doppler Effect, there is an apparent change in the frequency due to the relative motion
of the source and observer which changes the distance between them. When the source moves in a circle
around a stationary observer then the distance between the source and observer does not change,
although the source is moving with respect to an observer. Hence there will be no apparent change in
frequency.
Chapter 8 MCQs
Light waves are:
a) Longitudinal waves b) Transverse waves c) Transverse electro- e) none of these
magnetic waves
The periodic alternation of sound between maximum and minimum loudness are called:
a) Silence zone b) beats c) interference d) Resonance
If a transverse wave travelling in a rarer medium is incident on a denser medium, it is reflected by:
a) 0˚ b) 90˚ c) 45˚ d) 180˚
The speed of sound has maximum value in:
a) Oxygen b) air c) Hydrogen d) Helium
The speed of sound is greatest in:
a) water b) Air c) Ammonia d) Steel
Increase in velocity of sound in air for 1 oC rise in temperature is:
a) 1.61ms-1 b) 61ms-1 c) 0.61ms-1 d) 1ms-1
Which medium can transmit both transverse and longitudinal waves?
a) Solid b) Gas c) Liquid d) Plasma
The speed of sound is greater in solid due to their high?
a) density b) Pressure c) temperature d) Elasticity
The error in the value of speed of sound calculated by Newton at STP is about?
a) 14% b) 15% c) 16% d) 17%
Sound wave cannot travel through:
a) air b) water c) Material d) Vacuum
Which is correct relation?
a) V = f λ b) V = f/λ c) V = f2λ d) λ = f2 V
The louder the sound, greater will be its?
a) frequency b) speed c) wavelength d) amplitude
The distance between two consecutive nodes or antinodes is:
a) λ/4 b) λ/2 c) λ d) 2λ
In a stationary waves the velocity of the particle at the nodes is:
a) Maximum b) Minimum c) Constant d) Zero
Beats are used to find:
a) frequency b) Intensity c) wavelength d) speed
The number of nodes between two consecutive antinodes is:
a) 0 b) 1 c) 2 d) 3
RADAR system is the application of:
a) interference b) Stationary waves c) beats d) Doppler effect
Stars moving away from the earth show a:
a) Blue shift b) yellow shift c) red shift d) green shift
Beats can be heard when the difference of frequency is not more than:
a) 4 b) 6 c) 8 d) 10
The distance between the node and the next anti node is?
a) λ/4 b) λ/2 c) λ d) 2λ
The waves used in “Sonar” are…………………..waves?
a) Matter b) Water c) Electromagnetic d) Sound
The fixed ends of a vibrating string are:
a) Antinodes b) nodes c) overtones d) None
Which one of the following cannot be polarized:
a) Radio waves b) UV-rays c) Sound waves d) X-rays
The speed of sound in air depends upon?
a) Humidity b) Temperature c) Density d) All
The value of “ɣ” for diatomic gas is?
a) 1.40 b) 1.67 c) 1.29 d) None
The wave nature of the light was proposed by :
a) Thomas Young b) Maxwell c) Huygens d) Newton
If transverse wave traveling in a denser medium is incident on a rarer medium, then phase change is:
a) 0˚ b) 90˚ c) 180˚ d) 60˚
If frequency of stationary waves is increased to higher harmonic which of the f ollowing decreases:
a) Speed b) Wavelength c) Tension in the string d) Density of string
Two points in a wave λ/4 distance apart have phase difference:
a) π b) π/2 c) π/3 d) 2 π
Distance b/w two compressions is:
a) λ b) 2 λ c) λ/2 d) 3 λ
The speed of sound in a vacuum is:
a) 0ms-1 b) 280ms-1 c) 332ms-1 d) 61ms-1
The speed of sound is independent of:
a) temperature b) pressure c) medium d) source producing
sound
If the tension of a stretched string is made four times then its velocity of wave :
a) Remains same b) Is halved c) Becomes twice d) Becomes 4 times
Find the temperature at which the velocity of sound in air is two times its velocity at 10oC.
a) 283K b) 20oC c) 859K d) 1132K