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CBSE - Class 11 Physics Oscillations Worksheet
Figures 13.20 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 anti-clockwise) are indicated on each figure. Obtain the corresponding simple harmonic motions of the (x)-projection of the radius vector of the revolving particle P, in each case.

Let us take the position of mass when the spring is unstreched as $x = 0$, and the direction from left to right as the positive direction of x-axis. Give $x$ as a function of time $t$ for the oscillating mass if at the moment we start the stopwatch ($t = 0$), the mass is (a) at the mean position,
An air chamber of volume $V$ has a neck area of cross section $a$ into which a ball of mass $m$ just fits and can move up and down without any friction (Fig.14.27). Show that when the ball is pressed down a little and released , it executes SHM. Obtain an expression for the time period of oscillations assuming pressure-volume variations of air to be isothermal [see Fig. 14.27].

Let us take the position of mass when the spring is unstreched as $x = 0$, and the direction from left to right as the positive direction of x-axis. Give $x$ as a function of time $t$ for the oscillating mass if at the moment we start the stopwatch ($t = 0$), the mass is (b) at the maximum stretched position, and
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Worksheet Answers
Solution:
The standard equation for Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) is given by:
$x(t) = A \sin(\omega t + \phi)$
Given the equation: $x = -2 \sin(3t + \pi/3)$ cm
To align with the reference circle convention where $x = A \sin(\omega t + \theta)$, we use the trigonometric identity $-\sin(\theta) = \sin(\theta + \pi)$ [Per the Unit Circle Symmetry Principle]:
$x = 2 \sin(3t + \pi/3 + \pi)$
$x = 2 \sin(3t + 4\pi/3)$
In the reference circle method, the projection of a particle rotating with constant angular velocity $\omega$ on the $x$-axis represents the SHM. The radius of the circle is the amplitude $A$.
At $t = 0$, the reference particle is at an angle $\theta = 4\pi/3$ radians relative to the positive $x$-axis. Using coordinate geometry: $x_0 = A \cos(4\pi/3) = 2 \cos(240^\circ) = 2(-0.5) = -1 \text{ cm}$ $y_0 = A \sin(4\pi/3) = 2 \sin(240^\circ) = 2(-\sqrt{3}/2) = -\sqrt{3} \approx -1.732 \text{ cm}$
This confirms the position of the particle at the start of the observation period in the 3rd quadrant.
Final Solution: The reference circle has a radius of $2 \text{ cm}$, an angular speed of $3 \text{ rad/s}$, and the particle starts at an angular position of $4\pi/3$ radians ($240^\circ$) measured counter-clockwise from the positive $x$-axis.
Solution:
In a linear Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) system occurring between two points $A$ and $B$, the total distance $AB = 10 \text{ cm}$. Let the equilibrium position (mean position) be $O$.
At the extreme positions of SHM, the particle momentarily comes to rest before changing direction. Since point $A$ is an extreme position, the instantaneous velocity of the particle is zero.
$v = 0$ [Per the definition of extreme points in SHM where $v = \omega\sqrt{A^2 - x^2}$ and $x = \pm A$].
The acceleration of a particle in SHM is given by $a = -\omega^2 x$.
[Justification: According to the restoring force principle, acceleration is always directed towards the equilibrium position $O$. Since $A$ is to the left of $O$, the force/acceleration must act towards the right].
According to Newton's Second Law of Motion ($F = ma$):
[Justification: $F = -k x$. With $x = -5$, $F = -k(-5) = +5k$, which is positive].
| Physical Quantity | Sign | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Velocity ($v$) | 0 | Instantaneous rest at extreme point |
| Acceleration ($a$) | Positive (+) | Directed towards equilibrium (towards B) |
| Force ($F$) | Positive (+) | Aligned with acceleration vector |
Final Solution: At point A, the velocity is 0, the acceleration is positive, and the force is positive.
Solution:
Periodic motion is defined as a motion that repeats itself at regular intervals of time, known as the period ($T$). Mathematically, a physical quantity $f(t)$ representing the motion must satisfy the condition: $f(t) = f(t + T)$, where $T > 0$ is the smallest constant interval.
A hydrogen molecule ($H_2$) consists of two hydrogen atoms linked by a covalent bond, essentially behaving as a rigid rotor when rotating about its center of mass. In a stable, isolated environment, the molecule possesses a fixed angular momentum and rotates with a constant angular velocity ($\omega$).
The position of any point on the molecule can be described using angular coordinates in polar or spherical systems. The angular displacement $\theta$ as a function of time $t$ is given by: $\theta(t) = \omega t + \theta_0$
We check if the orientation of the molecule repeats at regular intervals. Let the orientation be defined by the angle $\theta$. The motion is periodic if $\theta(t + T) = \theta(t) + 2\pi n$ for some integer $n$.
Since $\omega$ is constant for a free rotating molecule, $T$ is a constant, finite value.
The rotation of a hydrogen molecule about its center of mass is a classic example of uniform circular motion. Because the angular velocity remains constant in the absence of external torques, the molecule returns to the same spatial orientation after every time interval $T = \frac{2\pi}{\omega}$. Therefore, the motion is strictly periodic.
Final Solution: Yes, the rotation of a hydrogen molecule about its center of mass represents a periodic motion, as it repeats its spatial orientation at a constant time interval $T = \frac{2\pi}{\omega}$.
Solution:
For a particle undergoing Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) along a straight line, the displacement $x(t)$ as a function of time is given by:
$x(t) = A \sin(\omega t + \phi)$
[Per the definition of SHM, where $A$ is amplitude, $\omega$ is angular frequency, and $\phi$ is the phase constant].
The instantaneous velocity $v(t)$ is the first derivative of displacement with respect to time:
$v(t) = \frac{dx}{dt} = A\omega \cos(\omega t + \phi)$
The instantaneous Kinetic Energy ($K$) is defined as:
$K = \frac{1}{2}mv^2 = \frac{1}{2}m A^2 \omega^2 \cos^2(\omega t + \phi)$
[Using the relation $k = m\omega^2$, where $k$ is the force constant, we can write $K = \frac{1}{2} k A^2 \cos^2(\omega t + \phi)$].
The instantaneous Potential Energy ($U$) is defined as:
$U = \frac{1}{2}kx^2 = \frac{1}{2} k A^2 \sin^2(\omega t + \phi)$
The average value of a function $f(t)$ over a period $T$ is given by $\langle f \rangle = \frac{1}{T} \int_{0}^{T} f(t) dt$.
For Kinetic Energy:
$\langle K \rangle = \frac{1}{T} \int_{0}^{T} \frac{1}{2} k A^2 \cos^2(\omega t + \phi) dt$
Using the identity $\cos^2\theta = \frac{1 + \cos(2\theta)}{2}$:
$\langle K \rangle = \frac{kA^2}{2T} \int_{0}^{T} \frac{1 + \cos(2(\omega t + \phi))}{2} dt$
Since the integral of $\cos(2\omega t + 2\phi)$ over a full period $T = \frac{2\pi}{\omega}$ is zero:
$\langle K \rangle = \frac{kA^2}{4T} [t]_{0}^{T} = \frac{kA^2}{4T} \cdot T = \frac{1}{4}kA^2$
Similarly, for Potential Energy:
$\langle U \rangle = \frac{1}{T} \int_{0}^{T} \frac{1}{2} k A^2 \sin^2(\omega t + \phi) dt$
Using the identity $\sin^2\theta = \frac{1 - \cos(2\theta)}{2}$:
$\langle U \rangle = \frac{kA^2}{2T} \int_{0}^{T} \frac{1 - \cos(2(\omega t + \phi))}{2} dt$
$\langle U \rangle = \frac{kA^2}{4T} [t]_{0}^{T} = \frac{1}{4}kA^2$
Comparing the derived averages:
| Energy Type | Average Value |
|---|---|
| Kinetic Energy ($\langle K \rangle$) | $\frac{1}{4}kA^2$ |
| Potential Energy ($\langle U \rangle$) | $\frac{1}{4}kA^2$ |
Final Solution: Since $\langle K \rangle = \frac{1}{4}kA^2$ and $\langle U \rangle = \frac{1}{4}kA^2$, it is proven that $\langle K \rangle = \langle U \rangle$ for a particle in linear SHM.
Solution:
The given function is defined as:
$f(t) = \cos(\omega t) + \cos(3\omega t) + \cos(5\omega t)$
A function $f(t)$ is periodic if there exists a smallest positive constant $T$ such that $f(t + T) = f(t)$.
The individual terms have periods:
[By the Principle of Superposition of Periodic Functions]: The sum of periodic functions is periodic if the ratio of their periods is a rational number. Here, the ratios are $T_1:T_2:T_3 = 1 : \frac{1}{3} : \frac{1}{5} = 15 : 5 : 3$. Since these are rational, the function is periodic.
The fundamental period $T$ is the Least Common Multiple (LCM) of the individual periods $T_1, T_2,$ and $T_3$.
$T = \text{LCM}\left( \frac{2\pi}{\omega}, \frac{2\pi}{3\omega}, \frac{2\pi}{5\omega} \right)$
$T = \frac{2\pi}{\omega} \times \text{LCM}\left( 1, \frac{1}{3}, \frac{1}{5} \right)$
To find the LCM of fractions, we use the formula: $\text{LCM}\left(\frac{a}{b}, \frac{c}{d}\right) = \frac{\text{LCM}(a, c)}{\text{GCD}(b, d)}$.
$T = \frac{2\pi}{\omega} \times \frac{\text{LCM}(1, 1, 1)}{\text{GCD}(1, 3, 5)} = \frac{2\pi}{\omega} \times \frac{1}{1} = \frac{2\pi}{\omega}$
Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) must be representable as a single sinusoidal function of the form $A \cos(\omega t + \phi)$. Since $f(t)$ is a superposition of three distinct frequencies ($\omega, 3\omega, 5\omega$), it does not satisfy the definition of SHM.
| Criterion | Result |
|---|---|
| Periodic | Yes |
| Simple Harmonic | No |
Final Solution: The function represents a periodic but not simple harmonic motion. Its fundamental period is $T = \frac{2\pi}{\omega}$.
Solution:
To determine the maximum speed of the piston undergoing Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM), we extract the following parameters from the problem statement:
The stroke is defined as the total distance covered by the piston in one full cycle, which is equivalent to twice the amplitude ($L = 2A$). [Per the definition of SHM kinematics]
$A = \frac{L}{2} = \frac{1.0\text{ m}}{2} = 0.5\text{ m}$
To maintain consistency with SI units, the angular frequency must be converted from radians per minute to radians per second. [Per the International System of Units (SI) standards]
$\omega = 200\text{ rad/min} = \frac{200}{60}\text{ rad/s}$
$\omega = \frac{10}{3}\text{ rad/s} \approx 3.33\text{ rad/s}$
In SHM, the displacement is given by $x(t) = A \sin(\omega t + \phi)$. The velocity is the first derivative of displacement with respect to time: $v(t) = \frac{dx}{dt} = A\omega \cos(\omega t + \phi)$. The maximum speed occurs when the cosine term is unity. [By the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus]
$v_{max} = A \cdot \omega$
Substituting the values derived in Step 1 and Step 2:
$v_{max} = 0.5\text{ m} \times \frac{10}{3}\text{ rad/s}$
$v_{max} = \frac{5}{3}\text{ m/s}$
$v_{max} \approx 1.67\text{ m/s}$
Final Solution: The maximum speed of the piston is approximately $1.67\text{ m/s}$.
Solution:
To determine the time period of the pendulum, we must transition to the non-inertial frame of reference of the moving car. In this frame, the pendulum bob experiences two primary accelerations:
As the car moves, the bob experiences a pseudo-force directed radially outward, equal to $M \frac{v^2}{R}$.
The equilibrium position of the pendulum is shifted such that the tension in the string balances the resultant of the gravitational force and the pseudo-force. The effective acceleration $g_{eff}$ is the vector sum of the acceleration due to gravity and the centripetal acceleration:
$\vec{g}_{eff} = \vec{g} + \vec{a}_c$
Since $\vec{g}$ (vertical) and $\vec{a}_c$ (horizontal) are mutually perpendicular, the magnitude of the effective acceleration is calculated using the Pythagorean theorem [Per the Law of Vector Addition]:
$g_{eff} = \sqrt{g^2 + a_c^2}$
$g_{eff} = \sqrt{g^2 + \left( \frac{v^2}{R} \right)^2}$
For a simple pendulum undergoing small oscillations, the time period $T$ is given by the standard formula [By Simple Harmonic Motion theory for a pendulum]:
$T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{l}{g_{eff}}}$
Substituting the expression for $g_{eff}$ derived in Step 2:
$T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{l}{\sqrt{g^2 + \left( \frac{v^2}{R} \right)^2}}}$
The time period depends on the effective gravity experienced by the bob in the rotating frame of reference. By substituting the components:
$T = 2\pi \left( \frac{l^2}{g^2 + \frac{v^4}{R^2}} \right)^{1/4}$
Final Solution: $T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{l}{(g^2 + v^4/R^2)^{1/2}}}$ seconds
Solution:
The given function of time is $f(t) = 1 + \omega t + \omega^2 t^2$. This is a second-degree polynomial in $t$ [Reference: Algebraic Theory of Polynomials].
A function $f(t)$ is defined as periodic if there exists a smallest positive constant $T$ (the period) such that $f(t + T) = f(t)$ for all $t$ [Definition of Periodicity].
Let us test the condition $f(t + T) = f(t)$:
$1 + \omega(t + T) + \omega^2(t + T)^2 = 1 + \omega t + \omega^2 t^2$
Expanding the left side:
$1 + \omega t + \omega T + \omega^2(t^2 + 2tT + T^2) = 1 + \omega t + \omega^2 t^2$
$1 + \omega t + \omega T + \omega^2 t^2 + 2\omega^2 tT + \omega^2 T^2 = 1 + \omega t + \omega^2 t^2$
Subtracting $1 + \omega t + \omega^2 t^2$ from both sides:
$\omega T + 2\omega^2 tT + \omega^2 T^2 = 0$
For the equality to hold, the expression $\omega T + 2\omega^2 tT + \omega^2 T^2$ must equal zero for all values of $t$. However, this expression is a function of $t$ (specifically, it is linear in $t$ because of the term $2\omega^2 tT$).
Since $\omega$ is a non-zero positive constant, the coefficient of $t$, which is $2\omega^2 T$, must be zero for the entire expression to be independent of $t$. This implies $T = 0$.
However, by definition, the period $T$ of a periodic motion must be a positive constant ($T > 0$). Since no such non-zero $T$ exists, the function does not satisfy the requirements of periodic motion [Theorem of Periodic Functions].
As the function $f(t) = 1 + \omega t + \omega^2 t^2$ grows indefinitely as $t \to \infty$ and does not repeat its values at any regular interval, it is classified as non-periodic.
Final Solution: The function $1 + \omega t + \omega^2 t^2$ represents (c) non-periodic motion.
Solution:
To determine the torsional spring constant $\alpha$, we utilize the dynamics of a torsional pendulum. The system consists of a circular disc suspended by a wire, undergoing angular simple harmonic motion.
[By the Principle of Angular Harmonic Motion, the period $T$ is given by $T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{I}{\alpha}}$, where $I$ is the Moment of Inertia of the disc about the axis of rotation.]
For a circular disc rotating about an axis passing through its centre and perpendicular to its plane, the moment of inertia is defined as:
$I = \frac{1}{2} M R^2$
Substituting the given values:
$I = \frac{1}{2} \times 10\text{ kg} \times (0.15\text{ m})^2$
$I = 5 \times 0.0225 = 0.1125\text{ kg}\cdot\text{m}^2$
Rearranging the period formula $T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{I}{\alpha}}$ to solve for $\alpha$:
$\frac{T}{2\pi} = \sqrt{\frac{I}{\alpha}}$
$\frac{T^2}{4\pi^2} = \frac{I}{\alpha}$
$\alpha = \frac{4\pi^2 I}{T^2}$
Using $\pi^2 \approx 9.8696$:
$\alpha = \frac{4 \times 9.8696 \times 0.1125}{(1.5)^2}$
$\alpha = \frac{4.44132}{2.25}$
$\alpha \approx 1.9739\text{ N}\cdot\text{m/rad}$
Final Solution: The torsional spring constant of the wire is approximately $1.97\text{ N}\cdot\text{m/rad}$.
Solution:
A particle undergoing uniform circular motion at radius $A$ and angular frequency $\omega$ has a position vector $\vec{r}(t)$. The projection of this motion on the $x$-axis follows the equation of Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM):
$x(t) = A \cos(\omega t + \phi)$
Where:
Given Parameters:
Substituting into the standard SHM equation:
$x(t) = 3 \cos\left(\pi t + \frac{\pi}{4}\right)$
[Per the circular projection theorem, where phase $\phi$ is the initial angle with the reference axis]Given Parameters:
For clockwise motion, the angular displacement is $-\omega t$. Thus, the phase becomes $(\phi - \omega t)$:
$x(t) = 2 \cos\left(\frac{\pi}{2}t - \frac{\pi}{2}\right)$
Using the trigonometric identity $\cos(\theta - \frac{\pi}{2}) = \sin(\theta)$:
$x(t) = 2 \sin\left(\frac{\pi}{2}t\right)$
[By the trigonometric identity $\cos(A-B) = \cos A \cos B + \sin A \sin B$]| Case | Amplitude ($A$) | Angular Freq ($\omega$) | SHM Equation |
|---|---|---|---|
| (a) | $3\text{ cm}$ | $\pi \text{ rad/s}$ | $x(t) = 3 \cos(\pi t + \pi/4)$ |
| (b) | $2\text{ m}$ | $\pi/2 \text{ rad/s}$ | $x(t) = 2 \sin(\pi t/2)$ |
Final Solution: The equations of motion for the $x$-projections are (a) $x(t) = 3 \cos(\pi t + \pi/4)$ and (b) $x(t) = 2 \sin(\pi t/2)$ in their respective units.
Solution:
The displacement of a particle executing Simple Harmonic Motion at any time $t$ is given by the general displacement equation:
$x(t) = A \sin(\omega t + \phi)$
Where:
According to the problem statement, at $t = 0$, the mass is at the mean position. By the coordinate system defined, the mean position corresponds to:
$x(0) = 0$
Substitute the initial condition into the general equation:
$0 = A \sin(\omega(0) + \phi)$
$0 = A \sin(\phi)$
Assuming the amplitude $A \neq 0$ for an oscillating system, we have:
$\sin(\phi) = 0 \implies \phi = 0$ or $\phi = \pi$
Taking the standard phase convention where the particle starts from the mean position moving in the positive direction, we set $\phi = 0$.
Substituting $\phi = 0$ into the general displacement equation:
$x(t) = A \sin(\omega t + 0)$
$x(t) = A \sin(\omega t)$
The displacement of the mass as a function of time, starting from the mean position ($x=0$ at $t=0$), is governed by the sine function. The motion is purely periodic and passes through the origin at $t=0, \frac{\pi}{\omega}, \frac{2\pi}{\omega}, \dots$
Final Solution: $x(t) = A \sin(\omega t)$
Solution:
Let $P$ be the atmospheric pressure and $V$ be the volume of the air chamber. When the ball of mass $m$ is at equilibrium, the downward force due to its weight ($mg$) is balanced by the upward force due to the pressure difference. However, if the pressure inside the chamber is equal to the atmospheric pressure $P$, the ball rests at the opening. Let the pressure inside the chamber be $P$.
Suppose the ball is pushed down by a small distance $x$ into the neck of area $a$. The decrease in volume is $\Delta V = ax$. [By the definition of isothermal processes, the product of pressure and volume remains constant].
The initial state is $(P, V)$. The final state after compression is $(P + \Delta P, V - \Delta V)$.
According to Boyle's Law: $PV = (P + \Delta P)(V - \Delta V)$
$PV = PV - P\Delta V + V\Delta P - \Delta P \Delta V$
Neglecting the small product term $\Delta P \Delta V$:
$P\Delta V = V\Delta P \implies \Delta P = \frac{P \Delta V}{V} = \frac{Pax}{V}$
The excess pressure $\Delta P$ acts on the bottom of the ball, exerting an upward force $F$.
$F = -(\Delta P) \cdot a$ [The negative sign indicates the force is restorative, directed opposite to the displacement $x$].
Substituting the expression for $\Delta P$:
$F = -\left( \frac{Pax}{V} \right) a = -\left( \frac{Pa^2}{V} \right) x$
According to Newton's Second Law, $F = ma = m \frac{d^2x}{dt^2}$.
$m \frac{d^2x}{dt^2} = -\left( \frac{Pa^2}{V} \right) x$
$\frac{d^2x}{dt^2} = -\left( \frac{Pa^2}{mV} \right) x$
This equation is of the form $\frac{d^2x}{dt^2} = -\omega^2 x$, which is the defining differential equation of SHM [Per the definition of linear restorative forces].
Comparing the derived equation with the standard SHM equation, we identify the angular frequency $\omega$:
$\omega^2 = \frac{Pa^2}{mV} \implies \omega = \sqrt{\frac{Pa^2}{mV}}$
The time period $T$ is given by $T = \frac{2\pi}{\omega}$ [Relationship between angular frequency and periodic time]:
$T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{mV}{Pa^2}}$
Final Solution: The system executes SHM because the restoring force is directly proportional to displacement $x$ ($F \propto -x$). The time period of oscillation is $T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{mV}{Pa^2}}$.
Solution:
The given function of time is:
$f(t) = 3 \cos(\frac{\pi}{4} - 2\omega t)$
By applying the trigonometric identity $\cos(-\theta) = \cos(\theta)$, we can simplify the argument of the function:
$f(t) = 3 \cos(2\omega t - \frac{\pi}{4})$
[Per the properties of circular functions and trigonometric symmetry].
A function represents Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) if it can be expressed in the form $f(t) = A \cos(\omega' t + \phi)$ or $f(t) = A \sin(\omega' t + \phi)$, where $A$ is the amplitude, $\omega'$ is the angular frequency, and $\phi$ is the phase constant.
Comparing our given function $f(t) = 3 \cos(2\omega t - \frac{\pi}{4})$ with the standard form:
Since the function is a single-frequency sinusoidal function, it satisfies the requirements for Simple Harmonic Motion [Per the definition of linear SHM, which is the projection of uniform circular motion on a diameter].
For a function of the form $\cos(\omega' t + \phi)$, the time period $T$ is given by the relation:
$T = \frac{2\pi}{\omega'}$
Substituting $\omega' = 2\omega$ into the formula:
$T = \frac{2\pi}{2\omega}$
$T = \frac{\pi}{\omega}$
[By the relation between angular frequency and temporal period in periodic motion].
Final Solution: The function represents Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) with a time period $T = \frac{\pi}{\omega}$.
Solution:
Consider a U-tube containing mercury of density $\rho$. Let $A$ be the uniform cross-sectional area of the tube. When the pressure difference is maintained, the mercury levels in the two arms are at different heights. Let the equilibrium position be $y = 0$, where the height of the mercury column in each arm is equal. When the suction pump is removed, the mercury column is displaced by a small vertical distance $y$ from the equilibrium position.
When the mercury column is displaced by a distance $y$ in one arm, the level drops by $y$ in the other arm. Consequently, the total difference in the height of the mercury columns in the two arms becomes $h = y - (-y) = 2y$.
The weight of the excess mercury column, which acts as the restoring force $F$, is given by: $F = -(\text{Volume}) \times (\text{Density}) \times (g)$ Since the total length of the displaced column is $2y$, the volume is $V = A \times (2y)$. Thus, $F = -(A \cdot 2y) \rho g$ [Per the definition of weight of a liquid column].
Let $L$ be the total length of the mercury column in the U-tube. The total mass $m$ of the mercury in the tube is: $m = \rho \cdot A \cdot L$ [Given mass is density times volume].
Applying Newton's Second Law of Motion ($F = ma$): $(\rho \cdot A \cdot L) \frac{d^2y}{dt^2} = -2Ay\rho g$
By simplifying the terms $A$ and $\rho$ from both sides, we obtain the differential equation: $\frac{d^2y}{dt^2} = -\left( \frac{2g}{L} \right)y$
The standard differential equation for simple harmonic motion is: $\frac{d^2y}{dt^2} = -\omega^2 y$ [Where $\omega$ is the angular frequency].
Comparing the derived equation with the standard form, we identify the angular frequency: $\omega^2 = \frac{2g}{L} \implies \omega = \sqrt{\frac{2g}{L}}$
Since $\frac{d^2y}{dt^2} \propto -y$, the restoring force is directly proportional to the displacement and directed towards the equilibrium position. This satisfies the necessary and sufficient condition for Simple Harmonic Motion.
The time period $T$ of the oscillations of the mercury column is determined by: $T = \frac{2\pi}{\omega} = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{L}{2g}}$
Final Solution: The mercury column executes Simple Harmonic Motion because the restoring force $F = -(2A\rho g)y$ is proportional to the displacement $y$ and opposes the motion, conforming to the characteristic differential equation $\frac{d^2y}{dt^2} + \omega^2 y = 0$.
Solution:
Based on the provided motion parameters, we identify the following variables:
The angular frequency is related to the period of oscillation by the relation $\omega = \frac{2\pi}{T}$ [Per the definition of SHM periodicity].
$\omega = \frac{2\pi}{0.2} = 10\pi \text{ rad/s}$
The velocity of a particle in Simple Harmonic Motion is given by the expression $v = \omega \sqrt{A^2 - x^2}$ [By the conservation of energy in SHM].
Substituting the given values:
$v = 10\pi \sqrt{(0.05)^2 - (0.05)^2}$
$v = 10\pi \sqrt{0.0025 - 0.0025} = 0 \text{ m/s}$
Justification: At the extreme position ($x = A$), the body momentarily comes to rest before reversing its direction.
The acceleration of a particle in SHM is defined by $a = -\omega^2 x$ [Per the restoring force law $F = -kx$ and Newton's Second Law $F=ma$].
Substituting the values:
$a = -(10\pi)^2 \times (0.05)$
$a = -(100\pi^2) \times (0.05)$
$a = -5\pi^2 \text{ m/s}^2$
Using $\pi^2 \approx 9.87$:
$a \approx -5 \times 9.87 = -49.35 \text{ m/s}^2$
Final Solution: At a displacement of 5 cm, the velocity is 0 m/s and the acceleration is $-5\pi^2 \text{ m/s}^2 \approx -49.35 \text{ m/s}^2$.
Solution:
The displacement of a particle executing Simple Harmonic Motion is mathematically represented as:
$x(t) = A \cos(\omega t + \phi)$
[Where $A$ is the amplitude, $\omega$ is the angular frequency, and $\phi$ is the phase constant].
The problem states that at $t = 0$, the mass is at the maximum stretched position. Based on our coordinate system definition where the right direction is positive:
[By the definition of circular projection, the cosine function reaches its maximum value at an argument of zero].
By substituting the phase constant $\phi = 0$ back into the general equation, we obtain the specific function for the given condition:
$x(t) = A \cos(\omega t + 0)$
$x(t) = A \cos(\omega t)$
| Variable | Value/Expression |
|---|---|
| Amplitude | $A$ |
| Angular Frequency | $\omega$ |
| Phase Constant ($\phi$) | $0$ |
| Function $x(t)$ | $A \cos(\omega t)$ |
Final Solution: The displacement of the mass as a function of time is $x(t) = A \cos(\omega t)$.
Solution:
According to the dynamical definition of Simple Harmonic Motion, a particle undergoes SHM if its acceleration $a$ is directly proportional to its displacement $x$ from a fixed equilibrium position and is always directed towards that equilibrium position. Mathematically, this is expressed as:
$a(x) = -\omega^2 x$
where $\omega$ is the angular frequency of the motion, and the negative sign indicates that the acceleration is always in the opposite direction of the displacement [Per Newton's Second Law and Hooke's Law].
The provided relationship is:
$a = 0.7x$
In this expression, the constant of proportionality is positive ($+0.7$).
We compare the given equation $a = 0.7x$ with the standard form $a = -\omega^2 x$.
Since the acceleration $a$ does not oppose the displacement $x$ (i.e., there is no negative sign), the particle will move away from the origin with increasing acceleration if displaced, rather than oscillating about it. Therefore, the condition for SHM is not satisfied.
Final Solution: The relationship $a = 0.7x$ does not involve simple harmonic motion because the acceleration is not directed towards the equilibrium position (it lacks the necessary restoring force characteristic).
Solution:
In linear Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM), the equilibrium position $O$ is defined as the midpoint between the two extreme points $A$ and $B$. Let the total distance $AB = 10 \text{ cm}$. Therefore, the amplitude $A$ of the motion is:
$A = \frac{AB}{2} = 5 \text{ cm}$
Given the direction from $A \to B$ is positive ($+$), we define the positions as follows:
The particle is currently at the midpoint ($x = 0$) and is moving towards $A$. Since the direction $A \to B$ is defined as the positive direction, motion from $B \to A$ or towards $A$ is defined as the negative direction.
| Parameter | Analysis | Sign |
|---|---|---|
| Velocity ($v$) | The particle is moving towards $A$. Since $A$ lies in the negative direction relative to the origin, the velocity vector points in the negative direction. [Per Kinematics convention, $v = \frac{dx}{dt}$] | Negative ($-$) |
| Acceleration ($a$) | In SHM, acceleration is defined as $a = -\omega^2 x$. At the midpoint $O$, the displacement $x = 0$. Therefore, $a = -\omega^2(0) = 0$. | Zero |
| Force ($F$) | Per Newton's Second Law, $F = ma$. Since $a = 0$ at the equilibrium position, the net restoring force acting on the particle at the midpoint is zero. | Zero |
The restoring force in SHM is given by $F = -kx$. At the equilibrium position ($x=0$), the displacement is zero, resulting in zero restoring force. By the definition of acceleration in SHM ($a = F/m$), the acceleration must also be zero. The velocity is non-zero (maximum) because the particle is passing through the equilibrium point, but its sign is dictated strictly by the displacement vector relative to the chosen positive axis. [Ref: Hooke's Law and the differential equation of SHM: $\frac{d^2x}{dt^2} + \omega^2 x = 0$].
Final Solution: At the mid-point of AB going towards A, the velocity is negative, the acceleration is zero, and the force is zero.
Solution:
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Solution:
To determine the time period of a simple pendulum in a non-inertial frame (the accelerating car), we must first identify the net effective acceleration acting on the bob. The car is moving in a circular path of radius $R$ at a uniform speed $v$. This implies a centripetal acceleration ($a_c$) directed toward the center of the circular track:
$a_c = \frac{v^2}{R}$ [Per Newton's Second Law of Motion in a rotating frame]
In the frame of the car, the bob experiences a pseudo-force directed radially outward, equal in magnitude to $M \frac{v^2}{R}$. Simultaneously, the bob is subject to the gravitational force $Mg$ acting vertically downward.
The total effective acceleration ($g_{eff}$) is the vector sum of the gravitational acceleration ($\vec{g}$) and the pseudo-acceleration ($\vec{a}_p = -\vec{a}_c$):
$\vec{g}_{eff} = \vec{g} + \vec{a}_p$
Since the gravitational acceleration $\vec{g}$ (downward) and the pseudo-acceleration $\vec{a}_p$ (radially outward) are mutually perpendicular, the magnitude of $g_{eff}$ is derived using the Pythagorean theorem [By the Law of Vector Addition]:
$g_{eff} = \sqrt{g^2 + \left(\frac{v^2}{R}\right)^2}$
The time period $T$ of a simple pendulum is governed by the formula $T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{l}{g_{eff}}}$. Substituting our expression for $g_{eff}$ into the standard pendulum equation [Per Simple Harmonic Motion dynamics]:
$T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{l}{\sqrt{g^2 + \left(\frac{v^2}{R}\right)^2}}}$
By simplifying the algebraic expression under the radical, we obtain the finalized period of oscillation for the pendulum in the moving car frame:
$T = 2\pi \left( l^2 \right)^{1/4} \cdot \left( g^2 + \frac{v^4}{R^2} \right)^{-1/4}$
Or, expressed in the standard radical form:
$T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{l}{(g^2 + v^4/R^2)^{1/2}}}$
Final Solution: $T = 2\pi \left[ \frac{l^2}{g^2 + (v^2/R)^2} \right]^{1/4}$