SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION 1

EXERCISE – 4: PREVIOUS YEARS JEE ADVANCED QUESTIONS

Sol. For x  X 0 potential energy is constant hence force
When a particle of mass m moves on the x–axis in a will be zero also acceleration will be zero
potential of the form V(x) = kx2, it performs simple dU
harmonic motion. The corresponding time period is F
dx
m U = constant
proportional to , as can be seen easily using
k F=0
dimensional analysis. However, the motion of a particle can
a=0
be periodic even when its potential energy increases on both
sides of x = 0 in a way different from kx2 and its total energy 4. A block P of mass m is placed on a horizontal
is such that the particle does not escape to infinity. Consider frictionless plane. A second block of same mass m is
a particle of mass m moving on the x–axis. Its potential placed on it and is connected to a spring of spring
energy is V(x) = ax4 (a > 0) for |x| near the origin and constant k, the two blocks are pulled by a distance A.
becomes a constant equal to V0 for |x| > X0 (see figure) Block Q oscillates without slipping. What is the
V(x) maximum value of frictional force between the two
blocks? [2004]

V0

x
X0
1. If the total energy of the particle is E, it will perform kA
periodic motion only if [2004] (a) (b) kA
2
(a) E < 0 (b) E > 0
(c)  s mg (d) zero
(c) V0 > E > 0 (d) E > V0
Ans. (c) Ans. (a)
Sol. Particle will perform SHM if V0  E  0 Sol. When block Q oscillates without slipping, then
2
2. For periodic motion of small amplitude, A, the time frictional force = m A
period T of this particle is proportional to [2004] k
Where ω 
m 1 m 2m
(a) A (b)
 A  kA
frictional force =
 1  2
(c) A (d) 5. A simple pendulum has time period T1. The point of
m A m
Ans. (b) suspension is now moved upward according to the
Sol. Using dimension analysis relation y = kt2, (k = 1 m/s2) where y is the vertical
displacement. The time period now becomes T2 The
V   x4
T12
V PE mL2T 2 ratio of is
 4  4  4
 mL2T 2 T22
x x L
(Take g = 10 m/s2) [2005]
1 m 1 m
T  T 6 5
A  L mL2T 2 (a) (b)
5 6
3. The acceleration of this particle for |x| > X0 is [2004]
4
V (c) 1 (d)
(a) proportional to V0 (b) proportional to 0 5
mX 0
Ans. (a)
V0 Sol. For a simple pendulum
(c) proportional to (d) zero
mX0 L
T1  2
Ans. (d) g
According to point of suspension is,
SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION 2

d2y C
 2 k  2 m/s 2 x  sin(2t )
dt 2 2
L For A = –B, C = 2B
So, T2  2
g2  x  B cos  2 t   B sin  2 t 
2  x  2 B [sin (2  t   )]
T1 12 6
 2
 
T2 10 5  
  
6. A mass m is undergoing SHM in the vertical  4
direction about the mean position y 0 with amplitude For A = B, C = 0
A and angular frequency  . At a distance y from  x = A (in correct)
the mean position, the mass detaches from the spring.
For A = B, C = 2B
Assume that the spring contracts and does not
obstruct the motion of m.
*
Find the distance y . (measured from the mean
position) such that the height h attained by the block
is maximum.
 A 2
 g [2005]

Ans. (0)

Sol. v   A2  y2
v2  2 ( A2  y 2 )
R 
2g 2g
For hmax
dh
0
dy
2
[0  2 y ]  0
2g
y=0
7. Function x  A sin 2  t  B cos 2  t  C sin  t cos  t
represents SHM: [2006]
(a) For any value of A, B and C (except C = 0)
(b) If A = –B, C = 2 B, amplitude = B 2
(c) If A = B; C = 0
(d) If A = B; C = 2 B, amplitude = |B|
Ans. (b,d)
Sol. Given,
x  A sin 2 ( t )  B cos 2 ( t )  C  sin ( t) cos( t) 
8. Column–I describes some situation in which a small
object moves. Column–II describes some
 x  A
 (1  cos2t )  1  cos(2t ) 
 B C
 sin (2t )  characteristics of these motions. Match the situations
2  2  2
    in Column–I with the characteristic in Column–II.
For A = 0 = B
SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION 3

[2007] (b) Object always move towards centre. At x = 0

Column-I Column-II object
(a) The object moves on the (p) The object will stop
x–axis executes under a is v = – kx
conservative force in performing b  q, r
such a way that its simple (c) With respect to lift pseudo force acts downward
“speed” and “position” harmonic which causes disturbance in equilibrium position
2 motion. and object starts to move in downward direction.
satisfy v  c1 c2  x
As extension in spring increases spring force
,where c1 and c2 are
increases in upward direction. So, object perform
positive constants.
SHM
(b) The object moves on the (q) The object cp
x–axis in such a way does not
that its velocity and its change its Gme
(d) 2  Ve
displacement from the direction Re
origin satisfy v = –kx, Object will escape from earth
where k is a positive d  q, s
constant.
(c) The object is attached to (r) The kinetic
one end of a mass–less energy of
spring of a given spring the object
constant. The other end keeps on
of the spring is attached decreasing
to the ceiling of an
elevator. Initially
everything is at rest. The
elevator starts going
upwards with a constant
acceleration a. The
motion of the object is
observed from the
elevator during the
period it maintains this
acceleration.
(d) The object is projected (s) The object
from the earth’s surface can change
vertically upwards its direction
GM e only once.
2 , where Me is
Re
the mass of the earth and
Re is the radius of the
earth. Neglect forces
from objects other than
the earth.
Ans. (a – p); (b – q, r); (c – p); (d – q, s)
Sol. (a) Speed of a particle at a distance x from mean
position is given by
v  A2  x2
So ap
SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION 4

9. Column-I gives a list of possible set of parameters

measured in some experiments. The variations of the
parameters in the form of graphs are shown in
Column-II. Match the set of parameters given in
Column-I with the graphs given in Column-II.
Indicate your answer by darkening the appropriate
bubbles of the 4 × 4 matrix given in the ORS. [2008]
Column-I Column-II
a  p,s
(a) Potential energy of (p) (b) S = vt
a simple pendulum If a = 0
(y-axis) as a s t
function of If starting point is a origin then
displacement
(x-axis)

(b) Displacement (y- (q)

axis) as a function
of time (x-axis) for
a one dimensional
motion at zero or If start point is not at origin
constant
acceleration when
the body is moving
along the positive
x-direction.
(c) Range of a (r)
projectile (y-axis)
as a function of its 1
velocity (x-axis) S  ut  at 2
2
when projected at a
If a = constant
fixed angle.
S  t2
(d) The square of the (s)
time period (y-axis)
of a simple
pendulum as a
function of its
length (x-axis).

Ans. (a–p or p, s; b–q, s or q, r, s; c–s; d–q) b  q , r, s

1 2
Sol. (a) v  kx u 2 sin 2 
2 (c) R 
g
If mean position is at x = 0
R  u 2 c  s 

(d) T  2 
g

T 2 
(d – q)

If mean position is at x 0
SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION 5

10. The x–t graph of a particle undergoing simple

harmonic motion is shown below. The acceleration of
the particle at t = 4/3 s is: [2009]

Net torque in rod

  
  F  cos    2
 2 
   I   kx   cos 

For small value of v, cos 1 and x   
3 2  2 2
(a)  cm s 2 (b) cm s 2
32 32 
 I   kl  
 2
3 2 2
(c) cm s 2 (d)   cm s 2
32 32  
Ans. (d)  k 2 
   
 2 M
2
Sol. x  A sin( t ) 
 
T = 8 sec  12 
2   6k 
  rad/s   
T 4 M 
A = 1 cm So, oscillation is SHM
v  A cos ( t ) 6 k 2
 
a   A 2 sin ( t ) M T
2  4 M 1 6k
a  1  sin     T  2 and f 
16  4 3 6k 2 M
3 2 12. The mass M shown in the figure oscillates in simple
a cm / s 2 harmonic motion with amplitude A. The amplitude of
32
the point P is [2009]
11. 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 constant k. The springs are fixed to rigid
supports as shown in the figure, and rod is free to
k1 A k2 A
oscillate in the horizontal plane. The rod is gently (a) (b)
k2 k1
pushed through a small angle  in one direction and
k1 A k2 A
released. The frequency of oscillation is [2009] (c) (d)
k1  k2 k1  k2
Ans. (d)
Sol. For oscillations of the mass,
x1 + x2 = A and k1x1 = k2x2
k1
 x2  x1
k2
1 2k 1 k
(a) (b)
2 M 2 M  k
 x1 1 1   A
(c)
1 6k
(d)
1 24k  k2 
2 M 2 M k2 A
Ans. (c)  x1 
k1  k2
Sol. When rod is slightly displaced,
SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION 6

13. A 0.1 kg mass is suspended from a wire of negligible 1 k

mass. The length of the wire is 1 m and its cross- f 
2 m
sectional area is 4.9 107 m2 . If the mass is pulled a 15. A point mass is subjected to two simultaneous
little in the vertically downward direction and sinusoidal displacements in x–direction,
released, it performs simple harmonic motion of  2 
angular frequency 140 rad s-1. If the Young’s modulus x1 (t) = A sin t and x2 (t) = A sin  t   . Adding
 3 
of the material of the wire is n×109 Nm-2 the value of
a third sinusoidal displacement
n is
x3(t) = B sin (t + ) brings the mass to a complete
[2010]
Ans. (4.00) rest. The value of B and  are [2011]

k
3 4
Sol.  (a) 2 A, (b) A,
m 4 3
k 5 
2  (c) 3 A, (d) A,
m 6 3
AY Ans. (b)
k Sol.
mL
AY
2 
mL
mL2
Y
A
1 1140 140
Y  According to the question, the resultant of 3
10 4.9 107
sinusoidal displacement is zero.
Y  4  10 9 N m  2
Since the phase diff between 2 given displacements is
Hence n = 4 2
14. A wooden block performs SHM on a frictionless and they have same amplitudes.
3
surface with frequency f 0 . The block carries a rd
So, for 3 displacement,
charge +Q on its surface. If now a uniform electric
 4
field E is switched-on as shown, then the SHM of Amplitude = A and  
3
the block will be [2011]

(a) of the same frequency and with shifted mean

position
(b) of the same frequency and with the same mean
position
(c) of changed frequency and with shifted mean
position
(d) of changed frequency and with the same mean
position
Ans. (a)
Sol. Since the electric force will lead to spring being
compressed in equilibrium position but frequency of
oscillations will remain same
SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION 7

16. A metal rod of length L and mass m is pivoted at one 17. A particle of mass m is attached to one end of a mass-
end. A thin disk of mass M and radius R (< L) is less spring of force constant k, lying on a frictionless
attached at its centre of the free end of the rod. horizontal plane. The other end of the spring is fixed.
Consider two ways the disc is attached. The particle starts moving horizontally from its
Case A – the disc is not free to rotate about its centre equilibrium position at time t = 0 with an initial
and velocity u0. When the speed of the particle is 0.5 u0, it
Case B – the disc is free to rotate about its centre. collides elastically with a rigid wall. After this
The rod-disc system performs SHM in vertical plane collision [2013]
after being released from the same displaced position. (a) the speed of the particle when it returns to its
Which of the following statement(s) is/are true? equilibrium position is u0
[2011] (b) the time at which the particle passes through the
equilibrium position for the first time is
m
t 
k
(c) the time at which the maximum compression of
4 m
the spring occurs is t 
3 k
(d) the time at which the particle passes through the
(a) Restoring torque in case A = Restoring torque in equilibrium position for the second time is
case B
5 m
(b) Restoring torque in case A < Restoring torque in t
3 k
case B
Ans. (a,d)
(c) Angular frequency for case A > Angular
Sol. At t = 0, the particle is at equilibrium position Q with
frequency for case B
maximum velocity u0. From Q to R, its motion is like
(d) Angular frequency for case A < Angular
frequency for case B SHM with speed.
Ans. (a,d) u  u 0 cos  t ,
Sol. In case A, 2 m
where   and T  2
T k

At R, it undergoes elastic collision with the wall and

the direction of its velocity get reversed. From R to Q
and then to P its motion is like SHM. At P, spring has
In case B, maximum compression.
  m2  Let tQR is the time taken to move from Q to R. The
  mg sin  Mg sin    M 2 B
speed at R is
2  3 
 A   B u  0.5u0  u0 cos tQR  .
Since I A  I B Solve to get
 A  B T  m
tQR   .
  A  B 6 3 k
Particle passes Q for the first time after time
2 m
2tQR = and its speed at this instant is u0. The
3 k
time to reach P is given by
SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION 8

T T 7 m
2tQR  tQP    19. A block with mass M is connected by a massless
3 4 6 k
The time to arrive at Q for the second time is spring with stiffness constant k to a rigid wall and
moves without friction on a horizontal surface. The
T T 5 m
2tQR  2tQP    block oscillates with small amplitude A about an
3 2 3 k
equilibrium position x0. Consider two cases: (i) when
18. Two independent harmonic oscillators of equal mass
the block is at x0; and (ii) when the block is at x = x0 +
are oscillating about the origin with angular
frequencies  and  and have total energies E1 and A. In both the cases, a particle with mass m (< M) is
softly placed on the block after which they stick to
E2, respectively, The variation of their momenta p
each other. Which of the following statement (s) is
a (are) true about the motion after the mass m is placed
with positions x are shown in the figures. If = n2
b on the mass M? [2016]
a (a) The amplitude of oscillation in the first case
and = n, then the correct equation(s) is (are)
R M
changes by a factor of , whereas in the
[2015] mM
second case it remains unchanged
(b) The final time period of oscillation in both the
cases is same
(c) The total energy decreases in both the cases
(d) The instantaneous speed at x0 of the combined
masses decreases in both the cases

(a) E11 = E2 2 (b)   n 2 Ans. (a,b,d)
 Sol. The angular frequency of the spring mass system
E1 E2 depends on the spring constant and the attached mass.
(c) 2 1 = n2 (d) 
 2 Initial angular frequency of the system (  ) , find
Ans. (b,d) angular frequency of the system in case 1 (1 ) , and
Sol. In harmonic oscillator, total energy is equal to the final angular frequency of the system in case 2 ( 2 )
potential energy at the extreme positions (maximum
are given by
displacement) and it is also equal to the kinetic
  k/M,
energy at the central position (zero displacement).
The potential energy at a displacement x is given by  1  k / (M  m ) ,

1 2 2  2  k / (M  m ) .
y= m x and kinetic energy at linear momentum
2 The final time period of oscillation (T  2 /  ) in
2
p is given by K = p /(2m). For the harmonic oscillator both the cases is same because  1   2 . For SHM in
having elliptical x-p graph, horizontal plane, mean position x0 is equal to the
1 natural length of the spring. Thus, the mean position
U1, max  E1  m12 a2 , … (1)
2 x0 remains same in both the cases.
K 1, m ax  E 1  b 2 / (2 m ) … (2)
For the harmonic oscillator having circular x-p graph,
1
U2,max  E2  m22 R2 … (3)
2
K 2 , max  E 2  R 2 / (2 m ) … (4)
2
Use equations (1)-(4) and the relations a/b = n and
a/R = n to get  2 /  1  n 2 and E1 / 1  E 2 /  2 .
SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION 9

Let the initial amplitude of SHM be A, final 1 1

amplitude in case 1 be A 1 and final amplitude in case T2  k A22  kA2  T. The instantaneous speed at
2 2
2 be A 2 . In case 1, the speed of the particle of mass the mean position in case 2 is given by
M at the mean position just before of the block of k M
v2  2 A2  A A
mass M at is softly placed over it is v = A. Let the M M M m
speed just after mass m is placed over it be v 1 . The M
 v.
linear momentum of the system along the direction of M m
motion is conserved because there is no external force 20. A block of mass 2M is attached to a massless spring
on it in the direction of motion. Apply conservation of with spring-constant k. This block is connected to two
linear momentum, Mv = (M + m) v 1 , to get other blocks of masses M and 2M using two massless
v1  Mv / ( M  m )  M  A / ( M  m ). … (1) pulleys and strings. The accelerations of the blocks
are a1,a2, and a3 as shown in the figure. The system is
From equation (1), the instantaneous speed at the
mean position is decreased i.e., v 1'  v . The speed at released from rest with spring in its unstretched state.
The maximum extension of the spring is x0. Which of
the mean position v 1' is related to the amplitude
the following option(s) is/are correct? [g is the
A1' by v 1'  A1' 1' . Substitute for v 1 and  1 to get acceleration due to gravity. Neglect friction] [2019]
v1 MA k/M M
A1   A … (2)
1 M  m k / (M  m) M m
Let T be the initial total energy, T1 be the final total
energy in case 1, and T 2 be the final total energy in
case 2. The final energy in case 1 is given by
1 1 M M
T1  kA12  kA2 T . (using (2))
2 2 M m M m x0
(a) At an extension of of the spring, the
4
magnitude of acceleration of the block connected
3g
to the spring is
10
4Mg
(b) x0 
k
x0
(c) When spring achieves an extension of for the
2
first time, the speed of the block connected to the
M
spring is 3 g
5k
(d) a2-a1=a1-a3
In case 2, the particle of mass m is placed over the Ans. (d)
block when it is at the extreme position x = x0 + A. Sol.
Thus, velocity of the block just before m is placed
over it is zero. The conservation of linear momentum
gives that the velocity of the combined masses just
after m is placed over the block is also zero. Hence
the position x = x0 + A remains at the extreme
position for SHM of combined masses. Thus, the
amplitude of the SHM remains unchanged in case 2
i.e., A2  A. The total energy of the system also
remains unchanged in case 2 i.e.,
SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION 10

2a1  a2  a3
a1  a3  a2  a1
For other options use m equivalent

T 2  2 M  M  4 M
 
g 2M  M 3
2T 8 M

g 3
4M  2M  8M
meq  
M  2M 3

1 2 8Mg
k  x0
2 0 3
16 Mg
x0 
3k
x0 x k
V x0  Vmax   0
2 2 8M
2 2M 
3
x0 3k 32
 g
2 14 M 21k
x0 2 x 0 3 k 3 kx0 8g
a x0     
4
4 4 14 M 42 M 21