SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

Preface
As you have gone through the theory part that consists of given fundamental principles,
definitions, concepts involved and solved problems. After going through theory part it
becomes necessary to solve the unsolved problems based on the concepts given. To
solve this purpose we are providing exercise part that comprises of various exercises
based on the theory. By solving various kinds of problems you can check your grasp on
the topic and can determine whether you have been able to find optimum depth in relevant
topic or not.

Students are advised to solve the questions of exercises (Levels # 1, 2, 3, 4) in the same
sequence or as directed by the faculty members, religiously and very carefully.

Level # 3 is not for foundation course students, it will be discussed in fresher or target
courses.

The list of exercises is as following :

Total No.of questions in Simple Harmonic Motion are -

Level # 1 ....................................................................................... 43
Level # 2 ....................................................................................... 46
Level # 3 ....................................................................................... 35
Level # 4 ....................................................................................... 41

Total No. of questions .............................................................. 165

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

 Questions
based on Basic concept & displacement Q.7 The phase of a particle executing S.H.M is
/2 when it has
Q.1 The example of S.H.M. is -
(A) motion of an electron around the nucleus. (A) maximum displacement
(B) motion of the earth around the sun (B) maximum velocity
(C) a car moving in a circular path (C) maximum energy
(D) A glass ball rolling freely in a shallow (D) none of the above
hemispherical bowl.
Q.8 The equation of motion of a particle executing
Q.2 The figure represents two S.H.M. The SHM is (k is a positive constant)
parameter which has different values in the
two motions is – d2 x k dx k
  (A)
dt 2 –
m
x = 0 (B)
dt
–
m
x = 0
A
B 2
 dx  k d2 x k
  (C)   – x = 0 (D) + x = 0
 dt  m dt 2 m
(A) amplitude (B) frequency
(C) phase (D) Maximum velocity

Q.3 Both the equations y1 = a sin t and. Q.9 The equation of S.H.M. of a particle is

A A d2 y
y2 = sin t + cos t represent S.H.M. + ky = 0, where  is a positive constant.
2 2 dt 2
The ratio of the amplitudes of the two The time period of motion is given by
motions is 2 2
(A) 1 (B) 2 (A) (B) (C) 2k (D) 2 k
k k
(C) 0.5 (D) 2
Questions
based on Velocity
Q.4 The displacement of particle executing
S.H.M. is given by y = 5 sin 20t. Its
frequency is Q.10 The time-period of a particle undergoing
(A) 10 Hz (B) 20 Hz S.H.M. is 16 sec. It starts its motion from
(C) 0.1 Hz (D) 20Hz
the mean position. After 2 sec, its velocity
Q.5 The equation of a simple harmonic oscillator
with amplitude 5 cm and period 2 sec is if 0.4 m/s. The amplitude is
particle is starting from the mean positions is – (A) 1.44 m (B) 0.72 m
(A) y = 5 sin t (B) y = 2 sin 2t/5 (C) 2.88 m (D) 0.66 m
(C) y = 5 cos t (D) y = 5 sin 2t/5
Q.11 A simple pendulum performs S.H.M. about
x = 0 with an amplitude a and time period T.
Q.6 A particle is executing S.H.M. of amplitude
'a' and time period = 4 second. Then the The speed of the pendulum at x = a/2 will
time taken by it to move from the extreme be –
position to half the amplitude is
1 a 3 a 3
(A) (B)
(A) 1 sec (B) sec T 2T
3
2 4 a 3 2a
(C) sec (D) sec (C) (D)
3 3 T T

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

Q.12 The displacement of a particle executing v 02
S.H.M. is given by y = 0.25 sin 200t cm. The (A) (B) a0 × v0
a0
maximum speed of the particle is
(A) 200 cm/sec (B) 100 cm/sec a 02 1
(C) (D) a v
(C) 50 cm/sec (D) 0.25 cm/sec v0 0 0
Q.19 A particle executes S.H.M. Then the graph of
Q.13 A particle is executing S.H.M. with amplitude acceleration as a function of displacement is
'a' and has maximum velocity ' v '. Its speed
(A) a straight line (B) a circle
at displacement a/2 will be -
(C) an ellipse (D) a hyperbola
(A) 0.866 v (B) v/2
(C) v (D) v/4 Q.20 The maximum speed of a particle executing
S.H.M. is 1m/s and maximum acceleration
Q.14 A particle is executing S.H.M. having is 1.57m/s2. Its time period is
amplitude 'a'. The position of particle where (A) 4 sec (B) 2 sec
its velocity becomes half of its maximum (C) 1.57 sec (D) 1/1.57 sec
velocity is
Q.21 A particle executing S.H.M. has maximum
a 3 velocity 'a' and maximum acceleration , the
(A) a/2 (B)
2 period of oscillation shall be
a (A) 2 () (B) 2 ()
(C) (D) a (C) 2 (/)1/2 (D) 2 (/)1/2
3
Q.15 A particle performing S.H.M. having amplitude Q.22 The maximum displacement of a particle
3 executing S.H.M. is 1 cm and the maximum
'a' possesses velocity times the velocity acceleration is (1.57)2cm per sec2. Then the
2
at the mean position. The displacement of time period is
the particle shall be (A) 0.25 sec (B) 4.00 sec
(C) 1.57 sec (D) (1.57)2 sec
a 3
(A) a/2 (B) Q.23 A block of mass 'm' rests on a piston
2
exicuting S.H.M. of period 1sec. The
a amplitude of oscillations so that the mass is
(C) (D) a 2
2 separated from the piston is
Q.16 A particle executes S.H.M. given by the (A) 0.25 m (B) 0.5 m
equation y = 0.45 sin 2t where y is in meter (C) 1m (D) zero
and t is in second. What is the speed of the
Q.24 A small body of mass 0.10kg is undergoing
particle when its displacement is 7.5 cm?
simple harmonic motion of simplitude 1.0
(A) 0.075 3 ms–1 (B) 7.5 3 ms–1 metre and period of 0.20 sec the maximum
value of the force acting on it
(C) 0.15 3 ms–1 (D) 15 3 ms–1 (A) 99N (B) 66N (C) 33N (D) 11 N
Q.17 The displacement, velocity amplitude of Q.25 Which of the following diagrams correctly
particular executing S.H.M. is related by the relate diplacement velocity and acceleration
expression with time for a particle executing SHM
(A) V =  a2  x 2
(B) V = (a2 – x2)
(C) v = (a2 + x2)  (a) (b)
 2 2 
(D) v =  a  x  
 

Questions
based on Acceleration
(c) (d)
Q.18 The maximum acceleration of a body moving
in S.H.M. is a0 and maximum velocity v0.
The amplitude is given by
SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION
Q.26 The variation of the acceleration (f) of the T
particle executing S.H.M. with its U
displacement (X) is represented by the curve -
(A) K
f f
(A) (B) x
x x
T
K

f f (B) U
(C) (D) x x
x

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

K

(C) T
Questions
based on Energy x
Q.27 For a particle executing SHM, which of the
following statements does not hold good ? K
(A) the total energy of the particle always U
remains the same (D) T
x
(B) the restoring force is always directed
towards a fixed point
(C) the restoring force is maximum at the (A) A (B) B (C) C (D) D
extreme positions
(D) the velocity of the particle is minimum at Q.32 In SHM, potential energy (U) V/s. time (t)
the centre of motion of the particle graphs is
U
Q.28 A particle is executing SHM with an amplitude
4cm. The displacement at which its energy (A)
is half kinetic and half potential is
(A) 1 cm (B) (B)1/2 cm O t
(C) 2 cm (D) 2(B)1/2 cm. U

Q.29 For a simple harmonic vibrator of frequency (B)

n, the frequency of kinetic energy changing
completely to potential energy is O t
(A) n/2 (B) n (C) 2n (D) 4n
Q.30 The total energy of a particle executing U
S.H.M. is proportional to
(A) displacement from equilibrium position (C)
(B) frequency of oscillation
(C) velocity in equilibrium position t
(D) square of amplitude of motion O
U

Q.31 A particle is executing S.H.M. along a straight (D)

line. The graph showing the variation of
kinetic, potential and total energy K, U and
t
T respectively with displacement is - O

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

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION
Q.33 In S.H.M., the graph between kinetic energy (A) remains constant
K and time ' t ' is (B) continuously decreases
(C) continuously increases
(D) first increases and then decreases
(A) Q.38 If a simple pendulum oscillates in water
instead of air then the time period will -
t (A) decrease slightly
O
(B) increase slightly
K
(C) remain the same
(B) (D) decrease considerably

Q.39 A tunnel has been dug through the centre of

t the earth and a ball is released in it. It
O executes S.H.M. with time period
K (A) 42 minutes (B) 1 day
(C) 1 hour (D) 84.6 minutes
(C)
Questions
O based on Spring-Block System
t

K Q.40 A mass m is suspended from the two coupled

springs connected in series . The force
constant for springs are K1 and K2. The time
(D)
period of the suspended mass will be -
O
t
 m 
(A) A (B) B (C) C (D) D (A) T = 2  
 K1  k2 
Questions
Simple pendulum & time period  m 
based on
(B) T = 2  
 K1  k2 
Q.34 The length of a simple pendulum is equal to the
radius of the earth (R). Its time-period will be -  m(K 1  K 2 ) 
R R (C) T = 2  K K 
 1 2 
(A) 2 g (B) 2 2g
 mK 1K 2 
(D) T = 2  
2R  K1  K 2 
(C) 2 g (D) indeterminate

Q.35 A simple pendulum has T = 2 sec at a place Q.41 A spring having a spring constant 'K' is loaded
where g = 9.81 m/s2. Its time-period T' will with a mass 'm'. The spring is cut into two
be how much at another place where equal parts and one of these is loaded again
g' = 4.36 m/s2? with the same mass. The new spring constant
(A) 3 sec (B) 1.5 sec is -
(C) 4/3 sec (D) 2/3 sec (A) K/2 (B) K
(C) 2K (D) K2
Q.36 A simple pendulum has some time period T.
What will be the % change in its time-period Q.42 A spring-mass system oscillates with a
if its amplitude is decreased by 6% frequency ' f '. If it is taken in an elevator
(A) 6% slowly accelerating upwards, the frequency will
(B) 3% (A) increase (B) decrease
(C) 1.5% (C) remain same (D) become zero
(D) It will remain unchanged Q.43 A spring of force constant k is cut out into
Q.37 A hollow metal sphere is filled with water and two peaces whose lengths are in the ratio
hung by a long thread. A small hole is drilled 1 : 2. What is the force constant of the longer
at the bottom through which water slowly piece
flows out. Now the sphere is made to
k 3k
oscillate, the period of oscillation of the (A) (B) (C) 2k (D) 3k
pendulum - 2 2

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

Q.1 A mass m is suspended from a weightless m 3m
spring and it has time-period ' T '. The spring (A) 2 (B) 2
3k 2k
is now divided into four equal parts and the
same mass is suspended from one of these 2m 3k
(C) 2 (D) 2
parts. The now time period will be - 3k m
(A) T (B) T/2 (C) 2T (D) T/4 Q.6 A man weighing 60kg stands on the horizontal
platform of a spring balance. The platform
Q.2 Two springs of the same material but of length
starts executing simple harmonic motion of
L and 2L are suspended with masses M and
amplitude 0.1m and frequency 2/ Hz. Which
2M attached at their lower ends. Their time
of the following statements is correct
periods when they are allowed to oscillate
will be in the ratio (A) The spring balance reads the weight of
man as 60kg
(B) The spring balance reading fluctuates
between 60kg and 70kg
L (C) The spring balance reading fluctuates
2L
between 50kg and 60g
(a) M (D) The spring balance reading fluctuates
between 50kg and 70kg
(b) 2M
Q.7 For an oscillating mass attached to
(A) 1 : 2 (B) 2 : 1 a spring as shown in the figure, the
(C) 1 : 4 (D) 4 : 1 kinetic and potential energies are
Q.3 The length of a simple pendulum is increased equal when the displacement is
by 44%. What is the percentage increase in about ....... % of the amplitude.
its. time period (A) 70% (B) 60% M

(A) 44% (B) 44% (C) 50% (D) 41%

(C) 10% (D) 20% Q.8 Two dissimilar spring fixed at one end are
stretched by 10cm and 20cm respectively,
when masses m 1 and m 2 are suspended at
Q.4 The system shown in the figure,
their lower ends. When displaced slightly from
when slightly displaced and
K their mean positions and released, they will
relased oscillates with a period '
T '. If only one spring is used, the oscillate with period in the ratio
period of oscillation will be - (A) 1: 2 (B) 2 : 1
(A) T K (C) 1 : 1.41 (D) 1.41 : 4
(B) T/2 Q.9 Two masses m 1 and m 2 are
T M suspended together by a
(C) massless spring of constant
2
K. When the masses are in
(D) 2T
equilibrium, m 1 is removed
Q.5 A body of mass 'm' hangs without disturbing the system. m1
from three springs, each of K
Then the angular frequency of m2
spring constant 'k' as oscillation of m 2 is
shown in the figure. If the K K
mass is slightly displaced k k
(A) m1 (B) m2
and let go, the system will m
oscillate with time period –
k k
(C) m1  m 2 (D) m1  m 2

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

Q.10 A block of mass m is connected between Q.13 Two identical springs of constant K are
two springs (constants K1 and K2) as shown connected in series and parallel to suspend
a mass m as shown in the figure. The ratio
in the figure and is made to oscillate, the
of their frequencies of oscillation shall be -
frequency of oscillation of the system shall
be -
k1 m k2

1/ 2 m
1  m 
(A)   m
2  K 1  K 2  (A) 1 : 1 (B) 2 : 1
1/ 2 (C) 1 : 2 (D) 4 : 1
1  K 1K 2 
(B)  
2  (K 1  K 2 )m  Q.14 A simple pendulum (whose length is less than
1/ 2
that of a second's pendulum) and a second's
1  K1  K 2  pendulum starts swinging in phase. They
(C)  
2  m  again swing in phase after an interval of 18
1/ 2 second from the start. The period of the
1  (K 1  K 2 )m  simple pendulum is
(D)  
2  K 1K 2  (A) 0.9 sec (B) 1.8 sec
(C) 2.7 sec (D) 3.6 sec
Q.11 A simple pendulum with its bob (mass m)
charged with +q oscillates in a uniform Q.15 The scale of a spring balance reading from 0
to 100kg is 20cm long . A packet suspended
electric field E, as shown in the figure the
from the balance is found to oscillate vertically
period of oscillation shall be -
with a frequency of 5 oscillations per second.
If g = 2 (m/s2), the mass of the packet is
(A) 1 kg (B) 5 kg
+q
(C) 10 kg (D) 25 kg
Q.16 A simple pendulum of length and mass m
 is suspended in a car that is travelling with
E (uniform) a constant speed v around a circle of radius

1/ 2 1/ 2 R. If the pendulum undergoes small
  
(A) 2   (B) 2   oscillations about its equilibrium position, its
g  g  qE / m  frequency is
1/ 2 1/ 2
    q  1
(C) 2   (D) 2   (A) g/
 g  qE / m   gE / m  2

(B)
1
2
g 2

 (v 2 / r ) / 
Q.12 A particle executing S.H.M. along a straight
line, when at distances X1 and X2 from the (C)
1
2
g  (v / r ) / 
2 2 2

mean position has velocities V1 and V2 1

respectively, the period of oscillation of the (D)
2 g  (v / r ) 
2 2 2 1/ 2
/
particle is
Q.17 A simple pendulum of length has time-period
1/ 2 1/ 2
 V12  V22   X 22  X12  T. It has a bob made of brass. Now we
(A) 2  
 (B) 2  
 replace the brass bob by similar steel ball
 X 22  x12   V12  V22  (density of still =  x density of brass) and
 X12  X 22 
1/ 2
 X 22  X12 
1/ 2 at the same time change the length so as to
(C) 2  2 
2  (D) 2  2 
2 
give a period of 2T. The new length is
 V1  V2   V2  V1  (A) 2 (B) 4 (C) 4  (D) 4 / .

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

Q.18 A simple pendulum has a period T. What will
be the % change in its period if its amplitude
(A) 2 (R  r )14
. / g

is decreased by 6% - (B) 2 (R  r ) / g

(A) 6%
(B) 3%
(C) 2 (Rr / g
(C) 1.5 % (D) 2 (R / gr 
(D) it will remain unchanged Q.23 Two points P and Q performs S.H.M. along
the same straights line, with the same
Q.19 The variation in potential energy of a harmonic amplitude 'a' and the same frequency n. The
greatest distance between P and Q. noticed
oscillator is as shown in fig. The spring
by an observer studying the motion is found
constant is
to be 'a' Hence we can deduce that this case
U(Joule) P leads Q (or Q leads P) by a phase angle of
(A)  (B) 2/3 (C) /2 (D) /3
0.04 Q.24 A rubber ball filled with water, having a small
hole is used as the bob of a simple pendulum.
The time period of such a pendulum
y (A) is a constant
(0,0) (20,0)
(in m.m.) (B) decreases with time
(C) increases with time
(A) 1 × 1.102 Nm –1 (D) first increases and then decreases finally
(B) 2 × 102 Nm –1 having same value as at the beginning
(C) 0.667 × 102 Nm –1 Q.25 A mass M is suspended from a spring of
(D) 3 × 102 Nm –1 negligible mass. The spring is pulled is a
little and then released so that the mass
Q.20 A spring has a certain mass suspended from executes simple harmonic oscillations with a
it and its period for vertical oscillations is T1. time-period T. If the mass is increased by m,
The spring is now cut into two equal halves 5 
and the same mass is suspended from one then the time period becomes  T  .The
4 
of the haves. The period of vertical oscillation ratio of (m/M) is
is now T2. the ration of T2/T1 is (A) 9/16 (B)25/16 (C) 4/5 (D) 5/4

(A) 1/2 (B) 1/ 2 (C) (D) 2 Q.26 A simple pendulum has some time period T.
2
What will be the % change in its time-period
Q.21 Two simple pendulums of lengths 1 meter if its amplitude is decreased by 8% ?
and 16meteres respectively are both given (A) 8 %
small displacements in the same direction at (B) 3 %
the same instant. They will again be in phase (C) 1.5 %
after the shorter pendulum has completed n (D) it will remain unchanged
oscillations where n is Q.27 A small spherical steel ball is placed a little
1 1 away from the centre of a large concave mirror
(A) (B) 1 (C) 5 (D) 4 whose radius of curvature R = 2.5cm. When
4 3
the ball is released it begins to oscillate about
Q.22 A sphere of radius r is kept on a concave the centre. the motion of the ball is simple
mirror of radius of curvature R. The harmonic then the period of motion is Neglect
arrangement is kept on a horizontal table. If friction, and take g = 10m/sec2.
the sphere is displaced from its equilibrium
(A) 1.423 sec (B) 2.412 sec
position and left, then it executes S.H.M.
(C) 3.142 sec (D) 3.802 sec
The period of oscillation will be -

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

Q.28 A clock is based on oscillations of a spring
and a clock P is based on pendulum motion.
Both clocks run at the same rate on earth.
)
On a planet having the same density as
earth, but twice the radius (A) T/ sin (B) T sin
(A) S will run faster than P
(C) T/ cos (D) T cos
(B) P will run faster than S
(C) they will both run at the same rate as on Q.32 A simple pendulum suspended from the
earth ceiling of a stationary trolley has a length .
(D) they will both run at equal rates, but not
Its period of oscillation is 2  / g . What will
the same as on the earth
be its period of oscillation if the trolley moves
Q.29 A simple pendulum is set up in a trolley which forward with an acceleration f ?
moves to the right with an acceleration a on
a horizontal plane. Then the thread of the  
(A) 2 f g (B) 2 f  g
pendulum in the mean position makes an
angle  with the vertical  
(A) tan–1 a/g in the forward direction (C) 2
( f 2  g2 )1/ 2
(D) 2
f 2  g2
(B) tan–1 a/g in the backward direction
Q.33 If the displacement of a particle in a SHM is
(C) tan–1 g/a in the backward direction
half the amplitude, then its kinetic energy
(D) tan–1 g/a in the forward direction
will be what fraction of its total energy ?
Q.30 In fig the spring has a force constant k. The
(A) 1/4 (B) 3/4 (C) 1/2 (D) 2/3
pulley is light and smooth, the spring and
the string are light. The suspended block has Q.34 Two masses m1 and m2 are suspended together
a mass m kg. If the block is slightly displaced by a massless spring of constant k. When the
vertically down from its equilibrium position masses are in equilibrium position, mass m1 is
and released then the period of its vertical removed without disturbing the system, and
oscillations. then remaining is allowed to oscillate. Then the
amplitude of the vibration is -

m m
(A) T = 2 (B) T = 4 (A) m 1g/k (B) m 2g/k
k k
(C) (m 1 + m 2) g/k (D) (m 2 – m 1) g/k
k k
(C) T = 2 (D) T = 4
m m Q.35 The period of a simple pendulum is measured
Q.31 A simple pendulum has been suspended form as T0 in a stationary lift. If the lift moves
the ceiling of a toy car moving with a uniform upward with an acceleration of 5g, the period
speed on the horizontal plane. The pendulum will be -
is oscillating with period T.Then the toy car
(A) the same
meets the base of a smooth plane inclined
at an angle  to the horizontal and thus the (B) increased by 3/5
toy car begins to climb the plane with its (C) decreased by 2/3 times
engine shut off. The period of the pendulum (D) none of the above
will now be
SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION
Q.36 The displacement of an oscillator is given by Q.41 The differential equation representing the S.H.M.
x = a sin t + b cos t d2 y
of a particle is + 2 x = 0. The natural
where a, b and , are constant. Then - dt 2
frequency of the particle is then given by
(A) motion is simple harmonic but not periodic
2 
(B) motion is periodic but not simple harmonic (A)  (B) (C) (D) 2 
 2
(C) motion is simple harmonic as well as Q.42 A simple pendulum can attain a maximum
periodic height h. Then its maximum velocity v will be :
(D) motion is neither simple harmonic nor
(A) 2gh (B) 2 gh
periodic
(C) 2gh (D) 4g2h2
Q.37 A particle executes S.H.M. along a straight
Q.43 The figure shows the graph between
line so that its period is 12 sec. The time it
velocity(v) and acceleration (b) in SI units;
takes in traversing a distance equal to half then frequency of oscillations is
its amplitude from its equilibrium position is
(A) 6 sec (B) 4 sec v 4 10
f 5
2
0 0
(C) 2 sec (D) 1 sec   t
5
10
Q.38 The motion of a particle varies with time
(A) 1.25/ (B) 2.5
according to the relation y = a (sin t + cos t)
(C) / 1.25 (D) 1/1.25
(A) the motion is oscillatory but not S.H.M.
(B) the motion is S.H.M. with amplitude a Q.44 The graph in the figure shows how the
displacement of a particle describing S.H.M.
(C) the motion is S.H.M. with amplitude a 2 varies with time. Which one of the following
(D) the motion is S.H.M. with amplitude 2a statements is not true ?

Q.39 The displacement of a particle (in meters)

from its mean position is given by the equation
 T/2
 2 t t  y
y = 0.2  cos  sin 2  T/4 3T/4 T
 2 2 t
The motion of the above particle is 3T
(A) the force is zero at time
(A) not simple harmonic 4
(B) simple harmonic with amplitud 0.2 m (B) the velocity is maximum at time T/2
(C) the acceleration is maximum at time T
(C) simple harmonic with the period double (D) the P.E. = total energy at time T/2
that of a second's pendulum
(D) simple harmonic with amplitude 0.4 m. Q.45 Two pendulums have time-period T and 5T/4.
They start S.H.M. at the same time from the
Q.40 The equation of motion of two particles mean position. What will be the phase
executing S.H.M. are difference between them after the bigger
pendulum has completed one oscillation
  (A) 45º (B) 90º (C) 60º (D) 30º
y1 = 10 sin  10 t   m
3
 
y2 = 10 cos  8 t   m Q.46 Two pendulums of lengths 1.44 and 1 metre
4 length start swinging together. After how many
The phase difference between these particles vibrations of larger pendulum they will again
at t = 0.5s is start swing together.
7 13  25   (A) 3 (B) 4 (C) 5 (D) 6
(A) (B) (C) (D)
12 12 12 12
SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION
Q.1 On a smooth inclined plane a body of mass Q.4 A particle of mass 0.1 kg executes SHM
M is attached between two springs. The other under a force F = (–10x)N. Speed of particle
ends of the spring are fixed to ffirm supports. at mean position is 6 m/s. Then amplitude of
oscillations is:
If each spring has a force constant k, the
(A) 0.6 m (B) 0.2 m
period of oscillation of the body is: (assuming (C) 0.4 m (D) 0.1 m
the spring as massless)
Q.5 Displacement-time equation of a particle
 
k executing SHM is x = A sin  t   .
 6
Time taken by the particle to go directly from
M
A A
k x = – to x = + is:
2 2
   2 
(A) (B) (C) (D)
3 2  
M 2M
(A) 2 (B) 2 Q.6 A block of mass m is suspended by different
2k k springs of force constant shown in figure.
k
M sin  2M sin  2k
(C) 2 (D) 2 m
2k k 2k 2k
k
2k
Q.2 A unifrom disc of radius R is pivoted at point
m
O on its circumference. The time period of m m
small oscillations about an axis passing
(i) (ii) (iii) (iv)
through O and perpendicular to plane of disc
will be: Let time period of oscillation in these four
positions be T 1, T 2, T 3 and T4. Then :
(A) 2
R (B) 2
2R (A) T1 = T2 = T4 (B) T1 = T2 and T3 = T4
g 3g (C) T1 = T2 = T3 (D) T1 = T3 and T2 = T4
Q.7 An object suspended from a spring exhibits
3R oscillations of period T. Now the spring is cut
(C) 2 2R (D) 2
g 2g in two halves and the same object is
suspsended with two halves as shown in figure.
The new time period of oscillation will become:
Q.3 Acceleration-displacement graph of a particle
executing SHM Is as shown in given figure.
The time period of its oscillation is: (in sec)
a(m/s2)

T T T
x(m) (A) (B) 2T (C) (D)
45º 2 2 2 2
Q.8 The potential energy of a harmonic oscillator
of mass 2 kg in its mean position is 5J. If its
total energy is 9J and its amplitude is 0.01 m,
its time period will be :

(A) (B) 2    
2 (A) sec (B)   sec
100  50 
      
(C)  (D)
4 (C)   sec (D)   sec
 20   10 
SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION
Q.9 Let T1 and T2 be the time periods of two Q.13 A simple pendulum with a solid metal bob
springs A and B when a mass m is has a period T. The metal bob is now
suspended from them separately. Now both
the springs are connected in parallel and immersed in a liquid having density one-tenth
same mass m is suspended with them. Now that of the metal of the bob. The liquid is
let T be the time period in this position. Then: non-viscous. Now the period of the same
T1T2 pendulum with its bob remaining all the time
(A) T = T1 + T2 (B) T =
T1  T2 in the liquid will be
1 1 1
(C) T 2  T12  T22 (D) T 2  T 2  T 2 9 10
1 2 (A) T (B) T
10 9
9
Q.10 An accurate pendulum clock is mounted on (C) unchanged (D) T
10
the ground floor of a high building. How much
time will it lose or gain in one day if it Q.14 A piece of wood has dimensions 'a', 'b' and
transferred to top storey of a building which 'c'. Its relative density is d. It is floating in
is h = 200m higher than the ground floor. water such that the side 'a' is vertical. It is
Radius of earth is 6.4 × 106 m. now pushed down gently and relesed. The
(A) it will lose 6.2 s (B) it will lose 2.7 s time-period of S.H.M. is
(C) it will gain 5.2 s (D) it will gain 1.6 s abc bc
(A) T = 2 (B) T = 2
g dg
Q.11 A pendulum has time period T for small g da
oscillations. An obstacle P is situated below (C) T = 2 (D) T = 2
da g
3l
the point of suspension O at a distance . Q.15 A brass cube of height L and density  is
4
The pendulum is released from rest. Through- floating on mercury of density . If cube is
out the motion the moving string makes small pressed vertically and the released, it
angle with vertical. Time after which the oscillates simple harmonically with period
pendulum returns back to its initial position (A) 2(L/g)1/2 (B) 2(L/g)1/2
is - (C) 1/2(L/g)1/2 (D) 1/2(L/g)1/2
O
Q.16 A particle of mass m is located in a potential
3l
4 l field given by U(x) = U0 (1– cos ax) where
P U0 and a are constants. The period of small
oscillations is -
3T 3T 4T U0 mU0
(A) T (B) (C) (D) (A) 2 2 (B) 2
4 5 5 ma a2
a0 m
(C) 2 (D) 2
Q.12 The displacement of a particle from its mean mU0 U0 a 2
position (in m) varies with time according to
Q.17 If a simple pendulum of length has maximum
the relation y = 0.2 sin (10t + 1.5) cos
angular displacement , then the maximum
(10t +1.5). The motion of the particle is
K.E. of the bob of mass m is
(A) not simple harmonic
(B) simple harmonic with time period 0.2 s. 1
(A) m ( /g) (B) mg/2
(C) simple harmonic with time period 0.1 sec 2
(D) along a circular path (C) mg (1–cos ) (D) (mg sin )/2

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

Q.18 A U-tube of uniform bore of cross-sectional Q.23 In above question, what is the mean velocity
area 'a' has been set up vertically with open of the point ?
ends facing up. Now m gm of a liquid of (A) 0.5 m s–1 (B) 1 m s–1
density d is poured into it. The column of (C) 0.04 m s–1 (D) 1.005 ms–1
liquid in this tube will oscillate with a period
T such that Assertion & Reason Type Questions -

Q.24 Statement-I: In SHM let x be the maximum

x
v speed, y the ferquency of oscillation and z
x
v xy
the maximum accelerationles then is a
z
constant quantity.
xy
Statement-II: This is because becomes
z
(A) T = 2 m / g (B) T = 2 ma / gd a dimensionless quantity.

(C) T = 2 m / 2adg (D) T = 2 m / gda

Q.25 Statement-I : In simple harmonic motion A
is the amplitude of oscillation. If t1 be the
Q.19 A body of weight 30N hangs from one end of
time to reach the particle from mean position
a long, vertical spring whose other end is
A A
attached to a rigid support. The spring to and t2 the time to reach from to
2 2
extends by 5cm when a force of 10N is t2
applied to it. The time period of the vertical A. Then t1 =
2
oscillations of the body is Statement-II: Equation of motion for the
particle starting from mean position is given
(A) 2 (15) s (B) (/5) (3 / 2) sec
by x = ± A sin t and of the particle
starting from extreme position is given by
(C)(/10)  
3 / 2 sec (D) 20 (2 / 3) sec x = ± A cos t

Q.26 Statement-I: If a man with a wrist watch on

Passage Based Questions - (Q.19 to Q. 22)
his hand falls from the top of a tower, its
A point performs SHM along a straight line
watch gives correct time during the free fall.
with a period T = 0.60 s and amplitude
Statement-II: The working of the wrist watch
a = 10 cm.
depends on spring action and it has nothing
to do with gravity.
Q.20 Starting from extreme position, in what time,
a Q.27 Statement-I : The graph of potential energy
the point travels a distance ?
2 and kinetic energy of a particle in SHM with
(A) 10 s (B) 1.0 s respect to position is a parabola.
(C) 0.1 s (D) 0.01 s Statement-II : Potential energy and kinetic
energy do not vary linearly with position.
Q.21 In above question, what is the mean velocity
of the point ? Q.28 Statement-I : SHM is not an example of
(A) 0.5 m s–1 (B) 1 m s–1 uniformly accelerated motion.
(C)1.5 m s –1 (D) 1.005 m s–1 Statement-II : Non uniform velocity cannot
give uniform acceleration
Q.22 Starting from the stable equilibrium position,
a Q.29 Statement-I : If a pendulum clock is taken
in what time the point travels a distance ?
2 to a mountain top, it gains time.
(A) 0.01 s (B) 0.03 s Statement-II : Value of acceleration due to
(C) 1.5 m s–1 (D) 1.005 m s–1 gravity is less at heights.

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

Q.30 Statement-I : If Amplitude of SHM is doubled, Q.34
the periodicity wall remain same.
Statement-II : Amlitude and periodicity are
two independent characteristics of SHM.
In the two block spring system, force constant
of spring is K = 6N/m. Spring is stretched by
12 cm and then fleft. Match the following:
1 kg 2 kg

Column Matching Type Questions -

Column-I Column-II
Q.31 In SHM match the following: (A) Angular frequency(P) 4.8 × 10–3 SI unit
Column-I Column-II of oscillation
(A) Displacement (P) Phase difference (B) Maximum kinetic (Q) 3 SI unit
and velocity of zero energy of 1 kg
(B) Displacement and (Q) Phase difference (C) Maximum kinetic (R) 2.4 × 10–3 SI unit
acceleration of  /2 energy of 2 kg (S) None
(C) Velocity and (R) Phase difference
acceleration of  Q.35 F-x and x-t graph of a particle in SHM are as
shown in figure. Match the following:
Q.32 In the equation y = A sin (  t +  /4) match F(N)

A 10
the following: For x = .
2
Column-I Column-II x(m)
–1
(A) Kinetic energy (P) Half the maximum
value
(B) Potential energy (Q) 3/4 times the
x(m)
maximum value
(C) Acceleration (R) 1/4 times the 4
maximum value
(S) cannot say anything 8 t(s)
4
 2 
Q.33 In y = A sin  t + A sin t   match the
 3
following table: Column-I Column-II
Column-I Column-II (A) Mass of the (P) /2 SI unit
(A)Motion (P) is periodic but not SHM particle
(B) Amplitude (Q) is SHM (B) Maximum kinetic (Q) (160/2)SI unit
(C) Initial phase (R) A energy of particle
(D) Maximum velocity(S) /3 (C) Angular frequency (R) (8.0 × 10–3)SI unit
(T)  A/2 of particle
(U) None (T) None

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

 SECTION - A Q.6 Two particles A and B of equal masses are
Q.1 A spring when connected by mass m gives time suspended from two massless springs of spring
period 'T'. If spring is cut in n equal parts and constants k 1 and k 2 , respectively. If the
each part connected in parallel with same mass. maximum velocities, during oscillation, are
New time- period will be - [AIEEE-2002] equal, the ratio of amplitudes of A and B is
(A) nT (B) T/n [AIEEE-2003]

(C) T n (D) k2 k2 k1 k1
nT (A) k (B) (C) k (D)
1 k1 2 k2
Q.2 A child is sitting on a swing and swinging. If he
stands up. The time period of swing will Q.7 The displacement of a particle varies according
[AIEEE-2002] to the relation x = 4 (cos t + sin t). The
(A) increase amplitude of the particle is – [AIEEE-2003]
(B) decrease (A) 4 (B) 42 (C) 8 (D) – 4
(C) remain same
(D) increase if the child is long and decrease if Q.8 A body executes simple harmonic motion. The
the child is short potential energy (P.E.), the kinetic energy (K.E.)
and total energy (T.E.) are measured as a
Q.3 In a simple harmonic oscillator, at the mean function of displacement x. Which of the
position – [AIEEE-2002] following statement is true ? [AIEEE-2003]
(A) Kinetic energy is minimum, potential energy (A) T.E. is zero when x = 0
is maximum (B) K.E. is maximum when x is maximum
(B) Both kinetic energy and potential energies (C) P.E. is maximum when x = 0
are maximum (D) K.E. is maximum when x = 0
(C) Kinetic energy is maximum, potential
energy is minimum Q.9 The bob of a simple pendulum executes simple
(D) Both kinetic & potential energies are harmonic motion in water with a period t, while
minimum the period of oscillation of the bob is t0 in air.
Neglecting frictional force of water and given that
Q.4 A mass M is suspended from a spring of the density of the bob is (4/3) × 1000 kg/m3.
negligible mass. The spring is pulled a little and What relationship between t and t0 is true ?
then released so that the mass executes SHM [AIEEE-2004]
of time period T. If the mass is increased by m, (A) t = t0 (B) t = t0 / 2
5T (C) t = 2t0 (D) t = 4t0
the time period becomes . Then the ratio of
3
m
is – [AIEEE-2003] Q.10 A particle at the end of a spring executes SHM
M with a period t1, while the corresponding period
(A) 25/9 (B) 16/9 (C) 5/3 (D) 3/5 for another spring is t2. If the period of oscillation
with the two springs in series is T, then –
Q.5 The length of a simple pendulum executing
[AIEEE-2004]
simple harmonic motion is increased by 21%.
The percentage increase in the time period of (A) T = t1 + t2 (B) T2 = t 12 + t 22
the pendulum of increased length is –
[AIEEE-2003] (C) T–1 = t 11 + t 21 (D) T–2 = t 12 + t 22
(A) 21% (B) 42%
(C) 10% (D) 11%

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

Q.11 The total energy of a particle, executing simple Q.16 The bob of a simple pendulum is a spherical
harmonic motion is – [AIEEE-2004] hollow ball filled with water. A plugged hole near
(A)  X the bottom of the oscillating bob gets suddenly
(B)  X2 unplugged. During observation, till water is
coming out, the time period of oscillation would
(C) Independent of X
[AIEEE-2005]
(D)  X1/2
(A) first increases and then decrease to the original
where x is the displacement from the mean value
position.
(B) first decrease and then increase to the original
value
Q.12 A particle of mass m is attached to a spring (of
spring constant k) and has a natural angular (C) remain unchanged
frequency 0. An external force F(t) proportional (D) increase towards a saturation value
to cos  t (  0) is applied to the oscillator.
The time displacement of the oscillator will be Q.17 The maximum velocity of a particle, executing
proportional to – [AIEEE-2004] simple haromonic motion with an amplitude
m 1 7 mm, is 4.4 m/s. The period of oscillation is –
(A) (B) [AIEEE 2006]
( 02  )2
m ( 02  2 )
m (A) 0.1 s (B) 100 s
1
(C) (D) (C) 0.01 s (D) 10 s
m ( 02  2 ) ( 02  2 )

Q.13 In forced oscillation of a particle the amplitude Q.18 Starting from the origin a body oscilates simple
is maximum for a frequency 1 of the force, while haromonically with a period of 2 s. After what
the energy is maximum for a frequency 2 of time will its kinetic energy be 75% of the total
the force ; then – [AIEEE-2004] energy – [AIEEE 2006]
(A) 1 = 2 1 1
(A) s (B) s
(B) 1 > 2 3 12
(C) 1 < 2 when damping is small and 1 > 2
1 1
when damping is large (C) s (D) s
6 4
(D) 1 < 2

Q.14 The function sin2(t) represents [AIEEE-2005] Q.19 A coin is placed on a horizontal platform which
unergoes vertical simple harmonic motion of
(A) a periodic, but not simple harmonic motion
angular frequency . The amplitude of
with a period 2/
oscillation is gradually increased. The coin will
(B) a periodic, but not simple harmonic motion leave contact with the platform for the first time–
with a period / [AIEEE 2006]
(C) a simple harmonic motion with a period (A) for an amplitude of g2/2
2/
(B) at the highest position of the platform
(D) a simple harmonic motion with a period /
(C) at the mean position of the platform
(D) for an amplitude of g/2
Q.15 If a simple harmonic motion is represented by
d2 x Q.20 The displacement of an object attached to a
 x = 0, its time period is [AIEEE-2005]
dt 2 spring and executing simple harmonic motion
2 is given by x = 2 × 10-2 cos t metres. The
2
(A) (B) time at which the maximum speed first
 
occurs is - [AIEEE 2007]
(C) 2 (D) 2
(A) 0.5 s (B) 0.75 s
(C) 0.125 s (D) 0.25 s

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

Q.21 A point mass oscillates along the x-axis Q.25 If x, v and a denote the displacement, the
according to the law x = x0 cos (t – /4). velocity and the acceleration of a particle
If the acceleration of the particle is written executing simple harmonic motion of time
as a = A cos (t + ), then [AIEEE 2007] period T, then, which of the following does
 not change with time ? [AIEEE-2009]
(A) A = x0 ,  = – (A) aT/x (B) aT + 2v
4
(C) aT/v (D) a2T 2 + 42v2

(B) A = x0 2 ,  =
4

(C) A = x0 2,  = – SECTION - B
4
3 Q.1 An object of mass 0.2 kg executes simple
(D) A = x0 2,  =
4 harmonic oscillations along the x-axis with a
frequency of (25/) Hz. At the positon
Q.22 A block of mass ‘m’ is connected to another x = 0.04m, the object has kinetic energy of
block of mass ‘M’ by a spring (mass less) of 0.5J and potential energy of 0.4 J. The
spring constant ‘k’. The blocks are kept on amplitude of oscillations is [IIT-1994]
a smooth horizontal plane. Initially the blocks (A) 0.06 m (B) 0.04 m
are at rest and the spring is stretched. Then (C) 0.05 m (D) 0.07 m
a constant force ‘F’ starts acting on the block
of mass ‘M’ to pull it. Find the force on the Q.2 A positively charged thin metal ring of radius
block of mass ‘m’. [AIEEE 2007] R is fixed in the xy -plane with its centre at
the origin O. A negatively charged particle P
mF (M  m)F is released from rest at the point (0, 0, Z0)
(A) (B)
M m where Z0 > 0. Then the motion of P is -
[IIT - 1998]
mF MF
(C) (D) (A) Periodic, for all values of z0 satisfying
(m  M ) (m  M ) 0 < z0 < 
(B) Simple harmonic, for all values of
Q.23 Two springs, of force constant k1 and k 2, are z0 satisfying 0 < z0  R
connected to a mass m as shown. The (C) Approximately simple harmonic, provided
frequency of oscillation of the mass if f. If z0 >> R
both k1 and k2 are made four times their (D) Such that P crosses O and continues to
original values, the frequency of oscillation move along the negative z axis towards
becomes [AIEEE 2007] z = – 
k1 m k2
Q.3 A particle of mass m is executing oscillations
about the origin on the x-axis. Its potential
(A) f/2 (B) f/4
energy is V(x) = k| x |3 where k is a positive
(C) 4f (D) 2f
constant. If the amplitude of oscillation is a,
then its time period T is [IIT - 1998]
Q.24 A particle of mass m executes simple
(A) proportional to 1/ a
harmonic motion with amplitude ‘a’ and
frequency ‘v’. The average kinetic energy (B) independent of a
during its motion from the position of (C) proportional to a
equilibrium to the end is [AIEEE 2007] (D) proportional to a3/2
1
(A) 2m a2 v2 (B) m a2 v 2 Q.4 A particle free to move along the x-axis has
4
potential energy given by U(x) = k[1 – exp(–x2)]
(C) 2m a2 v2 (D) 22m a2 v2 for –   x  + , where k is a positive
constant of appropriate dimensions. Then -
[IIT - 1999]
SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION
 (A) at points away from the origin, the particle
is in unstable equilibrium
(B) for any finite non-zero value of x, there is (A) (B)
a force directed away from the origin
(C) if its total mechanical energy is k/2, it
has its minimum kinetic energy at the
origin
(D) for small displacement for x = 0, the (C) (D)
motion is simple harmonic
Q.5 A spring of force constant k is cut into two
pieces such that one piece is double the
length of the other. Then the long piece will
have a force constant of - [IIT - 1999]
2 3 Q.10 A particle is executing SHM according to
(A) k (B) k (C) 3k (D) 6k y = a cos t. Then which of the graph
3 2
represents variations of Potential energy -
[IIT - 2003]
Q.6 The period of oscillation of a simple pendulum
E
of length L suspended from the roof of a
vehicle which moves without friction down an
inclined plane of inclination , is given by -
[IIT - 2000]
L L
(A) 2 g cos  (B) 2 g sin 
T/2
L L
(C) 2 g (D) 2p g tan 

Q.7 A simple pendulum has a time period T1 when

on the earth’s surface, and T2 when taken to
a height R above the earth’s surface, where
R is the radius of the earth. The value of
T2/ T1 is - [IIT - 2001] (A) I and III (B) II and IV
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 4 (D) 2 (C) II and III (D) I and IV

Q.8 A particle executes simple harmonic motion Q.11 A particle is moving along x-axis under the
between x = – A and x = + A. The time influence of a force F = kx. Potential energy
taken for it to go from 0 to A/2 is T1 and to at x = 0 is zero. Correct relation between
go from A/2 to A is T 2.Then - [IIT - 2001] potential energy & x is shown by the curve
(A) T 1 < T2 (B) T1 > T2 (K is positive constant) [IIT - 2004]
(C) T1 = T 2 (D) T1 = 2T2

Q.9 A simple pendulum is oscillating without

(A) (B)
damping. When the displacement of the bob
is less than maximum, its acceleration vector

a is correctly shown in : [IIT - 2002]
The cmomponents of acceleration are as
shown,
(C) (D)

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

Q.12 Time period of a simple pendulum is T 1.
When point of suspension of the pendulum
is moving upward following the equation y =
kt2 (where k = 1m/s2, y is the displacement
of point of suspension) its time period
becomes T 2, then [IIT - 2005]
1 2k 1 k
T12
5 T12
6 (A) (B)
(A) 2 = (B) 2 = 2 M 2 M
T2 6 T2 5
1 6k 1 24k
T12 T12
4 (C) (D)
2 M 2 M
(C) = 1 (D) 2 =
T22 T2 5

Q.16 The mass M shown in the figure oscillates in

Q.13 f(t) = Asin2t + Bcos2t + Csintcost simple harmonic motion with amplitude A. The
The above function represents SHM amplitude of the point P is – [IIT - 2009]
[IIT - 2006]
(A) for all values of A and B, with C  0 k1 k2
P
(B) A = –B, C = 2B; with amplitude 2 B M
(C) A = B, C = 2B; amplitude |B|
(D) A = B, C = 0 k1A k2A
(A) k (B) k
2 1

Q.14 The x-t graph of a particle undergoing simple

k 1A k2A
harmonic is shown below. The acceleration of (C) k  k (D) k  k
1 2 1 2
the particle at t = 4/3s is- [IIT - 2009]

0
4 8 12 t(s)
x(cm)

–1

3 2  2
(A)  cm/s2 (B) cm/s2
32 32
2 3 2
(C) cm/s2 (D)   cm/s2
32 32

Q.15 A uniform rod of length L and mass M is pivoted

at the centre. Its two ends are attached to two
springs of equal spring constants k. The springs
are fixed to rigid supports as shown in the figure,
and the rod is free to oscillate in the horizontal
plane. The rod is gently pushed through a small
angle  in one direction and released. The
frequency of oscillation is – [IIT - 2009]

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

 ANSWER KEY

Q.No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Ans. D C D A A C A D C A A C A B A C A A A A
Q.No. 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
Ans.
A B A A A A D D C D A A C B A D D B D C
Q.No. 41 42 43
Ans. C C B

Q.No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Ans. B A D C B D A C B C C B C B B D B D B B
Q.No. 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
Ans. B B D D A D C B B B C C B A D C D C B A
Q.No. 41 42 43 44 45 46
Ans. C A A B B C

Q.No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Ans. A D B A A B C A D B B C B D B D C C B C
Q.No. 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Ans. A D B B D A B C D A
31 AQ BR CQ
32 AQ BS CP
Column
33 AQ BR CS DU
Matching
34 AQ BS CP
35 AQ BR CT

SECTION - A
Q .No . 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
An s. B B C B C B B D C B C B A B B A C C D A
Q .No . 21 22 23 24 25
An s. D B D A A
SECTION - B
Q.No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Ans. A A A D B A D A C C A B B,C D C D

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION