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Oscillations — NEET Physics PYQ MCQs with Solutions
Free NEET Physics PYQ Oscillations MCQs with step-by-step solutions covering Simple Harmonic Motion, Pendulum and Springs. Practise online on Prepizo — no login needed.
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Sample questions with solutions
Q1 — Pendulum and Springs · easy · theory
A particle moving along the X-axis executes simple harmonic motion, then the force acting on it is given by
A. $-AKx$ ✓ Correct
B. $A Kx \cos$
C. $A Kx \exp(-)$
D. $AKx$
Solution: For SHM, the restoring force is always opposite to displacement and proportional to it.
Hooke's law: $F = -kx$ where $k$ is the spring constant.
Here, comparing with $F = -AKx$, we see the force is directly proportional to displacement with a negative sign (indicating restoring nature).
Q2 — Pendulum and Springs · easy · numerical
A spring is stretched by 5 cm by a force 10 N. The time period of the oscillations when a mass of 2 kg is suspended by it is
A. 0.0628 s
B. 6.28 s
C. 3.14 s
D. 0.628 s ✓ Correct
Solution: Given: Extension $x = 5$ cm $= 0.05$ m, Force $F = 10$ N, Mass $m = 2$ kg
Spring constant: $k = \frac{F}{x} = \frac{10}{0.05} = 200$ N/m
Time period: $T = 2\pi\sqrt{\frac{m}{k}} = 2\pi\sqrt{\frac{2}{200}} = 2\pi\sqrt{0.01} = 2\pi \times 0.1 = 0.628$ s
Q3 — Pendulum and Springs · easy · numerical
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 $20$ m/s² at a distance of $5$ m from the mean position. The time period of oscillation is
A. 2 s
B. $\pi$ s ✓ Correct
C. $2\pi$ s
D. 1 s
Solution: For SHM, acceleration: $a = -\omega^2 x$
Given: $a = 20$ m/s², $x = 5$ m
Therefore: $20 = \omega^2 \times 5 \Rightarrow \omega^2 = 4 \Rightarrow \omega = 2$ rad/s
Time period: $T = \frac{2\pi}{\omega} = \frac{2\pi}{2} = \pi$ s
Q4 — Pendulum and Springs · easy · theory
The period of oscillation of a mass $M$ suspended from a spring of negligible mass is $T$. If along with it another mass $M$ is also suspended, the period of oscillation will now be
A. $T$
B. $T/2$
C. $2T$
D. $\sqrt{2}T$ ✓ Correct
Solution: Time period of spring-mass system: $T = 2\pi\sqrt{\frac{m}{k}}$
For mass $M$: $T = 2\pi\sqrt{\frac{M}{k}}$
For mass $2M$: $T' = 2\pi\sqrt{\frac{2M}{k}} = \sqrt{2} \cdot 2\pi\sqrt{\frac{M}{k}} = \sqrt{2}T$
Q5 — Pendulum and Springs · easy · numerical
A mass of 2.0 kg is put on a flat pan attached to a vertical spring fixed on the ground as shown in the figure. The mass of the spring and the pan is negligible. When pressed slightly and released the mass executes a simple harmonic motion. The spring constant is 200 N/m. What should be the minimum amplitude of the motion, so that the mass gets detached from the pan? (Take $g = 10$ m/s²)
A. 8.0 cm
B. 10.0 cm ✓ Correct
C. Any value less than 12.0 cm
D. 4.0 cm
Solution: For the mass to just detach from the pan, the spring force must equal the weight at extreme position.
At equilibrium: $ka_0 = mg$
For detachment: The mass gets detached when normal force becomes zero, which happens when acceleration is maximum (at extreme position).
Restoring force: $F = ka = mg$ (for minimum amplitude)
$a = \frac{mg}{k} = \frac{2 \times 10}{200} = \frac{20}{200} = 0.1$ m $= 10$ cm
Q6 — Pendulum and Springs · hard · theory
A body is executing SHM. When the displacements from the mean position is 4 cm and 5 cm, the corresponding velocities of the body is 10 cm/s and 8 cm/s. Then, the time period of the body is
A. $2\pi$ sec
B. $\frac{\pi}{2}$ sec
C. $\pi$ sec ✓ Correct
D. $\frac{3}{2}\pi$ sec
Solution: Velocity in SHM: $v = \omega\sqrt{a^2 - x^2}$
Case I: $10 = \omega\sqrt{a^2 - 16}$ ... (i)
Case II: $8 = \omega\sqrt{a^2 - 25}$ ... (ii)
Dividing (ii) by (i): $\frac{8}{10} = \sqrt{\frac{a^2 - 25}{a^2 - 16}}$
Squaring: $\frac{64}{100} = \frac{a^2 - 25}{a^2 - 16}$
Solving: $a^2 = 36.99 \approx 36$ cm²
From (i): $\omega = 2$ rad/s
Time period: $T = \frac{2\pi}{\omega} = \frac{2\pi}{2} = \pi$ sec
Q7 — Pendulum and Springs · hard · theory
A spring of force constant $k$ is cut into lengths of ratio $1 : 2 : 3$. They are connected in series and the new force constant is $k'$. If they are connected in parallel and force constant is $k''$, then $\frac{k'}{k''}$ is
A. $1 : 6$
B. $1 : 9$
C. $1 : 11$ ✓ Correct
D. $1 : 14$
Solution: When a spring is cut in ratio $1:2:3$, the spring constant is inversely proportional to length.
If original spring has constant $k$ and total length $L$, then:
$k \cdot L = \text{constant}$
For pieces of lengths in ratio $1:2:3$:
$k_1 = 6x$, $k_2 = 3x$, $k_3 = 2x$ (where $6x + 3x + 2x = k$ in length ratios)
In series: $\frac{1}{k'} = \frac{1}{6x} + \frac{1}{3x} + \frac{1}{2x} = \frac{6}{6x} \Rightarrow k' = x$
In parallel: $k'' = 6x + 3x + 2x = 11x$
Ratio: $\frac{k'}{k''} = \frac{x}{11x} = \frac{1}{11}$
Q8 — Simple Harmonic Motion · medium · theory
A body is executing simple harmonic motion with frequency n, the frequency of its potential energy is
A. n
B. 2n ✓ Correct
C. 3n
D. 4n
Solution: In simple harmonic motion, both kinetic energy and potential energy attains their maximum value two times in one complete oscillation. Hence, frequency of kinetic energy and potential energy is 2 for one complete oscillation. So, the frequency of the potential energy of a body executing SHM with frequency n is 2n.
Q9 — Simple Harmonic Motion · medium · theory
Identify the function which represents a periodic motion.
A. $e^t$
B. $\log_e(t)$
C. $\sin t + \cos t$ ✓ Correct
D. $e^{-t}$
Solution: sin t and cos t, both are periodic function of period 2π. We know that, sum of two periodic functions is also a periodic function, hence, sin t + cos t represents periodic motion.
Q10 — Simple Harmonic Motion · medium · theory
The phase difference between displacement and acceleration of a particle in a simple harmonic motion is
A. $\frac{3\pi}{2}$ rad
B. $\frac{\pi}{2}$ rad
C. zero
D. $\pi$ rad ✓ Correct
Solution: In SHM, equation of displacement of a particle is y = a sin ωt and equation of acceleration of a particle is A = -aω² sin ωt = aω² sin(ωt + π). Phase difference between displacement and acceleration of a particle is = (ωt + π) - ωt = π rad. Hence, correct option is (d).
Q11 — Simple Harmonic Motion · medium · theory
The distance covered by a particle undergoing SHM in one time period is (amplitude = A)
A. zero
B. A
C. 2A
D. 4A ✓ Correct
Solution: In a simple harmonic motion (SHM) the particle oscillates about its mean position on a straight line. The particle moves from its mean position (O) to an extreme position (P) and then return to its mean position covering same distance of A. Then by the conservative force, it is moved in opposite direction to a point Q by distance A and then back to mean position covering a distance of A. In one time period: x = OP + PO + OQ + QO = A + A + A + A = 4A
Q12 — Simple Harmonic Motion · medium · theory
Average velocity of a particle executing SHM in one complete vibration is
A. Aω
B. $\frac{A\omega}{2}$
C. zero ✓ Correct
D. $\frac{A}{2}$
Solution: The average velocity of a particle executing simple harmonic motion (SHM) is v_av = (Total displacement)/(Time interval) = (x_f - x_i)/T. In vibrational motion, the particle executes SHM about its mean position. After one complete vibration, the particle reaches its initial position. Therefore, displacement, x_f - x_i = 0. Hence, v_av = 0.
Q13 — Simple Harmonic Motion · medium · theory
The displacement of a particle executing simple harmonic motion is given by y = A_0 + A\sin ωt + B\cos ωt. Then the amplitude of its oscillation is given by
A. $\sqrt{A^2 + B^2}$ ✓ Correct
B. $\sqrt{A_0^2 + (A + B)^2}$
C. A + B
D. $A_0 + \sqrt{A^2 + B^2}$
Solution: The displacement of given particle is y = A_0 + A sin ωt + B cos ωt. The general equation of SHM can be given as x = a sin ωt + b cos ωt. From this, we can say that A_0 be the value of mean position. Amplitude, R = √(A² + B² + 2AB cos θ). Since sine and cosine have phase shift of 90°, R = √(A² + B²) [since cos 90° = 0]
Q14 — Simple Harmonic Motion · medium · theory
The radius of circle, the period of revolution, initial position and sense of revolution are indicated in the figure. The y-projection of the radius vector of rotating particle P is
A. $y(t) = 4\sin\frac{2\pi}{t}$ t, where y in m
B. $y(t) = 3\cos\frac{3}{2}\pi t$, where y in m
C. $y(t) = 3\cos\frac{2\pi}{T} t$, where y in m ✓ Correct
D. $y(t) = -3\cos\frac{2\pi}{T}t$, where y in m
Solution: Let O be the centre of circle. At t = 0, the displacement y is maximum and has value 3 m. The general equation of displacement of a particle will be in the form y = A cos ωt. Here, A = 3 m. Then, ω = 2π/T = 2π/4 = π/2. Therefore, y = 3 cos(π/2)t or y = 3 cos(2π/T)t (in metre)
Q15 — Simple Harmonic Motion · medium · numerical
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
A. $5\pi$
B. $\frac{5}{2\pi}$
C. $\frac{4}{5\pi}$ ✓ Correct
D. $\frac{2}{3\pi}$
Solution: Magnitude of velocity of particle when it is at displacement x from mean position: |v| = ω√(A² - x²). Magnitude of acceleration: |a| = ω²x. Given, when x = 2 cm, |v| = |a|. So ω√(A² - x²) = ω²x. Therefore ω = √(A² - x²)/x = √(9 - 4)/2 = √5/2. Angular velocity ω = √5/2. Time period T = 2π/ω = 4π/√5 = 4π/√5 · √5/√5 = 4√5π/5 = 4/(5π) s
Q16 — Simple Harmonic Motion · medium · theory
When two displacements represented by $y_1 = a\sin ωt$ and $y_2 = b\cos ωt$ are superimposed, the motion is
A. not a simple harmonic
B. simple harmonic with amplitude a
C. simple harmonic with amplitude $\sqrt{a^2 + b^2}$ ✓ Correct
D. simple harmonic with amplitude $(a + b)^2$
Solution: Given, $y_1 = a\sin ωt$ and $y_2 = b\cos ωt = b\sin(ωt + π/2)$. The resultant displacement is given by $y = y_1 + y_2 = \sqrt{a^2 + b^2}\sin(ωt + φ)$. Hence, the motion of superimposed wave is simple harmonic with amplitude $\sqrt{a^2 + b^2}$.
Q17 — Simple Harmonic Motion · medium · theory
A particle is executing SHM along a straight line. Its velocities at distances $x_1$ and $x_2$ from the mean position are $v_1$ and $v_2$, respectively. Its time period is
A. $2π\sqrt{\frac{x_1^2 + x_2^2}{v_1^2 + v_2^2}}$
B. $2π\sqrt{\frac{x_2^2 - x_1^2}{v_1^2 - v_2^2}}$ ✓ Correct
C. $2π\sqrt{\frac{v_1^2 + v_2^2}{x_1^2 + x_2^2}}$
D. $2π\sqrt{\frac{v_1^2 - v_2^2}{x_1^2 - x_2^2}}$
Solution: Let A be the amplitude of oscillation. Then $v_1^2 = ω^2(A^2 - x_1^2)$ and $v_2^2 = ω^2(A^2 - x_2^2)$. Subtracting, we get $v_1^2 - v_2^2 = ω^2(x_2^2 - x_1^2)$. Therefore $ω^2 = (v_1^2 - v_2^2)/(x_2^2 - x_1^2)$. Since $T = 2π/ω$, we have $T = 2π\sqrt{(x_2^2 - x_1^2)/(v_1^2 - v_2^2)}$
Q18 — Simple Harmonic Motion · medium · theory
A particle is executing a simple harmonic motion. Its maximum acceleration is α and maximum velocity is β. Then, its time period of vibration will be
A. $2πα/β$
B. $2πβ/α$
C. $2πα$
D. $2πβ/α$ ✓ Correct
Solution: For a particle executing SHM, maximum acceleration is α = Aω² and maximum velocity is β = Aω. Dividing α by β, we get α/β = ω. Therefore, ω = α/β. Since T = 2π/ω = 2πβ/α, the time period of vibration is $T = 2πβ/α$.
Q19 — Simple Harmonic Motion · medium · theory
The oscillation of a body on a smooth horizontal surface is represented by the equation, X = A cos(ωt), where X = displacement at time t and ω = frequency of oscillation. Which one of the following graphs shows correctly the variation of acceleration (a) with time (t)?
A. Graph showing positive then negative acceleration
B. Graph showing positive then negative acceleration
C. Graph showing negative then positive then negative acceleration ✓ Correct
D. Graph showing positive acceleration only
Solution: As x = A cos ωt, we have v = dx/dt = -Aω sin ωt and a = d²x/dt² = -Aω² cos ωt. At t = 0, a = -Aω². At t = T/4, a = 0. At t = T/2, a = Aω². At t = 3T/4, a = 0. At t = T, a = -Aω². This condition is represented by graph in option (c).
Q20 — Simple Harmonic Motion · medium · theory
Out of the following functions representing motion of a particle which represents SHM? I. y = sin t - cos t, II. y = sin³ t, III. y = 5 cos(3π/4 - 3t), IV. y = 1 + t + 2t²
A. Only (IV) does not represent SHM
B. (I) and (III) ✓ Correct
C. (I) and (II)
D. Only (I)
Solution: For simple harmonic motion, acceleration (a) ∝ -displacement (y). The equations y = sin t - cos t and y = 5 cos(3π/4 - 3t) satisfy this condition. The equation y = 1 + t + 2t² is not periodic and y = sin³ t is periodic but not simple harmonic motion.
Q21 — Simple Harmonic Motion · medium · theory
The displacement of a particle along the x-axis is given by x = a sin² ωt. The motion of the particle corresponds to
A. simple harmonic motion of frequency ω/π
B. simple harmonic motion of frequency 3ω/2π
C. non-simple harmonic motion ✓ Correct
D. simple harmonic motion of frequency ω/2π
Solution: For SHM, acceleration (a) ∝ -displacement (x). Given x = a sin² ωt. Differentiating: dx/dt = 2a sin ωt cos ωt = a sin 2ωt. Again differentiating: d²x/dt² = 2aω² cos 2ωt. The given equation does not satisfy the condition for SHM. Therefore, motion is not simple harmonic.
Q22 — Simple Harmonic Motion · medium · theory
Which one of the following equations of motion represents simple harmonic motion?
A. Acceleration = -k₀x + k₁x²
B. Acceleration = -k(x + a) ✓ Correct
C. Acceleration = k(x + a)
D. Acceleration = kx
Solution: The condition for a body executing SHM is F = -kx, so a = -ω²x or acceleration ∝ -(displacement). For option (b), let y = x + a, then acceleration = -k(x + a) = -ky, which represents SHM about the position y = 0 (or x = -a).
Q23 — Simple Harmonic Motion · medium · theory
Two simple harmonic motions of angular frequency 100 rad/s and 1000 rad/s have the same displacement amplitude. The ratio of their maximum accelerations is
A. 1:10
B. 1:100 ✓ Correct
C. 1:10³
D. 1:10⁴
Solution: Maximum acceleration of body executing SHM is given by a_max = ω²a. For two different cases: a_max1/a_max2 = (ω₁²a)/(ω₂²a) = (ω₁/ω₂)² = (100/1000)² = (1/10)² = 1/100 = 1:100
Q24 — Simple Harmonic Motion · medium · theory
A point performs simple harmonic oscillation of period T and the equation of motion is given by x = a sin(ωt + π/6). After the elapse of what fraction of the time period, the velocity of the point will be equal to half of its maximum velocity?
A. T/8
B. T/6
C. T/3
D. T/12 ✓ Correct
Solution: Equation of motion is x = a sin(ωt + π/6). Velocity v = dx/dt = aω cos(ωt + π/6). Maximum velocity is v_max = aω. When v = v_max/2: aω/2 = aω cos(ωt + π/6), so cos(ωt + π/6) = 1/2. This gives ωt + π/6 = π/3, so ωt = π/6. Since ω = 2π/T, we have t = T/12.
Q25 — Simple Harmonic Motion · medium · theory
The particle executing simple harmonic motion has a kinetic energy K₀ cos² ωt. The maximum values of the potential energy and the total energy are respectively
A. K₀ and 2K₀
B. K₀/2 and K₀
C. K₀ and 2K₀
D. K₀ and K₀ ✓ Correct
Solution: In simple harmonic motion, the total energy is constant. When KE = K₀ cos² ωt, the maximum kinetic energy is K₀. At this point (mean position), PE = 0. At extreme positions, KE = 0 and PE = K₀ (maximum). Total energy = K₀. Therefore, maximum PE = K₀ and total energy = K₀.
Q26 — Simple Harmonic Motion · medium · theory
A particle executes simple harmonic oscillation with an amplitude a. The period of oscillation is T. The minimum time taken by the particle to travel half of the amplitude from the equilibrium position is
A. T/4
B. T/8
C. T/12 ✓ Correct
D. T/2
Solution: Let displacement equation be x = a sin ωt. When particle travels half of amplitude from equilibrium: x = a/2. So a/2 = a sin ωt, which gives sin ωt = 1/2 = sin(π/6). Therefore ωt = π/6. Since ω = 2π/T, we have t = T/12.
Q27 — Simple Harmonic Motion · medium · numerical
A particle executing simple harmonic motion of amplitude 5 cm has maximum speed of 31.4 cm/s. The frequency of its oscillation is
A. 3 Hz
B. 2 Hz
C. 4 Hz
D. 1 Hz ✓ Correct
Solution: Maximum speed of a particle executing SHM is given by v_max = aω = a(2πn), where n is frequency. Therefore n = v_max/(2πa) = 31.4/(2 × 3.14 × 5) = 31.4/31.4 = 1 Hz
Q28 — Simple Harmonic Motion · medium · theory
Which one of the following statements is true for the speed v and the acceleration a of a particle executing simple harmonic motion?
A. When v is maximum, a is maximum
B. Value of a is zero, whatever may be the value of v
C. When v is zero, a is zero
D. When v is maximum, a is zero ✓ Correct
Solution: For SHM with displacement x = a sin ωt: Velocity v = aω cos ωt = ω√(a² - x²), and acceleration a = -ω²x. When x = 0 (equilibrium), v = aω = v_max and a = 0. When x = ±a (extreme positions), v = 0 and a = ∓ω²a = a_max. Thus when v is maximum, a is minimum (zero).
Q29 — Simple Harmonic Motion · medium · theory
The potential energy of a simple harmonic oscillator when the particle is half way to its end point is
A. E/4 ✓ Correct
B. E/2
C. 2E/3
D. E/8
Solution: Potential energy U = (1/2)mω²x². When particle is halfway to end point, x = a/2. So U = (1/2)mω²(a/2)² = (1/4)[(1/2)mω²a²] = E/4, where E is total energy.
Q30 — Simple Harmonic Motion · medium · theory
A particle of mass m oscillates with simple harmonic motion between points x₁ and x₂, the equilibrium position being O. Its potential energy is plotted.
A. Parabolic curve at x1 and x2
B. Parabolic curve at x1 and x2
C. Parabolic curve with minimum at O ✓ Correct
D. Parabolic curve with minimum at O
Solution: Potential energy is given by U = (1/2)kx². The graph is parabolic. At equilibrium position (x = 0), potential energy is minimum. At extreme positions x₁ and x₂, potential energies are U₁ = (1/2)kx₁² and U₂ = (1/2)kx₂² respectively. Kinetic energy is maximum at mean position and zero at extreme positions.