PHYSICS

Solution to Module 4A

Topics Page no.

13. Kinetic Theory of Gases 1

14. Oscillations 11

15. Waves

15.1 Wave Motion 23

15.2 Superposition of waves 35

15.3 Doppler Effect 46

Unit Test 53
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13. Kinetic Theory
Very short answer questions (VSA)
1. Given a sample of 1 cm3 of hydrogen and 1 cm3 of oxygen both at NTP. Which sample has a larger
number of molecules?
Solution
Both the samples contain the same number of molecules in accordance with Avogadro’s Law.
2. State Boyle’s law.
Solution
At a given temperature, the pressure of a given mass of gas varies inversely with volume.
3. At what temperature all molecular motion ceases?
Solution
Since the mean square velocity is directly proportional to the absolute temperature, the molecules of a
gas stop moving at absolute zero.
4. Is temperature less than absolute zero possible? If not, why?
Solution
The temperature is on account of the translational molecular motion. At absolute zero, this molecular
motion completely stops. Obviously, a temperature less than absolute zero is not possible.
5. The number of molecules in a container is doubled. What will be the effect on the total kinetic energy of
the gas and the pressure of the gas?
Solution
Both total kinetic energy and the pressure of the gas get doubled.
6. What is the expression for the average translational kinetic energy of a gas molecule?
Solution
3
K av  k B T ; k B  Boltzmann constant T  absolute temperature of the gas
2
7. How the kinetic energy of gas depends on its temperature?
Solution
Kinetic energy is directly proportional to absolute temperature.
8. Name two factors on which the degrees of freedom of a gas depends.
Solution
Atomicity and temperature.
9. How many degrees of freedom does a monoatomic gas molecule have?
Solution
Three.
10. State the law of equipartition of energy.
Solution
When a gas is in thermal equilibrium, the total energy is equally distributed in all possible energy modes,
1
with each mode having an energy equal to k B T .
2
k B  Boltzmann constant T  absolute temperature of the gas

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11. Does the value of  depend upon the atomicity of the gas?
Solution
Yes.
12. Define Avogadro’s number and give its value.
Solution
The number of molecules in 1 g mol of a substance is called Avogadro’s number.
Its value is N A  6.023  1023 .
13. What do you understand by the term ‘collision frequency’?
Solution
Collision frequency is the number of collisions suffered by a molecule in one second.
14. What do you understand by the term ‘mean free path of a molecule’?
Solution
Mean free path of a molecule is the average distance travelled by the molecule between two successive
collisions.
15. What microscopic property of an ideal gas doubles when the absolute temperature is doubled?
Solution
Average kinetic energy of the molecules.
16. What macroscopic property of an ideal gas doubles when the absolute temperature is doubled while
keeping the pressure constant?
Solution
Volume.

Short answer questions (SA - 2 Marks)

17. If the volume of a gas sample is increased. What happens to the pressure which is exerted by the gas and
why?
Solution
When the volume of a gas is increased, its pressure decreases on account of the fact that:
 the molecules have to travel a longer distance between impacts on the container walls and
 these impacts are now distributed over a large area
18. Explain with the help of kinetic theory, why the pressure of a gas on its container walls rises when the
volume is reduced.
Solution
When the volume of gas is reduced, its pressure increases on account of the fact that:
 the molecules have to travel a shorter distance between impacts on the container walls and
 these impacts are now distributed over a smaller area
19. In terms of kinetic theory of gases, explain why the pressure of a gas in a closed container increases
when the gas is heated.
Solution
When the temperature of a gas increased, its pressure increases due to the following two reasons:
 With an increase in temperature, the velocity of the gas molecules increases and as such they strike
the walls of the container more often than before.
 Due to an increased velocity, each impact is more powerful than before.

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20. What are the different ways of increasing the number of molecular collisions per unit time in a gas?
Solution
The number of molecular collisions per unit time in a gas can be increased by
 increasing the temperature
 increasing the number of molecules and
 decreasing the volume
21. A vessel is filled with a gas at a pressure of 76 cm of mercury at a certain temperature. The mass of the
gas is increased by 50 % by introducing more gas in the vessel at the same temperature. Calculate the
resultant pressure of the gas.
Solution
Pm
P2 m2 P2 1.5 m
 or  or P2  114 cm of mercury
P1 m1 76 m
22. What is the physical significance of molar gas constant R ?
Solution
It represents the work done in increasing the temperature of 1 mol of gas through 1 K .
23. What happens to the random motion when an ideal gas undergoes free expansion (i.e., expansion into a
vacuum)?
Solution
No work is done by the gas and so there is no change of its internal energy which is entirely kinetic.
Hence, there is no change in random motion.
24. Why there is practically no atmosphere on the surface of Moon?
Solution
The escape velocity for a body on the surface of Moon is nearly 2.5 km s 1 . This value is very small as
compared to the corresponding value for Earth. Since the molecular velocities generally exceed
2.5 km s 1 therefore practically all the molecules have escaped from the Moon’s atmosphere. Thus, there
is now practically no atmosphere on the surface of Moon.
25. Equal masses of temperature and diatomic gases at the same temperature are given equal quantities of
heat. Which gas will undergo a larger temperature rise and why?
Solution
We know that average translational kinetic energy per molecule is proportional to absolute temperature.
The monoatomic gas molecules possess only translational kinetic theory while diatomic gas molecules
possess translational, rotational and vibrational energies. Hence, monoatomic gas will undergo a large
temperature rise.
26. Under what conditions do the real gases obey more strictly the gas equation P V  R T ? Explain.
Solution
The essential properties of the molecules of an ideal gas are zero volume of the molecules and no mutual
force between them. At low pressure, the volume of a gas is large so that the volume of the molecules is
negligible as compared to the volume of gas. At high temperature, the kinetic energy of molecules is
quite large so that effect of intermolecular forces on the motion of the molecules is negligible. Hence at
low pressure and high temperature (is lower density) a real gas is approximately ideal. Consequently, the
gas equation gives more accurate results.

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Short answer Questions (SA - 3 Marks)

27. Two vessels of the same size are at the same temperature. One of them holds 1 kg of H 2 gas and the
other holds 1 kg of N 2 gas. (a) Which of the vessels contains more molecules? (b) Which of the vessels
is under greater pressure and why? (c) In which vessel is the average molecular speed greater? How
many times greater?
Solution
(a) Hydrogen.
 N  1000 
Number of molecules in 1 kg of H 2 contains  A   500 N A .
 2 
 N  1000 
Number of molecules in 1 kg of N 2 contains  A   36 N A .
 28 
(b) Hydrogen.
As P  nV k B T and k B , T are constants, P  nV .
Since the number of the molecules per unit volume nV is more in case of hydrogen than in case of
nitrogen, hydrogen exerts more pressure than nitrogen.
(c) Hydrogen.
 vrms  H N 14
   3.74 or  vrms  H  3.74  vrms  N
 vrms  N H 1
28. A certain mass of gas is heated first in a small vessel of volume V1 and then in a large vessel of volume
V2 . Draw the P  T graph for the two cases.
Solution
From perfect gas equation, P V  R T v1
v2
1 P
For a given temperature, P  .
V
Therefore, when the gas is heated in a small vessel (volume V1 ), the pressure
will increase more rapidly than when heated in a large vessel (volume V2 ).
T
As a result, the slope of P  T graph will be more in case of a small vessel
than that of the large vessel (see Figure).
29. Explain mean speed, rms speed and most probable speed of gas molecules.
Solution
Refer Module 4A
30. There are N molecules of a gas in a container. If the number of molecules is increased to 2 N ; how
does it affect (a) gas pressure (b) kinetic energy of molecules and (c) rms speed of molecules?
Solution
If the number of molecules is increased to 2 N
 1 2 
(a) Pressure is doubled.  P  N m vrms 
 3 
 1 2 
(b) Kinetic energy is doubled  K  N m vrms 
 2 
(c) rms speed remains same. vrms 
 T and is independent of number of molecules.

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31. Derive an expression for kinetic energy of translation for 1 mol of a gas and hence that for a molecule of
the gas.
Solution
Refer Module 4A
32. When the temperature of a gas filled in a closed vessel is increased by 1 C , its pressure increases by
0.4 % . What was the initial temperature of the gas?
Solution
T1 P1 T1 P1
 or  or 1.004 T1  T1  1 or T1  250 K
T2 P2 T1  1 1.004 P1
33. Define degrees of freedom. Write the number of degrees of freedom for (a) monoatomic gas
and (b) diatomic gas.
Solution
The degrees of freedom of a dynamical system are defined as the total number of co-ordinates or
independent quantities required to describe completely the position and configuration of the system.
It is given by
f 3 N k
f  number of degrees of freedom
N  number of particles in the system
k  number of independent relations between the particles
(a) The degrees of freedom of monoatomic gas is 3
(b) The degrees of freedom of monoatomic gas is 5
34. A gas at certain volume and temperature has a pressure equal to 75 cm of Hg . If the mass of the gas is
doubled, at the same volume and temperature, what will be its new pressure?
Solution
1 1 m 2
P   vrms2
 vrms
3 3V
At constant volume, P  m , hence if mass of the gas is doubled, the pressure will also be doubled.
i.e., 150 cm of mercury.
35. What is the rms speed of a nitrogen molecule at NTP?
Solution
3RT 3  8.31  273
vrms   3
 493 m s 1
M 28  10
36. Calculate  CP / CV  for monoatomic gas.
Solution
Refer Module 4A

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Long answer type Questions (LA)

37. What are the basic assumptions of kinetic theory of gases?
Solution
Refer Module 4A
38. Explain pressure exerted by an ideal gas.
Solution
Refer Module 4A
39. Derive an expression for the pressure exerted by an ideal gas.
Solution
Refer Module 4A
40. From kinetic theory of gases, explain kinetic interpretation of temperature and absolute zero.
Solution
Refer Module 4A
41. Write a note on degrees of freedom of gas molecules.
Solution
Refer Module 4A
42. State and explain the law of equipartition of energy.
Solution
Refer Module 4A
43. Using the law of equipartition of energy, calculate (a) the total energy possessed by 1 mol of a
monatomic gas (ii) a diatomic gas (iii) a triatomic gas.
Solution
Refer Module 4A
1
44. Given that P   vrms
2
, where P is the pressure,  is the density and vrms is the rms velocity of gas
3
molecules. Deduce Boyle’s law and Charles’ law of gases from it.
Solution
Refer Module 4A
45. What is mean free path? Derive an expression for it.
Solution
Refer Module 4A

Classwork Problems
46. A gas taken in a cylinder at 27 C has a volume of 4 lt at pressure 100 N m  2 . The gas is first
compressed at constant temperature so that its pressure is 150 N m  2 . Calculate the change in volume. It
is then heated at constant volume so that temperature becomes 127 C . Calculate the new pressure.
Solution
(a) V1  4 lt , P1  100 N m 2 , P2  150 N m  2 , V2  ?
P1 V1 100  4
Since temperature is kept constant, P1 V1  P2 V2 or V2    2.67 lt
P2 150
V  V1  V2  4  2.67  1.33 lt

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(b) T1  273  27  300 K , T2  273  127  400 K , P2  150 N m  2 , P3  ?

P P P  T 150  400
Since volume is kept constant, 2  3 or P3  2 2   200 N m  2
T1 T2 T1 300
47. The rms speed of oxygen molecules at a certain temperature T is v . If the temperature is doubled and
the oxygen gas dissociates into atomic oxygen, what is the new rms speed?
Solution
 vrms 1  v , T2  2 T1 , M 2  M 1 / 2 ,  vrms 2  ?
3 kB T T
vrms  or vrms 
M M
 vrms 2 T M  vrms 2
 2 1 or  2 2  2 or  vrms 2  2 v
 vrms 1 T1 M 2 v
48. An air bubble of volume 1 cm3 rises from the bottom of a lake 40 m deep at a temperature of 12 C . To
what volume does it grow when it reaches the surface, which is at a temperature of 35 C ?
Solution
V1  1 cm3  10 6 m3 , h  40 m , T1  273  12  285 K , T2  273  35  308 K , V2  ?
P1  1.013  105  103  9.8  40  4.933  105 N m 2 , P2  1.013  105 N m  2
P1 V1 P2 V2 P1 V1 T2 4.933  105  10 6  308
 or V2    5.3  10 6 m3
T1 T2 T1 P2 285  1.013  105
49. Estimate the total number of air molecules (inclusive of oxygen, nitrogen, water vapour and other
constituents) in a room of capacity 25 m3 at a temperature of 27 C and 1 atm pressure.
Solution
V  25 m3 , T  273  27  300 K , P  1 atm  1.013  105 Pa , N  ?
PV 1.013  105  25
N   23
 6.12  1026
k B T 1.38  10  300

Practice Exercise
50. Estimate the fraction of molecular volume to the actual volume occupied by oxygen gas at STP. Take the
diameter of an oxygen molecule to be 3 Å .
Solution
At STP, one mole of a gas contains N A (Avogadro’s number) of molecules and occupies a volume of
22400 cm3 .
4  3.14  1.5  10 8   6.023  1023
3
4  r3
molecular volume   NA   8.51 cm3
3 3
actual volume  22400 cm3
molecular volume 8.51
  3.8  10 4
actual volume 22400

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51. An oxygen cylinder of volume 30 lt has an initial gauge pressure of 15 atm and a temperature of
27 C . After some oxygen is withdrawn from the cylinder, the gauge pressure drops to 11 atm and its
temperature drops to 17 C . Estimate the mass of oxygen taken out of the cylinder.
( R  8.31 J mol 1 K 1 ) and molecular mass of O2 is 32 g .
Solution
P1  15 atm  15  1.013  10 5 Pa , P2  11 atm  11  1.013  10 5 Pa , V1  30 lt  30  10 3 m3 ,
T1  273  27  300 K , T1  273  17  290 K , R  8.31 J mol 1 K 1
P1 V1 15  1.013  10 5  30  10 3
P1 V1  n1 R T1 or n1    18.29 mol
R T1 8.31  300
P2 V2 11  1.013  10 5  30  10 3
n1    13.87 mol
R T2 8.31  290
Mass of gas taken out of cylinder , m  18.29  13.87  4.42 mol  4.42  32  141.44 g  0.141 kg
52. Figure below shows plot of P V / T  versus P for 1.1  10 3 kg of oxygen gas at two different
temperatures. (a) What does the dotted plot signify? (b) Which is true? T1  T2 or T1  T2 (c) What is the
value of  P V / T  where the curves meet on the y axis?
y

T1
PV 1
JK T2
T

x
P
Solution
The graph shows the plot of  P V / T  versus P for 1.1  10 3 kg
of oxygen at two different temperature. y
(a) For dotted line  P V / T   constant or P V  R T and as
T1
such it represents the behaviour of an ideal gas.
PV 1
(b) T1  T2 as the gas equation P V  R T is true only at high JK T2
T
temperature (intermolecular attraction can be neglected.)
Curve for T1 is closer to the dotted line than the curve for T2 . x
P
PV
(c) As P V  n R T , n R
T
1 PV 1
For a given case, n  ,   8.31  0.26 J K 1
32 T 32
53. Estimate the average energy of a helium atom at (a) room temperature 27 C (b) the temperature on the
surface of the sun 6000 K and (c) the temperature of 107 K . Given k B  1.38  10 23 J K 1 .
Solution
3
Average kinetic energy per molecule, Eav  kB T
2
(a) T  273  27  300 K
3
Eav   1.38  10 23  300  6.21  10 21 J
2

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(b) T  6000 K
3
Eav   1.38  10 23  6000  1.242  1019 J
2
(c) T  107 K
3
Eav   1.38  10 23  107  2.07  1016 J
2
54. Three vessels of equal capacity have gases at the same temperature and pressure. The first vessel
contains neon (monoatomic), the second contains chlorine (diatomic), and the third contains uranium
hexaflouoride (polyatomic). (a) Do the vessels contain equal number of respective molecules? (b) Is the
root mean squared speed of molecules same in the three cases? If not, in which case is vrms the largest?
Solution
(a) Yes, the vessels contain equal number of respective molecules. This is in accordance with
Avogadro’s hypothesis that equal volumes of all gases under similar conditions of temperature and
pressure contain equal number of molecules.
3RT 1
(b) vrms  i.e., vrms 
M M
As the molecular masses of the three gases are different, so the rms speeds of the molecules will be
different in the three cases. Moreover as the value of M is smallest for neon, so vrms is largest for
neon.
55. Calculate molecular kinetic energy of 1 g of helium at NTP. What will be its energy at 100 C ?
Solution
(a) P  1.013  105 N m  2 , V  22.4 lt  22.4  10 3 m3 , M  4 ,
Since He is a monoatomic gas,
3 3
Molar kinetic energy, K  R T  P V
2 2
3 P V 3 1.013  105  22.4  10 3
Kinetic energy of 1 g of gas, K0     8.51  102 J
2 M 2 4
(b) T100  273  100  373 K , T0  273 K
Since kinetic energy K  T ,
K100 T100 T 373  8.51  102
 or K100  100  K 0   11.63  102 J
K0 T0 T0 273
56. Calculate the internal energy of 1 g of oxygen at STP.
Solution
5 R T 5 8.31  273
Internal energy of 1 g of oxygen, U    177.2 J
2 M 2 32
57. 1 mol of a monoatomic gas is mixed with 1 mol of a diatomic ideal gas. Calculate the molar specific
heat of the mixture at constant volume. What is the value of  for the mixture?
Solution
3
Internal energy of 1 mol of a monoatomic gas, U1  RT
2
5
Internal energy of 1 mol of a diatomic gas, U 2  RT
2
If U is the internal energy of 1 mol of such a mixture of the two gases,

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U1  U 2  3 / 2  R T   5 / 2  R T
U  2 RT
2 2
dU d  2 R T 
Specific heat of the mixture at constant volume, i.e., CV   2 R
dT dT
CP  CV  R  2 R  R  3 R
C 3R
For the mixture   P   1.5
CV 2 R
58. At what temperature is the root mean square speed of an atom in an argon gas cylinder equal to the rms
speed of a helium gas atom at  20 C ? (atomic mass of argon is 39.9 u and that of helium is 4 u ).
Solution
M 1  39.9 u , M 2  4 u , T2  273  20  253 K , T1  ?
3RT T
vrms  or vrms 
M M
T1 T T2 253  39.9
 vrms 1   vrms 2 or  2 or T1   M1   2523.7 K
M1 M 2 M2 4.0
59. Show that the molar volume of 1 mol of any (ideal) gas at STP is 22.4 lt .
Solution
n R T 1  8.31  273
PV n RT or V   22.4  10 3 m3  22.4 lt
P 1.013  105
60. Estimate the mean free path and collision frequency of a nitrogen molecule in a cylinder containing
nitrogen at 2 atm and temperature 17 C . Take the radius of a nitrogen molecule to be roughly 1 Å .
Compare the collision time with the time the molecule moves freely between two successive collisions
(Molecular mass of nitrogen is 28 u )
Solution
T  273  17  290 K , P  2 atm  2  1.013  105 Pa , d  2  1  1010 m , M  28 u , t  ?
kB T 1.38  10 23  290
Mean free path, l   1.112  10 7 m
2d P 2  3.14   2  10 
10 2
2
 2  1.013  10 5

3RT 3  8.31  290

vrms    508.1 m s 1
M 0.028
v 508.1
Collision frequency, f  rms   4.57  109 s 1
l 1.112  10 7
d 2  1010
Time taken for the collision,. t   3.94  1013 s
vrms 508.1
1 1
Time taken between two successive collisions, T   2.19  1010 s
f 4.57  10 9

T 2.19  1010
  556
t 3.94  1013
Obviously, the time taken between two successive collisions is 556 times the time taken for a collision.
Hence a molecule in a gas moves essentially free for most of the time.

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14. Oscillations
Very short answer Questions (VSA)
1. What is periodic motion?
Solution
A motion which is repeated regularly after a fixed interval of time along a definite path is called periodic
motion.
2. What is oscillatory motion?
Solution
The to and fro motion of a body about its equilibrium position is called oscillatory motion.
3. Are all periodic motions oscillatory?
Solution
No, an oscillation is a periodic motion but a periodic motion may or may not be oscillatory.
4. Give an example for a motion which is periodic but not oscillatory.
Solution
The rotation of earth about its polar axis from west to east.
5. Define time period of a periodic motion.
Solution
The smallest interval of time after which a periodic motion repeats is called time period.
6. Define frequency of a periodic motion.
Solution
The number of times a periodic motion repeats in one second is called frequency of the periodic motion.
7. How are the frequency and the period of a periodic motion related?
Solution
1 1
frequency  or f 
time period T
8. How is the acceleration of a particle performing SHM related to its displacement from the mean
position?
Solution
Acceleration is directly proportional to the displacement of the particle from the mean position.
9. When is the SHM of a particle said to be linear?
Solution
If a particle performs SHM along a straight line, the SHM is said to be linear.
10. When is the SHM of a particle said to be angular?
Solution
If a particle performs SHM along an arc of a circle, its SHM is said to be angular.
11. Mention the expression for the velocity of a particle executing SHM.
Solution
For a particle executing SHM, velocity at any instant t is, v  A  cos   t    A2  y 2

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12. Mention the expression for the acceleration of a particle executing SHM.
Solution
For a particle executing SHM, acceleration at any instant t is, a   2 A sin   t    2 y

13. At which position of the particle is the velocity (a) maximum (b) zero in SHM?
Solution
(a) Velocity is maximum at the mean position.
(b) Velocity is zero at either extreme positions.
14. Mention the expression for maximum particle velocity in SHM.
Solution
A2
vm  A   2  f 
T
15. Mention the expression for the displacement of a particle executing SHM?
Solution
Displacement at any instant t is y  A sin   t  .

16. At which position is the acceleration of the particle executing SHM (a) maximum (b) zero?
Solution
(a) Acceleration is maximum at either of the extreme positions.
(b) Acceleration is zero at the mean position.
17. Mention the expression for maximum acceleration of the particle executing SHM.
Solution
am  2 A
18. Define the term ‘phase’ as applied to SHM.
Solution
The term ‘phase’ refers to the state of vibration of a particle with respect to its position and direction of
motion.
19. Define the term ‘epoch’ as applied to SHM.
Solution
The phase of a particle at instant instant t  0 is called epoch.
20. Mention the expression for the potential energy of a particle executing SHM.
Solution
Potential energy possessed by a particle executing SHM, is
1 1 1
U  k y 2  m 2 y 2  m 2 A2 sin 2   t 
2 2 2
21. How does the potential energy of particle executing SHM vary with its displacement?
Solution
U  y 2 , Potential energy is directly proportional to the square of the displacement of the particle.
22. At which position, is the potential energy maximum in SHM?
Solution
Potential energy is maximum at any of the extreme positions.

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23. At which position, is the potential energy zero in SHM?

Solution
Potential energy is zero at the mean position.
24. Mention the expression for the instantaneous kinetic energy of a particle executing SHM.
Solution
Kinetic energy of a particle executing SHM is
1 1 1
K  m v 2  m 2  A2  y 2   m 2 A2 cos 2   t 
2 2 2
25. At which position, is the kinetic energy maximum in SHM?
Solution
Kinetic energy is maximum at mean position.
26. At which position, is the kinetic energy zero in SHM?
Solution
Kinetic energy is zero at any of the extreme positions.
27. Mention the expression for total energy of SHM.
Solution
1
Total energy, E  m 2 A2
2
28. Can a body have acceleration without having velocity?
Solution
Yes. In SHM at extreme positions velocity is zero but acceleration is maximum.
29. Can a pendulum clock be used in an artificial satellite?
Solution
No, since effective value of g in an artificial satellite is zero.
30. A simple pendulum of length l has a bob of mass m which is moving on the circular arc of angle  in a
vertical plane. A sphere, also of mass m is placed at the end of the arc. What momentum will be
transferred to sphere by the moving bob?
Solution
Zero, because the momentum of bob itself becomes zero at the end of the arc.
31. What will be the effect on time period of a simple pendulum when it is taken to a high mountain?
Solution
For simple pendulum, T  2  l / g . At mountain g decreases and hence time period T increases.

32. What will be the effect on the time period of a simple pendulum when it is taken to a deep mine?
Solution
For simple pendulum, T  2  l / g . In a deep mine g decreases and hence time period increases.

33. What will be the change in time period when a simple pendulum is taken from earth to moon?
Solution
For simple pendulum, T  2  l / g . On the surface of the moon the value of g will decrease 1 / 6 
th

that of earth, therefore time period will increase.

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Short answer Questions (SA - 2 Marks)

34. What is linear SHM? Give an example.
Solution
The SHM of a particle is said to be linear, if it moves back and forth along a straight line, about a fixed
position.
Example: The motion of a spring block system on a frictionless horizontal surface.
35. What is angular SHM? Give an example.
Solution
The SHM of a particle is said to be angular, if it moves to and fro along an arc of a circle about a fixed
position.
Example: The small oscillation of the bob of a simple pendulum.
36. Distinguish between linear displacement and angular displacement.
Solution
The linear displacement of a particle executing oscillatory motion at any instant is the distance of the
particle from its mean position at that instant. The angular displacement of a particle executing
oscillatory motion is the angle through which the position vector of the particle rotates in a given interval
of time.
37. Give the geometrical representation of SHM.
Solution
If a particle moves with a uniform speed along the circumference of a circle, then the motion of the foot
of the perpendicular drawn from the particle on any diameter of the circle is simple harmonic. Thus, the
projection of uniform circular motion on any diameter of the circle is SHM.
38. The ratio of maximum acceleration to maximum velocity of a particle executing SHM is 100  rad s 1 .
What is the frequency of SHM?
Solution
am 2 A  100 
    100  rad s 1 f    50 Hz
vm A 2 2
39. Explain the term phase of a particle executing SHM.
Solution
The term ‘phase’ refers to the state of vibration of a particle with respect to its position and direction of
motion.
Phase of a vibrating particle at any instant is measured in terms of the fraction of the angle  2   which
has elapsed since the particle last crossed its mean position in the positive direction.
40. Explain why a simple harmonic motion is called so.
Solution
In SHM, the displacement of the particle varies sinusoidally with time. Hence it is harmonic. Also it is
a pure sinusoidal motion of single frequency. Hence it is simple.

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41. Which of the following examples represent periodic motion?

(a) A swimmer completing one (return) trip from one bank of a river to the other bank
(b) A freely suspended bar magnet displaced from its N-S direction and released.
(c) A hydrogen molecule rotating about its centre of mass
(d) An arrow released from a bow
Solution
(a) The swimmer’s motion is not periodic. The motion of the swimmer between the banks of a river is
back and forth. However, it does not have a definite period. This is because the time taken by the
swimmer during his back and forth journey may not be the same.
(b) The motion of a freely-suspended magnet, if displaced from its N-S direction is released, is periodic.
This is because the magnet oscillates about its position with a definite period of time.
(c) When a hydrogen molecule rotates about its centre of mass, it comes back to the same position again
and again after an interval of time. Such motion is periodic.
(d) An arrow released from a bow moves only in the forward direction. It does not comes backward.
Hence, this motion is not periodic.
42. Which of the following examples represent (nearly) simple harmonic motion and which represent
periodic but not simple harmonic motion?
(a) the rotation of earth about its axis.
(b) motion of an oscillating mercury column in a U-tube
(c) motion of a ball bearing inside a smooth curved bowl, when released from a point slightly above the
lowermost point.
(d) general vibrations of a polyatomic molecule about its equilibrium position.
Solution
(a) During its rotation about its axis, earth comes to the same position again and again in equal intervals
of time. Hence, it is a periodic motion. However, this motion is not simple harmonic. This is
because earth does not have a to and fro motion about its axis.
(b) An oscillating mercury column in a U-tube is simple harmonic. This is because the mercury moves
to and fro on the same path, about the fixed position, with a certain period of time.
(c) The ball moves to and fro about the lowermost point of the bowl when released. Also, the ball
comes back to its initial position in the same period of time, again and again. Hence, its motion is
periodic as well as simple harmonic.
(d) A polyatomic molecule has many natural frequencies of oscillation. Its vibration is the superposition
of individual simple harmonic motions of a number of different molecules. Hence, it is not simple
harmonic, but periodic.
43. Sketch the graph of variation of displacement with time t in SHM.
Solution
Refer Module 4A
44. Sketch the graph showing the variation of velocity of the particle with time in SHM.
Solution
Refer Module 4A

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45. Mention the factors on which energy of SHM depends.

Solution
The energy of SHM depends on the (a) mass of the particle, (b) frequency of SHM and (c) amplitude of
SHM.
46. Sketch the graph of potential energy against displacement of a particle executing SHM.
Solution
Refer Module 4A
47. Sketch the graph of kinetic energy against displacement of a particle executing SHM.
Solution
Refer Module 4A
48. Draw the graph of total energy of SHM against displacement.
Solution
Refer Module 4A
49. The bob of a simple pendulum is in the form of a hollow sphere filled with water. If a fine hole is made
in the bottom such that water emerges slowly from the hole, what will be the effect on the time period?
Solution
For simple pendulum, T  2  l / g .
When water emerges slowly from the hole, initially its centre of gravity becomes lower, upto the bob is
half-empty and then it begins to go up. So, effective length of pendulum increases becomes maximum
and then decreases to initial value. Therefore, time period first increases becomes maximum and then
decreases and attains initial value.
50. The girl sitting on a swing stands up. What will be the effect on the time period of the swing?
Solution
In the standing position, the location of centre of mass of the girl shifts upwards.
Due to which the effective length of the pendulum, l (i.e., of swing) becomes less. As T  l , the
period T decreases.
51. If amplitude of vibration of a simple pendulum be decreased, what will be the effect on its time period?
Solution
For simple pendulum, T  2  l / g . It is dependent of amplitude.

52. A simple pendulum executing SHM is falling freely along with the support. Will its time period change?
Solution
For simple pendulum, T  2  l / g . The pendulum will not oscillate since effective value of g will
be zero and time period will become infinite.
53. Out of two clocks on the earth, one is controlled by a pendulum and the other by a spring. If both the
clocks be taken on the moon, then will the clocks show correct time on moon?
Solution
The spring clock will show correct time, while pendulum clock will run slow. The reason is that for
spring clock both force constant k and mass m remain unchanged on moon, therefore time period will
remain unchanged, while value of g on moon is less than that on earth, therefore for pendulum clock
time period will increase.

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Short answer Questions (SA - 3 Marks)

54. Distinguish between periodic motion and oscillatory motion.
Solution
A motion which is repeated regularly after a fixed interval of time along a definite path is called periodic
motion. The to and fro motion of a body about its equilibrium position is called oscillation.
55. Figures 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 anticlockwise) are indicated on each figure.
Obtain the corresponding simple harmonic motions of the x  projection of the radii vector of the
revolving particle P , in each case.
y y

T=4s

T=2s 3 cm P 2m
x x
(t = 0)

P(t = 0)
Solution
(a) Time period, T  2 s , A  3 cm
At time, t  0 , the radius vector OP makes an angle   / 2  with the positive X  axis, i.e., phase

angle 0   rad . Therefore, the equation of simple harmonic motion for the X  projection of
2
OP , at time t is given by the displacement equation
2 t  2  t 
x  A cos   0   3 cos      3 sin  3  t  ... cm
 T   2 2
(b) Time period, T  4 s , A  2 m
At time, t  0 , the radius vector OP makes an angle    with the positive X  axis, i.e., phase
angle 0    rad . Therefore, the equation of simple harmonic motion for the X  projection of
OP , at time t is given by the displacement equation
2 t  2t   
x  A cos   0   2 cos       2 cos  t  ... m
 T   4  2 
56. Which of the following functions of time represent simple harmonic, periodic but not simple harmonic
and non-periodic motion? Give period for each case of periodic motion (  is any positive constant):
(a) sin   t   cos   t 
(b) sin 3   t 
 
(c) 3 cos   2  t 
 4 
(d) cos   t   cos  3  t   cos  5  t 
(e) exp   2 t 2 
(f) 1   t   t 
2 2

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Solution
(a) SHM
 1 1      
sin   t   cos   t   2  sin   t   cos   t    2 sin   t  cos    cos   t  sin   
 2 2   4  4 
 
sin   t   cos   t   2 sin   t  
 4
The given function represents SHM as it can be written in the form y  A sin   t  0  .
2
Its period is T  .

(b) Periodic, but not SHM
1
sin 3   t   3 sin   t   sin  3  t  
2
The terms sin   t  and sin  3  t  individually represent simple harmonic motion (SHM).
However, the superposition of two SHM is periodic and not simple harmonic.
(c) SHM
   
3 cos   2  t   3 cos  2  t  
 4   4
The given function represents SHM as it can be written in the form A  A cos   t  0  .
2 
Its period is T   .
2 
(d) Periodic, but not SHM
cos   t   cos  3  t   cos  5  t 
Each individual cosine function represents SHM. However, the superposition of three simple
harmonic motions periodic, but not simple harmonic.
(e) Non-periodic motion
exp   2 t 2 
The given function is an exponential function. Exponential functions do repeat themselves.
Therefore, it is a non-periodic motion.
(f) The given function 1   t  2 t 2  is non-periodic.

57. Which of the following relationships between the acceleration a and the displacement x of a particle
involve simple harmonic motion?
(a) a  0.7 x (b) a   200 x 2 (c) a   10 x (d) a  100 x 3
Solution
A motion represents simple harmonic motion if it is governed by the force law
i.e., F   k x
Among the given equations, only equation a   10 x represents SHM.
58. If it were possible to put a hollow tube across the earth through its centre, then how would the changes in
velocity and acceleration take place for a ball released in the tube? The effect of medium of tube is
negligible.
Solution
The ball executes SHM about the centre of earth. At centre, the velocity of ball is maximum and
acceleration zero while at ends of tube velocity is zero and acceleration is maximum.

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59. Answer the following questions:

(a) The motion of a simple pendulum is approximately simple harmonic for small angles of oscillations.
For larger angles of oscillation, a more involved analysis shows that T is greater than 2  l / g .
Think of a qualitative argument to appreciate this result.
(b) A man with a wristwatch on his hand falls from the top of a tower. Does the watch give correct time
during the free fall?
(c) What is the frequency of oscillation of a simple pendulum mounted in a cabin that is freely falling
under gravity?
Solution
(a) In the case of a simple pendulum, the restoring force acting on the bob of the pendulum is given as
F   m g sin 
For large  , sin  is greater than  . This decreases the effective value of g .
For simple pendulum, T  2  l / g . Hence the period of simple pendulum increases.
(b) The time shown by the wristwatch of a man falling from the top of a tower is not affected by the fall.
Since, a wristwatch does not work on the principle of a simple pendulum, it is not affected by the
acceleration due to gravity during free fall. Working depends on spring action.
(c) When a simple pendulum mounted in a cabin falls freely under gravity, acceleration is zero. Hence
the frequency of oscillation of this simple pendulum is infinity. This means, the pendulum does not
oscillate.
60. A particle of mass 0.1 kg is executing SHM with an amplitude of 0.1 m . When the particle passes
through the mean position, its kinetic energy is 8  10 3 J . Obtain the equation of motion of this particle
if the initial phase of oscillation is 45 .
Solution
m  0.1 kg , A  0.1 m , K m  E  8  10 3 J , 0  45
1 2 Km 2  8  10 3
Km  E  m 2 A 2 or    4 rad s 1
2 mA 2
0.1  0.12

General equation of SHM is y  A sin   t  0 

 
y  0.1 sin  4 t   ... m
 4

Long answer type Questions (LA)

61. What is SHM? Explain its characteristics
Solution
Refer Module 4A
62. Explain how the projection of uniform circular motion on a diameter is SHM.
Solution
Refer Module 4A
63. Write a note on the energy of a particle executing SHM.
Solution
Refer Module 4A

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1PBABBPM4AS

64. Show that for a particle in linear SHM the average kinetic energy over a period of oscillation equals the
average potential energy over the same period.
Solution
Refer Module 4A
65. Obtain the expression for the period of a simple pendulum.
Solution
Refer Module 4A
66. Discuss the different cases of damping with the help of expression for amplitude and phase.
Solution
Refer Module 4A

Classwork Problems
67. A body describes simple harmonic motion with amplitude of 5 cm and a period of 0.2 s . Find the
acceleration and velocity of the body when the displacement is (a) 5 cm (b) 3 cm (c) 0 .
Solution
A  5 cm  0.05 m , T  0.2 s
2  2  3.14
   31.4 rad s 1
T 0.2
(a) x  5 cm  0.05 m , a  ? , v  ?
a   2 y   31.42  0.05   49.30 m s  2
v A2  y 2  31.4  0.052  0.052  0
(b) x  5 cm  0.03 m , a  ? , v  ?
a   2 y   31.42  0.03   29.58 m s  2
v A2  y 2  31.4  0.052  0.032  1.256 m s 1
(c) x  0 , a  ? , v  ?
a   2 y   31.42  0  0
v A2  y 2  31.4  0.052  02  1.57 m s 1
68. A body of mass 5 g is executing SHM about a fixed point, with amplitude of 10 cm and maximum
velocity 100 cm s 1 . Calculate the distance from the mean position at which its velocity be 50 cm s 1 .
Solution
m  5 g  0.005 kg , A  10 cm  0.1 m , vm  100 cm s 1  1 m s 1 , v  50 cm s 1  0.5 m s 1 , x  ?
v 1
vm  A  or  m   10 rad s 1
A 0.1
v 2   2  A2  x 2 
0.52
0.52  102  0.12  x 2  or 0.01  x 2   0.0025 or x 2  0.0075
102
x  0.0866 m
69. The acceleration due to gravity on the surface of moon is 1.7 m s  2 . What is the time period of a simple
pendulum on the surface of moon if its time period on the surface earth is 3.5 s ? ( g on the surface of
earth is 9.8 m s  2 ).

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Solution
g m  1.7 m s  2 , g e  9.8 m s  2 , Te  3.5 s , Tm  ?
l
T 2
g
1
Since the length l of the pendulum is constant, T 
g
Tm ge Tm 9.8 9.8
 or  or Tm  3.5  8.4 s
Te gm 3.5 1.7 1.7
70. A body of mass 0.5 kg is suspended from a spring which increases the length of spring by 0.05 m . This
body executes SHM when it is pulled and released. Find the force constant of spring and time period of
motion. ( g  9.8 m s  2 ).
Solution
m  0.5 kg , x  0.05 m , g  9.8 m s  2 , k  ? , T  ?
m g 0.5  9.8
m gk x or k   98 N m 1
x 0.05
m 0.5
T 2  2  3.14   0.449 s
k 98

Practice Exercise
71. A particle executing SHM has period 0.1 s and amplitude 0.5 cm . Find the acceleration when it is
0.2 cm apart from its mean position.
Solution
T  0.1 s , A  0.5 cm , x  0.2 cm  0.002 m , a  ?
2 2
2   2  3.14  2
a   2 x     x    0.002   7.89 m s
 T   0.1 
72. Two particles are executing SHM of same amplitude and frequency along the same straight line path.
They pass each other when going in opposite directions, each time their displacement is half of their
amplitude. Calculate the phase difference between them.
Solution
A
y  ,   ?
2
y  A sin   t 
A  5
 A sin   t  or t or
2 6 6
5  2
    rad
6 6 3
73. A simple harmonic oscillation is represented by the equation y  0.4 sin  440 t  0.61 ... m . What are
the values of (a) amplitude (b) angular frequency (c) frequency of oscillation (d) time period of
oscillations and (e) initial phase?
Solution
Given y  0.4 sin  440 t  0.61 ... m

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On comparing with y  A sin   t  0 

(a) Amplitude, A  0.4 m
(b) Angular frequency,   440 rad s 1
(c) Initial phase, 0  0.61 rad
 440
(d) Frequency, f    70 Hz
2  2  3.14
2  2  3.14 1 1
(e) Period, T    0.0143 s or T   0.0143 s
 440 f 70
74. A body of mass 0.5 kg suspended by an ideal spring oscillates in vertical direction. The amplitude of
oscillation is 0.5 m and its period is 1.57 s . Determine (a) maximum speed of body (b) maximum
kinetic energy (c) total energy and (d) spring constant.
Solution
m  0.5 kg , A  0.5 m , T  1.57 s , vm  ? , K m  ? , E  ? , k  ?
2  2  3.14
   4 rad s 1
T 1.57
(a) vm  A   0.5  4  2 m s 1
1 1
(b) K m  m vm2   0.5  22  1 J
2 2
(c) E  K m  1 J
m 4 2 m 4  3.142  0.5
(d) T  2  or k 2
 2
 8 N m 1
k T 1.57
75. A simple harmonic oscillator of period 6 s has 6 J potential energy when its displacement is 0.03 m .
Calculate (a) force constant and (b) average kinetic energy when the amplitude is 0.05 m .
Solution
T  6 s , U  6 J , A  0.05 m , y  0.03 m , k  ? , K av  ?
1 2 U 2 6
(a) U  k y 2 or k 2  2
 1.333  104 N m 1
2 y 0.03
1 1
(b) K av  k A2   1.333  104  0.052  8.331 J
4 4

22
15. Waves
Very short answer questions (VSA)
1. What is a wave?
Solution
A wave is a continuously propagating disturbance.
2. Do transverse waves need a material medium for propagation?
Solution
Not necessarily. (Only mechanical transverse wave requires a medium).
3. Name a transverse wave, which can travel in vacuum.
Solution
Electromagnetic wave.
4. Give an example of a longitudinal wave.
Solution
Sound waves.
5. What is a mechanical wave?
Solution
A wave which requires a material medium for its propagation is called mechanical wave.
6. Give an example for a mechanical transverse wave.
Solution
Waves on a string.
7. What properties of a medium are responsible for the propagation of a mechanical wave?
Solution
Elastic and inertial properties.
8. Mention any two examples of a mechanical wave.
Solution
Waves on a string and sound waves.
9. Give an example for a one-dimensional wave.
Solution
Wave on a string.
10. Give an example for a two dimensional wave.
Solution
Ripples on the surface of the water.
11. Give an example for a three dimensional wave.
Solution
Sound (three dimensional mechanical wave), Light (three dimensional non-mechanical wave).
12. What is a longitudinal wave?
Solution
If the particles of the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of wave propagation then the wave is
called longitudinal wave.

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13. What is a transverse wave?

Solution
If the particles of the medium vibrate perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation then the wave is
called transverse wave.
14. Define the following terms with respect to a progressive wave:
(a) amplitude (b) frequency (c) period (d) wavelength
Solution
(a) It is the maximum displacement of the particle from the mean position during the wave propagation.
(b) It is the number of oscillations made by a particle in unit time during wave propagation.
(c) It is the time taken by a particle to complete one oscillation during wave propagation.
(d) It is the minimum distance between two successive particles vibrating in phase.
15. The vibration of a particle is represented by y  a sin   t    . What is its phase?
Solution
 t   .
16. The distance between two successive points along a wave with a phase difference of 180 is 2 mm .
What is the wavelength?
Solution
4 mm .
17. y1  a sin   t  k x  and y2  a sin  k x   t  represent two waves. What is the phase difference
between them?
Solution
 rad .
18. Two waves are represented by y1  a sin   t  1  and y2  a sin   t  2  . What is the phase
difference between them?
Solution
 2  1  .
19. Two waves are represented by y1  a sin   t    and y2  a cos   t    . What is the phase difference
between them?
Solution

rad .
2
20. The frequency of a wave is 50 Hz . What is its period?
Solution
1 1
T   0.02 s .
f 50
21. What is wave velocity?
Solution
It is distance travelled by the wave in unit time.

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22. Write the relation between wavelength and wave velocity.

Solution
v  f  , where v  wave velocity, f  frequency and   wavelength of the wave.
23. Which quantities in the equation v  f  change when a wave travels from one medium to another?
Solution
v and  . f remains same.
24. What is a progressive wave?
Solution
A continuous propagating disturbance is called a progressive wave.
25. Define ‘particle velocity’ and ‘wave velocity’.
Solution
Particle velocity is the velocity of the particle at a given instant.
Wave velocity is distance covered by the wave in unit time.
26. A wave is represented by y  A sin  a x  b t  where a and b are positive constants. What is the
direction of propagation of the wave?
Solution
Negative X  direction.
27. Mention the factors on which the velocity of transverse wave propagating on a stretched string depends?
Solution
Tension in the string and linear mass density.
28. How does the intensity of a wave change with the amplitude of the wave?
Solution
For a wave of given frequency, in a given medium, I  a 2 .
29. How does the intensity of a wave change when its frequency changes from 1000 Hz to 1414 Hz when
amplitude is kept constant?
Solution
2
I 2  1414 
  2.
I1  1000 
30. What is sound?
Solution
Sound is a form of energy that produces the sensation of hearing in human ear.
31. What are infrasonic waves?
Solution
Sound waves of frequencies less than 20 Hz are called infrasonics.
32. Write Newton’s formula for the velocity of sound in a gas.
Solution
P
v .


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33. Write Newton-Laplace formula for the velocity of sound in a gas.

Solution
P
v .

34. Why do we see the flash of lightning before we hear the thunder though both occur together?
Solution
Speed of light is much greater than the speed of sound.
35. How does the velocity of sound in air vary with temperature?
Solution
Velocity of sound in air varies directly as the square root of its absolute temperature.
36. The temperature of a gas is increased to four times the initial value on the absolute scale. How does the
velocity of sound change?
Solution
Velocity doubles.

Short answer questions (SA - 2 Marks)

37. Obtain the relation connecting v , f and  .
Solution
Wave velocity is the distance travelled by the wave per unit time. A wave travels a distance  in time
T.
  1
v  f . f  
T  T
38. Define propagation constant (angular wave number). How is it related to wavelength?
Solution
Propagation constant is rate of change of phase with respect to the distance covered by the wave.
2
k .

39. The velocity of a sound wave decreases from 330 m s 1 to 220 m s 1 on passing from one medium to
another. If the wavelength in the first medium is 3 m , what is the wavelength in the second medium?
Solution
v1 v2 330 220
Since the frequency of the wave remains same, f      2  2 m
1  2 3 2
40. A wave is represented by the equation y  a sin   t    . Calculate the instantaneous velocity of a
particle of the medium.
Solution
Given, y  a sin   t   
On differentiating with respect to t we get, v p  a  cos   t   

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41. A wave is represented by the equation y  a sin   t    . Calculate the instantaneous acceleration of a
particle of the medium.
Solution
y  a sin   t   
On differentiating with respect to t we get, v p  a  cos   t   
On differentiating with respect to t we get, a p   a 2 sin   t   

42. If tension in a wire is increased to four times, how be the wave speed affected?
Solution
Wave speed v  T , Therefore, if tension T is increased four times, the wave speed becomes twice.
43. Explain why it is wrong to assume isothermal conditions for air during propagation of sound.
Solution
Since, air is bad conductor of heat and the oscillations are so rapid that there will be no time for
exchange of heat between the layers of air. Therefore, temperature of the medium, changes. Thus, it
cannot be considered as isothermal process.
44. Can sound waves of wavelengths 330 mm and 33 mm be heard in air? Justify.
Solution
v 330 v 330
f1    1000 Hz f2    10000 Hz
1 330  10 3  2 33  10 3
Both the waves belong to the audible range. Therefore they can be heard.
45. Sound waves are called pressure waves. Why?
Solution
When sound waves travel through a medium (gas), alternate compressions and rarefactions are formed in
any region. The pressure of gas in the region varies periodically with time. This variation of pressure
helps for the propagation of sound waves through the gas.
46. Sound produced in air is not heard by a diver in water. Why?
Solution
The water surface reflects most of the sound back into air and only a very small fraction of incident
sound is refracted into water. Hence, the sound produced in air is not heard by the diver in water.
47. Compare the velocities of sound in hydrogen and helium at 273 K .
Solution
vH M He 2
   2 vH : vHe  2 :1
vHe MH 1

48. Compare the velocities of sound in hydrogen and oxygen at a given temperature.
Solution
vH MO 16
  4 vH : vO  4 :1
vO MH 1

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Short answer questions (SA - 3 Marks)

49. Distinguish between mechanical and electromagnetic waves.
Solution
Refer module 4A
50. Distinguish between longitudinal and transverse waves.
Solution
Refer module 4A
51. You have learnt that a travelling wave in one dimension is represented by a function y  f  x, t  where
x and t must appear in the combination  x  v t  or  x  v t  , i.e., y  f  x  v t  . Is the converse true?
Examine if the following functions for y can possibly represent a travelling wave:
 x  v t   1
(a)  x  v t 
2
(b) log   (c)
 x0  x  v t
Solution
The converse of the given statement is not true. The essential requirement for a function to represent a
travelling wave is that it should remain finite for all values of x and t.
(a) For x  0 and t  0 , the function  x  v t  becomes 0 .
2

Hence, for x  0 and t  0 , the function represents a point and not a wave.
(b) For x  0 and t  0 , the function
 x  v t
log    log 0  
 x0 
Since the function does not converge to a finite value for x  0 and t  0 , it represents a travelling
wave.
1
(c) For x  0 and t  0 , the function, 
x  v t
Since the function does not converge to a finite value for x  0 and t  0 , it represents a travelling
wave.
52. Explain Laplace’s correction for Newton’s formula for the velocity of sound in a gas.
Solution
Refer module 4A
53. Show that the speed of sound waves in air increases nearly by 0.61 m s 1 for every 1 C rise in the
temperature of air.
Solution
 t   t   t 
We have vt  v0 1   or vt  v0  v0   or v  v0  
 546   546   546 
 1 
When the temperature is increased by 1 C , v  332     0.61 m s
1

 546 
54. Show that the velocity of sound in a gas is proportional to T.
Solution
Refer module 4A

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Long answer type Questions (LA)

55. Give the differences between longitudinal and transverse waves.
Solution
Refer module 4A
56. Obtain an equation for a sinusoidal wave travelling in the positive X  direction.
Solution
Refer module 4A
57. Write Newton’s formula for the velocity of sound in air. Discuss the Laplace’s correction.
Solution
Refer module 4A

Classwork Problems
58. A wave travelling in a string is described by an equation y  x, t   0.005 sin  80 x  3 t  . All are in SI
unit. Find (a) Amplitude ( a ) (b) Wave length (  ) (c) Period ( T ).
Solution
y  x, t   0.005 sin  80 x  3 t 
On comparing with y  x, t   a sin  k x   t 
(a) a  0.005 m
2  2  3.14
(b) k  80 rad m1    0.0785 m
k 80
2  2  3.14
(c)   3 rad s 1 T   2.093 s
 3
59. For the travelling harmonic wave y  x, t   20 cos 2  10 t  0.0080 x  0.35  ... cm , calculate the phase
difference between oscillatory motion of two points separated by a distance of
 3
(a) 4 m (b) 0.5 m (c) (d)
2 4
Solution
y  x, t   20 cos 2  10 t  0.0080 x  0.35 
y  x, t   20 cos  20  t  0.016  x  0.7  
2
On comparing with y  x, t   a cos   t  k x  0  , k  0.016  rad cm 1

2
Phase difference is given by the relation:   xk x

(a) For x  4 m  400 cm ,   0.016   400  6.4  rad
(b) For x  0.5 m  50 cm ,   0.016   50  0.8  rad
 2 
(c) For x ,     rad
2  2
3 2 3
(d) For x ,    1.5  rad
4  4

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60. A steel wire has a length of 12 m and a mass of 2.1 kg . What should be the tension in the wire so that
speed of a transverse wave on the wire is 343 m s 1 ?
Solution
l  12 m , m  2.1 kg , v  343 m s 1 , T  ?
m 2.1
Linear density,     0.175 kg m 1
l 12
T
Velocity of the transverse wave, v  or T  v2 

Tension in the wire, T  3432  0.175  2.06  104 N
61. A stone dropped from the top of a tower of height 300 m high splashes into the water a pond near the
base of the tower. When is the splash heard at the top? Given that speed of sound in air is 340 m s 1 and
g  9.8 m s  2 .
Solution
s  300 m , g  9.8 m s  2 , v  340 m s 1 , t  t1  t2  ?
2s 2  300
The time t1 taken by the stone to strike the water in the pond, t1    7.825 s
g 9.8
s 300
Time t2 taken by the sound to reach the top of the tower, t2    0.882 s
v 340
Therefore, the time after which the splash is heard, t  t1  t2  7.825  0.882  8.707 s
62. The velocity of sound in air at STP is 330 m s 1 . At what temperature will the velocity of sound be
418 m s 1 ?
Solution
v1  330 m s 1 , v2  418 m s 1 , T1  273 K , T2  ?
2 2 2
v2 T T v  v   418 
 2  2  2   T2  T1  2   T2  273     438 K
v1 T1 T1  v1   v1   330 
63. The planet Jupiter has an atmosphere of a mixture of ammonia and methane at a temperature  130 C .
Calculate the velocity of sound on this planet assuming  for mixture to be 1.3 . Molar mass of the
mixture is 16.5  10 3 kg mol 1 and R  8.3 J mol 1 K 1 .
Solution
  1.3 , M  16.5  10 3 kg , M = 16.5 × 103 kg mol1, R  8.3 J mol 1 K 1 , T   130  273  143 K ,
v?
 RT 1.3  8.3  143
v   305.8 m s 1
M 16.5  10 3
64. On a dry day sound travels a certain distance in 10 s . What is the time required for sound to travel the
same distance on a humid day? The densities of dry air and humid air are in the ratio 3 : 2 .
Solution
d : h  3 : 2 , td  10 s , th  ?
1 1
t (since s is constant) also, v
v 
th vd h h 2
  th  t d  10  8.165 s
td vh d d 3

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Practice Exercise
65. A progressive wave is represented by the equation y  2 sin  3  t  2 x  ... m . Find the velocity of a
particle at x  3 m in the medium at t  5 s .
Solution
y  2 sin  3  t  2 x 
On differentiating with respect to time, v  6  cos  3  t  2 x 
At x  3 m and at t  5 s , v  6  3.14  cos  3  3.14  5  2  3  v  6  3.14  cos  41.1
cos  41.1  cos  2356   cos  6  360  196   cos 196   cos 180  16    cos 16    0.9613
 v   6  3.14  0.9613   18.11 m s 1
66. The equation for a transverse wave on a string is given by y  5 sin 4   2.5 t  0.1 x  , where x and y
are in mm and t is in second . Calculate the maximum values of particle velocity and particle
acceleration.
Solution
y  5 sin 4   2.5 t  0.1 x  or y  5 sin 10  t  0.4  x 
On comparing with y  a sin   t  k x  , a  5 mm  5  10 3 m ,   10  rad s 1
Maximum particle velocity,  v p   a   5  10 3  10  3.14  0.157 m s 1
max

Maximum particle acceleration,  a p    a 2   5  10 3  10  3.14    4.93 m s  2

2
max

67. A stretched rope of length 5 m has a net mass of 0.25 kg . Calculate the power that must be supplied to
the rope in order to generate harmonic waves of amplitude 0.1 m , wavelength of 0.5 m , traveling at a
speed of 100 m s 1 .
Solution
l  5 m , m  0.25 kg , a  0.1 m ,   0.5 m , v  100 m s 1 , P  ?
mass mass m v
Density,     Frequency, f 
volume area  length A l 
power P
intensity  2 2 f 2 a 2  v   P  2 2 f 2 a 2  v A
area A
2
v m 2 2 v 3 a 2 m
 P  2 2   a 2 vA  P
 Al 2 l
2  3.142  1003  0.12  0.25
 P  3.944  104 W  39.44 kW
0.52  5
68. Write the equation for a wave of wavelength 4 m , amplitude 5 m , traveling at a velocity of 200 m s 1
 t x
in the positive X  direction, in the form y  a sin 2     .
T  
Solution
  4 m , a  5 m , v  200 m s 1
 4
T   0.02 s
v 200
 t x
Substituting the above values in the standard wave equation, y  a sin 2     .
T  
 t x
y  5 sin 2    
 0.02 4 

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 x
69. A sinusoidal wave is represented by the equation y  a sin 60  t   ... m . Find the frequency,
 15 
wavelength and velocity of the wave.
Solution
 x
y  a sin 60  t   or y  a sin  60  t  4  x 
 15 
On comparing with y  a sin   t  k x 
  60  rad s 1 , k  4  rad m 1
 60  2 2
f    30 Hz    0.5 m v  f   30  0.5  15 m s 1
2 2 k 4
 x
70. The equation for a sound wave in positive X  direction is y  0.8 sin16  t   , where the
 40 
amplitude and x are in metre and t is in second . Find the amplitude, wavelength and velocity of the
wave.
Solution
 x
y  0.8 sin16  t   or y  0.8 sin 16  t  0.4  x 
 40 
On comparing with y  a sin   t  k x 
a  0.8 m ,   16  rad s 1 , k  0.4  rad m1
2 2  16 
  5 m v   40 m s 1
k 0.4  k 0.4 
71. A hospital uses an ultrasonic scanner to locate tumors in a tissue. What is wavelength of sound in the
tissue in which the speed of sound is 1.7 km s 1 ? Operating frequency of the scanner is 4.2 MHz .
Solution
v  1.7 km s 1  1.7  103 m s 1 , f  4.2 MHz  4.2  106 Hz ,   ?
v 1.7  103
   4.05  10 4 m
f 4.2  10 6

 
72. A travelling harmonic wave on a string is described by y  x, t   7.5 sin  0.0050 x  12 t   ... cm .
 4
(a) What are the displacement and velocity of oscillation of a point at x  1 cm and at t  1 s ? Is this
velocity equal to the velocity of wave propagation?
(b) Locate the points of the string which have the same transverse displacements velocity as the
x  1 cm point at t  2 s , 5 s and 11 s .
Solution
 
(a) The given harmonic wave is y  x, t   7.5 sin  0.0050 x  12 t   ... cm
 4
At x  1 cm and t  1 s , y  7.5  sin  0.0050  1  12  1  0.785   7.5  sin 12.79 
12.79  180
  12.79 rad   733.2
3.14
sin 12.79   sin  733.2   sin  2  360  13.2   sin 13.2   0.2284
y  7.5  0.2284  1.713 cm

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The velocity of the oscillation at a given point and time is given as

dy  
vp   7.5  12  cos  0.0050 x  12 t  
dt  4
At x  1 cm and t  1 s , v p  7.5  12  cos  0.0050  1  12  1  0.785   7.5  12  cos 12.79 
v p  7.5  12  cos 13.2   7.5  12  0.9736  87.6 cm s 1
From the given equation,   12 rad s 1 and k  0.0050 cm1
 12
Velocity of wave propagation, v    2400 cm s 1
k 0.0050
Hence, the velocity of the wave oscillation at x  1 cm and t  1 s is not equal to velocity of the
wave propagation.
2
(b) The propagation constant is related to wavelength as k 

2  2  3.14
   1256 cm  12.56 m
k 0.0050
Therefore, all the points at distances n   n   1,  2,  3, ... , i.e., at  12.56 m,  25.12, ...
x  1 cm , will have the same displacement as the x  1 cm point at t  2 s , 5 s and 11 s .
73. A factory siren is sounded at 2 pm . A person at a distance of 5 km from the factory after hearing the
sound sets his watch for 2 pm . If the atmospheric temperature is 300 K , by how much time will his
watch be slow or fast? (velocity of sound at 0 C is 332 m s 1 )
Solution
x  5 km  5000 m , v1  332 m s 1 , T1  273 K , T2  300 K , t  ?
v2 T T2 300 x 5000
 2  v2  v1  332   348 m s 1 t   14.37 s fast
v1 T1 T1 273 v2 348
74. A bucket slips into a well and the splash is heard after 2.056 s . If the speed of sound is 350 m s 1 and
the acceleration due to gravity g  9.8 m s  2 , find the depth of the well.
Solution
t  t1  t2  2.056 s , g  9.8 m s  2 , v  350 m s 1 , d  ?
Let d be the depth of the well. Let t1 be the time taken by the bucket to reach the surface of water.
2d
t1  … (1)
g
Let t2 be the time taken by the sound to travel up the well.
d
t2  … (2) v  speed of sound
v
Given t1  t2  2.056 s … (3)
On solving (1), (2) and (3) we get d  19.6 m
75. The frequency of a tuning fork is 512 Hz and the sound produced travels a distance of 42 m while the
tuning fork completes 64 vibrations. Find the wavelength and the velocity of sound.
Solution
f  512 Hz , x  42 m , N  64 ,   ? , v  ?
x 42
   0.656 m v  f   512  0.656  335.9 m s 1
N 64

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76. The speed of sound in water is 1.5 km s 1 . If density of water is 1000 kg m  3 , calculate the bulk
modulus water.
Solution
v  1.5 km s 1  1.5  103 m s 1 ,   1000 kg m  3 , B  ?
B
 B  v 2   1.5  103   1000  2.25  109 N m  2
2
v

77. The velocity of sound in carbon dioxide at 273 K is 255 m s 1 . If the density of carbon dioxide at STP
is 1.975 kg m  3 , calculate the value of  for carbon dioxide.
Solution
T  273 K , v  255 m s 1 ,   1.975 kg m  3 , P  101.3  103 N m  2 ,   ?
P P v 2  2552  1.975
v  v2      1.268
  P 101.3  103
78. Longitudinal waves of frequency 400 Hz are produced in a rod of material of density 8000 kg m  3 and
Young’s modulus 7.2  1010 N m 2 . What is the wavelength of the wave?
Solution
f  400 Hz ,   8000 kg m  3 , Y  7.2  1010 N m  2 ,   ?
Y 7.2  1010 v 3000
v   3000 m s 1    7.5 m
 8000 f 400
79. The velocity of sound in air at 300 K is 346 m s 1 . Calculate the velocity at 273 K .
Solution
T1  300 K , T2  273 K , v1  346 m s 1 , v2  ?
v2 T T2 273
 2  v2  v1  346   330 m s 1
v1 T1 T1 300

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15.2 Superposition of waves

Very short answer questions (VSA)
1. What is a stationary wave?
Solution
A stationary wave or a standing wave is one which is formed when two waves of equal amplitude and
wavelength travel along a line in opposite direction and superimpose.
2. Do stationary waves transport energy?
Solution
No.
3. What is a node?
Solution
In a stationary wave points where particles do not vibrate are called nodes.
4. What is an antinode?
Solution
In a stationary wave points where particles vibrate with maximum amplitude are called antinodes.
5. What is the length of a loop in a stationary wave in terms of λ ?
Solution
λ/2
6. What happens to the fundamental frequency of a sonometer wire when the length of the vibrating
segment is doubled and the tension is unchanged?
Solution
Frequency becomes half the initial value.
7. What happens to the fundamental frequency of transverse vibration of a string if the tension is increased
to four times?
Solution
Frequency doubles.
8. What is the meaning of the fundamental mode of vibration?
Solution
The mode of vibration with lowest frequency is called fundamental mode of vibration.
9. What is the frequency of an applied force in relation to the natural frequency of a body to vibrate in
resonance?
Solution
Frequency of the applied force is equal to natural frequency.
10. What is resonance?
Solution
In case of forced vibrations, if frequency of applied force is equal to natural frequency of the vibrating
body, the body vibrates with maximum amplitude. This is called resonance.
11. What are overtones?
Solution
For a vibrating system, the frequencies greater than the fundamental frequency are called overtones.

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12. What are harmonics?

Solution
Harmonics are the integral multiples of fundamental frequency.
13. What is the ratio of the frequencies of the overtones to that of the fundamental in the case of an open
pipe?
Solution
f1 : f 2 : f 3 : ... : f n = 1: 2 : 3 : ... : f n
14. What is the ratio of the frequencies of the overtones to that of the fundamental in the case of a closed
pipe?
Solution
f1 : f 2 : f 3 : ... : f n = 1: 3 : 5 : ... : f n
15. What is the lowest frequency that can be produced using an open pipe of length l ?
Solution
v
2l
16. What is the lowest frequency that can be produced using a closed pipe of length l ?
Solution
v
4l
17. Which acoustic phenomenon is responsible for a bridge to collapse when soldiers march on it?
Solution
Resonance.
18. What causes the vibration of windowpanes when an aeroplane flies at a low altitude?
Solution
Sound energy incident on the window pane get partly reflected and partly transmitted. This results in
vibration of window pane.
19. What is a segment or a loop in a stationary wave?
Solution
It is the wave portion of the string between any two adjacent nodes.
20. Mention the factors on which the velocity of transverse wave propagating on a stretched string depends?
Solution
Tension in the string and linear mass density.
21. When does resonance occur?
Solution
Resonance occurs when the frequency of applied force becomes equal to natural frequency of the body.
22. What are beats?
Solution
The phenomenon of periodic rise and fall in the intensity of sound due to super-position of two sound
waves of slightly different frequencies propagating along the same direction.

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23. Two notes of frequencies 512 Hz and 508 Hz interfere. What is the beat frequency?
Solution
f b = 512 − 508 = 4 Hz
24. Are beats perceptible if the frequencies of two excited tuning forks are 500 Hz and 550 Hz ?
Solution
No. Because f b = 50 Hz .
25. What is beat period?
Solution
It is the time interval between two intense sounds. It is equal to reciprocal of beat frequency.
26. How does the frequency of a tuning fork change when one of its prongs is loaded with a little wax?
Solution
Frequency decreases.
27. How does the frequency of a tuning fork change when one of its prongs is filed?
Solution
Frequency increases.

Short answer questions (SA - 2 marks)

28. State the principle of superposition of waves.
Solution
When two or more waves of the same nature travel past a point simultaneously, the net disturbance at the
point is the vector sum of the disturbance due to the individual waves.
29. Give examples for superposition of waves.
Solution
Formation of stationary waves, phenomena of interference and diffraction are the results of superposition
of waves.
30. Mention two important differences between stationary waves and progressive waves.
Solution
Progressive wave Stationary wave
1. A progressive wave propagates in a A stationary wave remains stationary between two
medium with a definite speed. boundaries in the medium.
2. A progressive wave transports energy in A stationary wave does not transport energy in the
the medium. medium.
31. Mention the conditions for the formation of stationary waves.
Solution
The two identical waves propagate (a) with the same speed in opposite directions and (b) along the same
line.
32. Calculate the fundamental frequency of vibration in a closed pipe of length l = 17.5 cm . Take velocity of
sound, v = 350 m s −1 .
Solution
v 350
f = = = 500 Hz
4 l 4 × 17.5 × 10− 2

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33. How does the frequency of air column in an open pipe vary if the temperature of air is increased?
Solution
v
f ∝ T Because, f = and v ∝ T
2l
34. A closed pipe and an open pipe with fundamental frequencies f1 and f 2 respectively are joined to form
f1 f 2
a longer closed pipe. Show that its fundamental frequencies is .
f 2 + 2 f1
Solution
v v
f1 = or l1 =
4 l1 4 f1
v v
f2 = or l2 =
2 l2 2 f2
v v
l1 + l2 = +
4 f1 2 f 2
Fundamental frequency of combined pipe is
v v 1 f f
f = = = = 1 2
4 ( l1 + l2 )  v v  1 2 f 2 + 2 f1
4 +  f + f
 4 f1 2 f 2  1 2

35. Soldiers are asked to break steps while crossing a suspension bridge. Why?
Solution
When the frequency of external periodic source impressed on a body is equal to the natural frequency of
the body, the amplitude of vibrations of the body becomes large. Thus sound becomes loud and the
phenomenon is called resonance.
The suspension bridge may collapse due to the large swing produced by the regular steps of the soldiers
marching in formation, if the period of their tramp (tramp is the sound produced by the troops marching)
were to be the same as the natural period of the bridge.
36. Justify the name stationary waves/standing waves given to a wave phenomena.
Solution
Refer Module.
37. If two sound waves of frequencies 500 Hz and 550 Hz superimpose, will they produce beats? Would
you hear the beats?
Solution
Yes they will produce beats at the rate of 50 per second. But due to the persistence of hearing, one would
not hear those beats. Instead, one would hear a continuous sound of frequency 50 Hz called “beat tone”.

Short answer questions (SA - 3 Marks)

38. Draw the diagrams showing the first three modes of vibration in a closed pipe.
Solution
Refer Module.
39. Draw the diagrams showing the first three modes of vibration in an open pipe.
Solution
Refer Module.

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40. Write down the equation for a stationary wave and explain the terms.
Solution
Refer Module.
41. Explain why (or how):
(a) In a sound wave, a displacement node is a pressure antinode and vice versa,
(b) Bats can ascertain distances, directions, nature, and sizes of the obstacles without any “eyes”,
(c) A violin note and sitar note may have the same frequency, yet we can distinguish between the two
notes,
(d) Solids can support both longitudinal and transverse waves, but only longitudinal waves can
propagate in gases, and
(e) The shape of a pulse gets distorted during propagation in a dispersive medium.
Solution
(a) A node is a point where the amplitude of vibration is minimum and pressure is maximum. On the
other hand, an antinode is a point where the amplitude vibration is maximum and pressure is
minimum.
Therefore, a displacement node is nothing but a pressure antinode, and vice versa.
(b) Bats emit very high-frequency ultrasonic sound waves. These waves get reflect back toward them by
obstacles. A bat receives a reflected wave (frequency) estimates the distance, direction, nature, and
size of an obstacle with the help of brain sensors.
(c) The overtones produced by a sitar and a violin, and the strengths of the overtones, are different.
Hence, one can distinguish between the notes produced sitar and a violin even if they have the same
frequency of vibration.
(d) Solids have shear modulus. They can sustain shearing stress. Since fluids do not have any definite
shape, they yield to shearing stress. The propagation of a transverse wave is such that it produces
shearing stress in a medium. The propagation of transverse wave is possible only in solids, and not in
gases. Both solids and fluids have their respective bulk moduli. They can sustain compressive stress.
Hence, longitudinal waves can propagate through solids and fluids.
(e) A pulse is actually is a combination of waves having different wavelengths. Waves travel in a
dispersive medium with different velocities, depending on the nature the medium. This results in the
distortion of the shape of a wave pulse.
42. Given below are some functions of x and t to represent the displacement (transverse longitudinal) of an
elastic wave. State which of these represent (a) a traveling wave, (b) a stationary wave or (c) none at all:
(a) y = 2 cos ( 3 x ) sin (10 t )
(b) y = 2 x−v t
(c) y = 3 sin ( 5 x − 0.5 t ) + 4 cos ( 5 x − 0.5 t )
(d) y = cos ( x ) sin ( t ) + cos ( 2 x ) sin ( 2 t )
Solution
(a) The given equation represents a stationary wave because, the harmonic terms (k x) and ( ω t )
appear separately in the equation. It is in the form, y = 2 a cos ( k x ) sin ( ω t ) .
(b) The given equation does not contain any harmonic term. Therefore, it does represent either a
travelling wave or a stationary wave.

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(c) The given equation represents a travelling wave as the harmonic terms (k x) and are in the
combination of ( k x − ω t ) .
(d) The given equation represents a stationary wave because, the harmonic terms (k x) and ( ω t )
appear separately in the equation. This equation actually represents superposition of two stationary
waves.
43. Two wires of the same material but of diameters 1 mm and 2 mm respectively are stretched with the
same tension. The lengths of the two wires under the bridges in sonometer are also the same. Which will
vibrate with greater frequency and why?
Solution
1
We know that fundamental frequency f ∝
d
Obviously, the wire of diameter 1 mm vibrates with greater frequency.

Long answer type Questions (LA)

44. Explain the formation of stationary waves in a medium.
45. Compare the variation of phase and amplitude along a stationary wave with that of a progressive wave.
46. Explain any five distinguishing properties of stationary and progressive waves.
47. Show that the overtones in a closed pipe are odd harmonics of the fundamental.
48. Show that the overtones in an open pipe are harmonics of the fundamental.
49. State the laws of vibration of stretched string and give the expression for the fundamental frequency.
50. Give the theory of beats.
For solution to questions 44 to 50 Refer Module 4A.

Classwork Problems
51. Stationary waves of frequency 256 Hz are formed in air. If the velocity of sound in air is 356 m s −1 ,
calculate the distance between (a) two consecutive nodes (b) a node and the next antinode.
Solution
f = 256 Hz , v = 356 m s −1
v 356
λ= = = 1.391 m
f 256
λ 1.391
(a) Distance between consecutive nodes, x = = = 0.6955 m
2 2
λ 1.391
(b) Distance between node and next antinode, y = = = 0.3478 m
4 4
52. A wire stretched between two rigid supports vibrates in its fundamental mode with a frequency of
45 Hz . The mass of the wire is 3.5 × 10− 2 kg and its linear density is 4 × 10− 2 kg m −1 . What is (a) the
speed of a transverse wave on the string and (b) the tension in the string?
Solution
f = 45 Hz , m = 3.5 × 10− 2 kg , µ = 4 × 10− 2 kg m −1 , v = ? , T = ?

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m 3.5 × 10− 2
Length of the wire, l = = = 0.875 m
µ 4 × 10− 2
λ
(a) When the wire vibrates in its fundamental mode, l = or λ=2l
2
λ = 2 × 0.875 = 1.75 m
Velocity of the wave, v = f λ = 45 × 1.75 = 78.75 m s −1
T 2
(b) v = or T = v 2 µ = ( 78.75 ) × 4 × 10− 2 = 248.06 N
µ
53. A pipe 20 cm long is closed at one end. Which harmonic mode of the pipe is resonantly excited by a
430 Hz source? Will the same source be in resonance with the pipe if both ends are open? (Speed of
sound in air is 340 m s −1 )
Solution
l = 20 cm = 0.2 m , f n = 430 Hz , v = 340 m s −1
(a) In a closed pipe, the nth mode of frequency is given by the relation,
v
f n = ( 2 n − 1) n = 0, 1, 2, 3, ...
4l
340
430 = ( 2 n − 1)
4 × 0.2
or
430 × 4 × 0.2
( 2 n − 1) = = 1.01
340
2 n = 1.01 + 1 = 2.01
or
n =1
Hence, the first mode of vibration frequency is resonantly excited by the given source.
(b) In a pipe open at both ends, the nth mode of vibration frequency is given by the relation
v
fn = n n = 1, 2, 3, ...
2l
340
430 = n or
2 × 0.2
430 × 2 × 0.2
n= = 0.506
340
Since n has to be an integer, the given source does not produce a resonant vibration in an open pipe.
54. Two tuning forks T1 and T2 when sounded together produce 6 beats per second. When T1 is loaded with
a little wax, the beat frequency increases. If the frequency of T1 is 260 Hz , find the frequency of T2 .
Solution
f1 = 260 Hz , f b = 6 Hz , f 2 = ?
f 2 = f1 ± f b
f 2 = 260 ± 6
i.e., f 2 = 266 Hz or f 2 = 254 Hz
Since the beat frequency decreases on loading T1 with a little wax, f 2 = 266 Hz

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55. A tuning fork A produces 2 beats per second when sounded together with a tuning fork B of frequency
200 Hz . When A is loaded with a little wax, the beats stop. Find the frequency of the tuning fork A .
Solution
f B = 200 Hz , f b = 2 Hz , f A = ?
f A = f B ± fb
f A = 200 ± 2 i.e., f A = 202 Hz or f A = 198 Hz
Since the beat stops on loading A with a little wax, f A = 200 Hz

Practice Exercise
56. The transverse displacement of a string (clamped at its both ends) is given by
2π 
y ( x, t ) = 0.06 cos  x  sin (120 π t ) , where x and y are in metre and t in second . The length of
 3 
the string is 1.5 m and its mass is 3.0 × 10− 2 kg . Answer the following:
(a) Does the function represent a travelling wave or a stationary wave?
(b) What is the wavelength, frequency and speed of each wave?
(c) Determine the tension in the string.
Solution
l = 1.5 m , m = 3.0 × 10− 2 kg , λ = ? , f = ? , T = ?
(a) The general equation representing a stationary wave is given by
y ( x, t ) = 2 a cos ( k x ) sin ( ω t )
This equation is similar to the given equation
2π 
y ( x, t ) = 0.06 cos  x  sin (120 π t )
 3 
Hence, the given function represents a stationary wave.
2π 
(b) Given y ( x, t ) = 0.06 cos  x  sin (120 π t )
 3 
On comparing with y ( x, t ) = 2 a cos ( k x ) sin ( ω t )
2π 2π
k= = Wavelength, λ = 3 m
λ 3
ω = 2 π f = 120 π Frequency, f = 60 Hz
Speed of component waves, v = f λ = 60 × 3 = 180 m s −1
(c) The velocity of a transverse wave travelling in a string is given by the relation,
2
m (180 ) × 3.0 × 10
−2
T
v= or T = v2 µ = v2 = = 648 N
µ l 1.5
57. The frequency of sound in a pipe closed at one end is 200 Hz . What will be the frequency of
fundamental note of the pipe of same kind with both ends open?
Solution
f c = 200 Hz , lc = lo , f o = ?
v v
For closed pipe, f c = For an open pipe, f o =
4 lc 2 lo

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v
fo 2 lo fo
= =2 or =2 or f o = 400 Hz
fc v 200
4 lc
58. A pipe closed at one end produces a fundamental note of frequency 412 Hz . It is now cut into pieces of
equal lengths. What will be the frequency of the fundamental note produced by each piece?
Solution
f = 412 Hz
Initially the pipe is closed at one end. Fundamental frequency,
v v v
f = or 412 = or = 412 × 4 = 1648
4l 4l l
When the pipe is cut into two equal halves, then each of length l1 = 0.5 l and one half is an open pipe
and the other half is a closed pipe.
v v v
For the open pipe, f1 = = = = 1648 Hz
2 l1 2 × 0.5 l l
v v v 1648
For the closed pipe, frequency f 2 = = = = = 824 Hz
4 l1 4 × 0.5 l 2 l 2
59. A steel wire 0.5 m long and mass 5 × 10− 3 kg is stretched with a tension of 400 N . What is the
frequency of its fundamental mode of vibration? What is the number of highest overtone that could be
heard by a person who can hear frequencies up to 10 kHz ?
Solution
l = 0.5 m , m = 5 × 10− 3 kg , T = 400 N , f n = 10 kHz = 10 × 103 Hz , f1 = ? , n = ?
m 5 × 10− 3
Linear density, µ = = = 10 × 10− 3 kg m −1
l 0.5
1 T 1 400
Fundamental frequency, f1 = = = 200 Hz
2 l µ 2 × 0.5 10 × 10− 3
We know that nth harmonic, f n = n f1 or 10 × 103 = n × 200 or n = 50
Highest harmonic is 50 and highest overtone is ( 50 − 1) = 49
th th

60. The fundamental frequencies of two wires of the same material and of same length stretched by weights
of 0.8 kg and 0.2 kg are in the ratio 1: 2 . Find the ratio of their diameters.
Solution
T1 = 0.8 kg wt , T2 = 0.2 kg wt , f1 : f 2 = 1: 2 , d1 : d 2 = ?
1 T
f = Here l and ρ are constants
ld πρ
T T d1 f 2 T1 2 0.8 2 2 4
f ∝ or d∝ or = = × = × =
d f d2 f1 T2 1 0.2 1 1 1
d1 : d 2 = 4 :1
61. If the tension in a stretched string is increased by 50 N , then its fundamental frequency is in the ratio
2 : 3 . Calculate the initial tension in the string.
Solution
T2 = (T1 + 50 ) N , f1 : f 2 = 2 : 3 , T1 = ?

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According to the law of tension, f ∝ T

2
f2 T T2  f 2 
or = 2 or = 
f1 T1 T1  f1 
2
T1 + 50  3  9
=  = or 9 T1 = 4 (T1 + 50 ) or 9 T1 = 4 T1 + 200
T1 2 4
5 T1 = 200 or T1 = 40 N
62. A string of length 2 m and mass 2 g is stretched by a certain tension so that it vibrates in 4 segments
with a frequency of 600 Hz . What is the tension in the string?
Solution
l = 2 m , m = 2 g = 2 × 10− 3 kg , n = 4 , f n = 600 Hz , T = ?
m 2 × 10− 3
Linear density, µ = = = 1 × 10− 3 kg m −1
l 2
n T f 2 × 4× l2 × µ
fn = or T= n
2l µ n2
6002 × 4 × 22 × 1 × 10− 3
T= = 360 Hz
42
63. A tuning fork P produces 7 beats per second, when sounded together with another tuning fork of
frequency 512 Hz . When the first tuning fork is loaded with little wax, if the beat frequency increases to
9 beats per second, find the frequency of the tuning fork P , before and after loading.
Solution
f b1 = 7 Hz , f 2 = 512 Hz , f b 2 = 9 Hz , f P = ? , f P′ = ?
f P = f 2 − fb1 = 512 − 7 = 505 Hz
f P′ = f 2 − f b 2 = 512 − 9 = 503 Hz
64. A tuning fork produces 2 beats per second when sounded together with second tuning fork of frequency
420 Hz . When the first tuning fork is filed, if the number of beats heard per second becomes twice the
initial number of beats heard per second, find the frequency of the first tuning fork before and after
filing.
Solution
f b1 = 2 Hz , f 2 = 420 Hz , f b 2 = 4 Hz , f1 = ? , f1′ = ?
f1 = f 2 + f b1 = 420 + 2 = 422 Hz
f1′ = f 2 + fb 2 = 420 + 4 = 424 Hz
65. Two sitar strings A and B playing the note ‘Ga’ are slightly out of tune and produce beats of frequency
6 Hz . The tension in the string A is slightly reduced and the beat frequency is found to reduce to 3 Hz .
If the original frequency of A is 324 Hz , what is the frequency of B ?
Solution
f b = 6 Hz , f b′ = 3 Hz , f A = 324 Hz , f B = ?
f B = f A ± fb
f B = 324 ± 6 i.e., f B = 330 Hz or f B = 318 Hz
Frequency decreases with a decrease in the tension in a string.
Since the beat frequency decreases, hence f B = 318 Hz

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66. A tuning fork produces 5 beats per second when sounded together with second tuning fork of frequency
486 Hz . When the second tuning fork is loaded with wax, 8 beats are heard per second. Find the
frequency of first tuning fork.
Solution
f b = 5 Hz , f b′ = 8 Hz , f 2 = 486 Hz , f1 = ?
f1 = f 2 ± f b
f1 = 486 ± 5 i.e., f1 = 491 Hz or f1 = 481 Hz
Since the beat frequency decreases on loading f 2 with a little wax, f1 = 491 Hz
67. T1 , T2 and T3 are three tuning forks. When T1 and T2 are sounded together, the beat frequency is 4 Hz .
When T2 and T3 are sounded together, the beat frequency is 4 Hz , while the beat frequency is 8 Hz
when T1 and T3 are sounded together. When T2 is loaded with wax and sounded with T1 , the beats stop.
If the frequency of T2 is 512 Hz , find the frequency of T1 and T3 .
Solution
f 2 ∼ f1 = 4 Hz , f 3 ∼ f 2 = 4 Hz , f 3 ∼ f1 = 8 Hz , f 2 = 512 Hz
f1 = f 2 ± 4
f1 = 512 ± 4 i.e., f1 = 516 Hz or f1 = 508 Hz
Since the beat stops on loading T2 with a little wax, f1 = 508 Hz
f 3 = 512 ± 4 i.e., f 3 = 516 Hz or f 3 = 508 Hz
Since, f 3 ∼ f1 = 8 Hz
f 3 = 516 Hz

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15.3 Doppler Effect

Very Short answer questions (VSA)
1. A source of sound starts moving away from an observer. What happens to the frequency of sound heard
by him?
Solution
Frequency decreases.
2. An observer starts moving towards a source of sound. What change is observed in the frequency of
sound heard by him?
Solution
Frequency increases.
3. Write the expression for the apparent frequency of sound as heard by an observer when moving towards
a stationary source.
Solution
 v  vo 
f  f
 v 
4. Write the expression for the apparent frequency of sound as heard by a stationary observer, when a
source of sound is approaching.
Solution
 v 
f  f
 v  vs 
5. Write the expression for the apparent frequency of sound as heard by an observer if an observer moves
away from a source of sound.
Solution
 v  vo 
f  f
 v 
6. Write the expression for the apparent frequency of sound as heard by an observer when a source moves
away from the observer.
Solution
 v 
f  f
 v  vs 
7. How does the apparent frequency of sound from a stationary source as heard by a stationary observer
change if wind blows along the direction of sound propagation?
Solution
Frequency remains unchanged.
8. A source of sound moves towards an observer. Does the frequency of the source change?
Solution
No.

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9. With the help of the general formula for the apparent Doppler frequency, obtain an expression for the
apparent frequency in the case of
(a) source moving towards a stationary observer
(b) source moving away from a stationary observer
(c) observer moving towards a stationary source
(d) observer moving away from a stationary source
Solution

The general formula for apparent frequency is f

 v  vm  vo  f
 v  vm  vs 
 v 
(a) f     f
 v  vs 
 v 
(b) f     f
 v  vs 
 v  vo 
(c) f     f
 v 
 v  vo 
(d) f     f
 v 

Short answer questions (SA - 2 marks)

10. Write the general expression for the apparent frequency due to Doppler effect. Explain the terms.
Solution

The general formula for apparent frequency is f

 v  vm  vo  f
 v  vm  vs 
f   apparent frequency f  true frequency v  velocity of sound
vm  velocity of medium vs  velocity of source vo  velocity of observer
11. The pitch of a railway engine goes on increasing as the train approaches and decreases as it is receding.
Why?
Solution
This is due to Doppler’s effect. As the train approaches an observer, the waves emitted by the engine
(source) are contracted in length  v  vs  instead of v , v being the speed of sound and vs being that of
engine. Therefore, the wavelength decreases and frequency increases.
When the train is receding from the observer, these wave are spread in length of  v  vs  , thus increasing
the wavelength and decreasing the frequency.
12. Doppler effect in sound is asymmetric. Explain
Solution
Refer Module 4A
13. Give two cases in which there is no Doppler effect in sound.
Solution
(a) When the source of sound as well as the observer moves in the same direction with the same speed.
(b) When both the observer and the source are stationary
(c) When one of source/ listener is at the centre of the circle and the other is moving on the circle with
uniform speed.

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14. In everyday life, the Doppler effect is observed readily in sound and rarely in light. Why?
Solution
Doppler effect depends on the ratio velocity of source to velocity of wave. As the speed of light is very
large, and common object move with small speeds, ratio is almost zero for light. For sound, it has a finite
value.

Short answer questions (SA - 3 Marks)

15. Mention two applications of Doppler’s effect.
Solution
Refer Module 4A
16. A listener is moving towards a stationary source of sound. What should be his velocity so that the
apparent frequency of the sound is double of its actual value?
Solution
Given f   2 f
 v  vo   v  vo 
But f     f or 2 f   f or vo  v
 v   v 

Long answer questions

17. Obtain an expression for apparent frequency when a source of sound, a listener and wind, all are in
motion in the same direction.
Solution
Refer Module 4A

Class work Problems

18. A train, standing at the outer signal of a railway station blows a whistle of frequency 400 Hz in still air.
What is the frequency of the whistle for a platform observer when train
(a) approaches the platform with a speed of 10 m s 1 ?
(b) recedes from platform with a speed of 10 m s 1 ?
(c) What is the speed of sound in each case?
Speed of sound in still air can be taken as 340 m s 1 .
Solution
(a) f  400 Hz , vs  10 m s 1 , v  340 m s 1 , vo  0 , f  ?
 v   340  340  400
f  f    400   412.12 Hz
 v  vs   340  10  330
(b) f  400 Hz , vs  10 m s 1 , v  340 m s 1 , vo  0 , f  ?
 v   340  340  400
f  f    400   388.57 Hz
 v  vs   340  10  350
(c) The apparent change in the frequency or sound is cause by the relative motion the source and the
observer. These relative motions produce no effect on the speed of sound. Therefore, the speed of
sound in air in both the cases remains the same, i.e., 340 m s 1 .

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19. The sirens of two engines have a frequency of 600 Hz each. A man hears the sirens from the two
engines, one approaching him with a speed of 36 kmph and other going away from him at a speed of
54 kmph . What is the difference of frequency of two sirens heard by man? Speed of sound is
340 m s 1 .
Solution
f  400 Hz , vs1  36 kmph  10 m s 1 , vs 2  54 kmph  15 m s 1 , v  340 m s 1 , vo  0 , f  ?
For the engine approaching the man,
 v   340  340  600
f1    f    600   618.18 Hz
 v  v s1   340  10  330
For the engine moving away from the man,
 v   340  340  600
f 2    f    600   574.65 Hz
 v  vs 2   340  15  355
Difference between the frequencies,
f  f1  f 2  618.18  574.65  43.53 Hz
20. With what velocity should sound source move towards a stationary observer so that the apparent
frequency heard be three times its natural frequency? Speed of sound in air is 330 m s 1 .
Solution
f   3 f , v  330 m s 1 , vs  ?
 v 
f  f
 v  vs 
 330  330
3 f   f or 330  vs   110
 330  vs  3
vs  330  110  220 m s 1
21. An observer moves towards a stationary source of sound with a speed 1 / 5
th
of the speed of sound.
The frequency of the source emitted is f . Find the apparent frequency recorded by the observer.
Solution
1
vo  v  0.2 v , f   ?
5
 v  vo   v  0.2 v 
f  f   f  1.2 f
 v   v 
22. Two cars are approaching each other on a straight road and moving with a velocity 60 kmph . If the
sound produced in one car is of frequency 500 Hz , what will be the frequency of sound as heard by a
person sitting in another car. When the car has crossed and moving away from each other, what will be
the frequency of sound as heard by the same person. Speed of sound in air is 332 m s 1 .
Solution
(a) When cars are approaching each other
f  500 Hz , vs  vo  60 kmph  16.67 m s 1 , v  332 m s 1 , f   ?
 v  vo   332  16.67  348.67  500
f  f    500   552.87 Hz
 v  vs   332  16.17  315.33

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(b) When cars have crossed and moving away each other
f  500 Hz , vs  vo  60 kmph  16.67 m s 1 , v  332 m s 1 , f   ?
 v  vo   332  16.67  315.33  500
f  f    500   452.19 Hz
 v  vs   332  16.17  348.67

Practice Exercise
23. The difference between the apparent frequency of a source of sound as perceived by an observer during
its approach and recession is 2 % of the natural frequency of the source. If the velocity of sound in air is
350 m s 1 , find the velocity of the source.
Solution
f   2 % f  0.02 f , v  350 m s 1 , vs  ?
While approaching, apparent frequency
 v  350 f
f1    f 
 v  vs  350  vs
While receding, apparent frequency
 v  350 f
f 2    f 
 v  vs  350  vs
f   0.02 f  f1  f 2
350 f 350 f  350  vs  350  vs 
0.02 f    350 f  
350  vs 350  vs   350  vs   350  vs  
700 vs
0.02  or 3502  vs2  35000 vs or vs2  35000 vs  122500  0
350  vs
2 2

On solving, vs  3.5 m s 1 ( vs cannot be greater than v )

24. Two distant sources situated together emit sound of frequency 300 Hz . If one of them were to approach
and the other were to recede from a stationary observer at a velocity which is 1 % of the speed of sound,
calculate the number of beats heard by the observer per second.
Solution
f  300 Hz , vs  1 % v  0.01 v , f b  ?
 v   v 
f b  f1  f 2    f   f
 v  vs   v  vs 
 v   v  300 300
fb     300     300  
 v  0.01 v   v  0.01 v  0.99 1.01
f b  303  297  6 Hz
25. A sound source is approaching a stationary observer with a velocity of 166 m s 1 . The observer hears a
sound whose apparent frequency is twice the real frequency. Find the speed of sound in air.
Solution
f   2 f , vs  166 m s 1 , vo  0 , v  ?
 v 
f  f
 v  vs 

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 v 
2 f   f or 2  v  166   v
 v  166 
2 v  332  v or v  332 m s 1
26. A train, standing in a station-yard, blows a whistle of frequency 400 Hz in still air. Wind starts blowing
in the direction from the yard to the station with at a speed of 10 m s 1 . What are the frequency,
wavelength, and speed of sound for an observer standing on the station’s platform? Is the situation
exactly identical to the case when the air is still and the observer runs towards the yard at a speed of
10 m s 1 ? The speed of sound in still air can be taken as 340 m s 1 .
Solution
(a) f  400 Hz , vm  10 m s 1 , v  340 m s 1 , vo  0 , vs  0
As there is no relative motion between the source and the observer, the frequency of sound heard by
the observer will be the same as that produced by the source, i.e., f  400 Hz .
The wind is blowing towards the observer. Hence, the effective speed of the sound increases.
Effective speed of the sound,
vv  v  vm  340  10  350 m s 1
The wavelength of the sound heard by the observer
v 350
 e   0.875 m
f 400
(b) f  400 Hz , vm  0 , v  340 m s 1 , vo  10 m s 1 , vs  0
 v  vo   340  10  350  400
f  f    400   411.76 Hz
 v   340  340
Effective speed of the sound,
vv  v  vm  340  0  340 m s 1
The source is at rest. Hence, the wavelength of the sound will not change, i.e.,   0.875 m .
Hence, the given two situations are not exactly identical.
27. A SONAR system fixed in a submarine operates at a frequency 40 kHz . An enemy submarine moves
towards the SONAR with a speed of 360 kmph . What is the frequency of sound reflected by the
submarine? Take the speed of sound in water to be 1450 m s 1 .
Solution
f  40 kHz  40  103 Hz , vo  360 kmph  100 m s 1 , v  1450 m s 1
The source is at rest and the observer (enemy submarine) is moving toward it. Here the apparent
frequency f  received and reflected by the submarine is given by relation
 v  vo   1450  100  1550  40  103
f  f    40  10 
3
 42.76  103 Hz
 v   1450  1450

The frequency f received by the enemy submarine is
 v   1450  1450  42.76  103
f     f   42.76  10 3
  45.93  103 Hz
 v  v s   1450  100  1350

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28. A bat is flitting about in a cave, navigating via ultrasonic beeps. Assume that the sound emission
frequency of the bat is 40 kHz . During one fast swoop directly toward a flat surface, the bat is moving at
0.03 times the speed of sound in air. What frequency does the bat hear reflected off the wall?
Solution
f  40 kHz  40  103 Hz , vs  0.03 v , f   ?
The apparent frequency of the sound striking the wall is
 v   v  1  40  103
f  f     40  10 3
  41.24  103 Hz
 v  vs   v  0.03 v  0.97
This frequency is reflected by the stationary wall vs  0 toward the bat.
The frequency f  of the received sound is given by the relation
 v  vo   v  0.03 v  1.03  41.24  103
f     f   41.24  10 
3
 42.48  103 Hz
 v   v  1

52
Solution Module 4 A - Test paper

PART – A
I. Answer the following questions [10  1 = 10]
1. Write the value of Avogadro’s number.
Solution
Avogardo’s number, N A  6.023  1023 mol 1 .
2. How does the average kinetic energy of a gas molecule depend on its absolute temperature?
Solution
Average kinetic energy of a gas molecule is directly proportional to the absolute temperature of the gas.
3. Define mean free path of a gas molecule.
Solution
The mean free path of a gas molecule is defined as the average distance travelled by the molecule
between two successive collisions.
 
4. The SHM of a particle is represented by the equation, y  0.1 sin  100  t   . What is the epoch
 3
(initial phase) of the particle?
Solution

rad .
3
5. How does the time period of a simple pendulum change if the mass of the bob is doubled?
Solution
Time period of the bob remains unchanged (time period of oscillation is independent of mass of the bob).
6. Define amplitude of a wave.
Solution
The maximum displacement (positive or negative) of a particle on either side of its mean position when a
wave passes through the particle.
7. State the principle of superposition of waves.
Solution
When two or more waves of same nature travel past a point simultaneously, the net disturbance at the
point is the vector sum of the disturbances due to the individual waves.
8. What is the distance between two consecutive antinodes in a stationary wave of wavelength 2 m ?
Solution
 2
x   1 m
2 2
9. Draw the graph between the pressure ( P ) of a gas and the speed ( v ) of sound in the gas at constant
temperature.
Solution
The speed of sound in a gas is independent of pressure. v

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10. What is Doppler effect?

Solution
The apparent change in the frequency of sound due to the relative motion between the source of sound
and the listener, is called Doppler effect.

PART – B
II. Answer any FIVE of the following questions [5  2 = 10]
11. Write any two assumptions of kinetic theory of gases.
Solution
(a) A given amount of gas is a collection of a large number of molecules (typically of the order of
Avogadro’s number) that are in incessant random motion.
(b) At ordinary temperature and pressure, the average distance between molecules is about 20 Å . Thus
the interaction between the molecules is negligible. Hence, we may assume that they move freely in
straight lines according to Newton’s first law of motion.
(c) Occasionally, the molecules come so close together that they experience intermolecular forces due to
which their velocities change. Such interactions are called collisions.
(d) The molecules collide incessantly against each other or with the walls and may change their
velocities. Such collisions are considered to be elastic. Thus the total kinetic energy is conserved.
The total momentum is also conserved. [Any two, 1 + 1]
12. State the law of equipartition of energy. How many degrees of freedom will a diatomic gas molecule
possess?
Solution
 When a gas is in thermal equilibrium, the total energy is equally distributed in all possible energy
1
modes, with each mode having an energy equal to k B T , where k B is Boltzmann constant and T
2
is its absolute temperature. [1]
 Degrees of freedom of diatomic molecule is five. [1]
13. Figure shows two identical springs connected to a mass m . The oscillation frequency of the mass m is
f . If one of the springs is removed, what will be the new frequency of oscillations.

Solution
The situation is equivalent to two springs in parallel.
Therefore effective spring constant is 2 k , where k is the spring constant of each spring.
1 2k
f 
2 m
On removal of one spring, [1]
1 k f
New frequency is f    [1]
2 m 2

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14. Mention any two differences between longitudinal waves and transverse waves.
Solution
Longitudinal waves Transverse waves
Oscillations of the particles of the medium Oscillations of particles (or of the electric and
are parallel to the direction of propagation. magnetic fields) are at right angles to the direction
of propagation.
Have alternate compressions and Have alternate crests and troughs (if the waves are
rarefactions. mechanical).
Velocity of a longitudinal wave in a gas is Velocity of a transverse mechanical wave on a
k T
given by v  ; k is the bulk modulus and string is given by v  ; T is the tension and 
 
 density. linear density.
Can travel in solids, liquids or gases. Can travel only in solids, if the waves are
mechanical.
 can be defined as the distance between  can be defined as the distance between any two
any two consecutive compressions or consecutive crests or troughs if the waves are
rarefactions. mechanical.
Cannot be polarized Can be polarized
[Any two differences 1 + 1]
15. What are beats? How does the period of oscillation of a turning fork change, when one of its prongs is
filed?
Solution
The periodic rise and fall in the intensity of sound due to superposition of two sound waves of slightly
different frequencies, is called beats. [1]
When a prong of tuning fork is filed, its frequency increases. Hence time period decreases. [1]
16. How does the frequency of vibration of a stretched string depend on (a) its length and (b) tension in the
string?
Solution
1
(a) The frequency of vibration is inversely proportional to the length of the string. f  [1]
L
(b) The frequency of vibration is directly proportional to the square root of tension in the string.
f  T [1]
17. A travelling wave along a stretched string represented by the equation y1  a sin  k x   t  undergoes
reflection at the boundary. Write the equation of the reflected wave pulse in the following case.
(a) if the boundary is rigid. (b) if the boundary is non-rigid.
Solution
(a) On reflection at a rigid boundary, it undergoes a phase change of  .
The reflected wave is yr  x, t   a sin  k x   t      a sin  k x   t  [1]
(b) After reflection at a non-rigid boundary, there will be no change in its phase
The reflected wave is yr  x, t   a sin  k x   t  0   a sin  k x   t  [1]

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18. Mention any two applications of Doppler effect.

Solution
 It is used to determine the velocities of aeroplanes and submarines.
 It is used to determine the speed of an automobile (Police radar system).
 Doppler effect in light is used to determine the velocities of celestial bodies such as stars.
 Bats navigate by perceiving the change in frequency due to Doppler effect.
[Any two applications : 1 + 1]

PART - C
III. Answer any FIVE questions [5  3 = 15]
19. Equal masses of oxygen and helium gases are supplied equal amounts of heat. Which gas will undergo a
greater temperature rise? Explain your answer?
Solution
 Helium will undergo a greater temperature rise. [1]
 Helium is monatomic while oxygen is diatomic. In the case of helium, the supplied heat has to
increase only the translational kinetic energy of gas molecules. On the other hand, in the case of
oxygen, the supplied heat has to increase the translational, vibrational and rotational kinetic energy
of gas molecules. [2]
20. Explain specific heat of water using the law of equation of energy.
Solution
 Water is treated like a solid.
A water molecule has three atoms, two hydrogen and one oxygen.
For each atom, the average energy is 3 k B T .
The average energy of atoms in 1 mol of water, U  3  3 k B T   9 R T [1]
Q U
 Specific heat, C    9 R  9  8.31  75 J mol 1 K 1 [1]
T T
 1 cal  4.2 J
1 mol of water weighs 18 g , the heat capacity per mole is 75 J mol 1 K 1  9 R
Thus, there is a close agreement between the predicated value and the experimental value. [1]
21. For what value of displacement, is the potential energy of a particle in SHM equal to its kinetic energy?
Solution
1
U  m 2 x 2 [1]
2
1
K  m 2  A2  x 2  [1]
2
Since U  K ,
1 1
m 2 x 2  m 2  A2  x 2  or x 2   A2  x 2 
2 2
A
2 x 2  A2 or x [1]
2

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22. What are forced oscillations? Explain the term resonance. Give an example.
Solution
 If an external periodic force is applied on a body, the body will not oscillate with its natural
frequency, but it oscillates with the frequency of external periodic force. Such oscillations are called
forced or driven oscillations. [1]
 When an external periodic force is impressed on a body, the body oscillates with the frequency of
external periodic force. If the frequency of the external force is equal to the natural frequency of the
body, the body is set into oscillations with maximum amplitude and the intensity of the resulting
sound is maximum. This particular case of forced oscillation is called resonance. The frequency at
which resonance takes place is called resonant frequency. [1]
 The oscillating length of a stretched string in a sonometer is adjusted such that the frequency of the
oscillating portion of the string becomes equal to that of the oscillating tuning fork pressed on the
board. Thus the string oscillates with maximum amplitude. [1]
23. Write the Newton’s formula for the speed of sound in air and hence explain Laplace’s correction.
Solution
P
 Newton’s formula for the speed of sound in air is v  [1]

 Laplace suggested that the pressure variations during the propagation of sound waves in air, are so
fast that there is no sufficient time for the heat flow from compressions to rarefactions so that the
propagation takes place at constant temperature. Since there is no heat flow into the system or heat
flow out of the system, the propagation of sound through air takes place under adiabatic conditions.
[1]
c
 For an adiabatic process, P V   constant ,   P  ratio of specific heats
cV
Under adiabatic condition, B   P (Laplace’s correction)
P
Newton-Laplace formula for speed of sound in air is v  [1]

24. Write any three characteristics of stationary waves.
Solution
 The wave pattern is neither moving to the right or to the left. (Hence the name, standing waves or
stationary waves)
 The amplitude varies from point to point.
 Each element of the string oscillates with the same angular frequency 
 There is no phase difference between oscillations of different elements of the wave
 The string as a whole vibrates in phase with different amplitudes at different points.
 In a standing wave pattern,
 the points at which the amplitude is zero are called nodes.
 the points at which the amplitude is maximum are called antinodes.
 A significant feature is that the boundary conditions constrain the possible wavelengths (or
frequencies) of vibration of the system. The system cannot oscillate with any arbitrary frequency.
The system is characterised by a set of natural frequencies or normal modes of oscillation.
[Any 3 characteristics : 1 + 1 + 1]

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25. Write three differences between Mechanical and non-mechanical waves.

Solution
Mechanical waves Electromagnetic waves
Require a material medium for propagation Do not require a material medium for propagation
Particles of the medium oscillate Electric and magnetic fields oscillate
Travel at relatively lower speed in a medium Travel at higher speeds in a medium.
Can be transverse or longitudinal Are always transverse
Doppler effect is asymmetric w.r.t velocity of Doppler effect is symmetric
source and observer
[Any 3 Differences: 1 + 1 + 1]
26. Draw the graphs of kinetic energy, potential energy and total energy of a particle performing SHM
against time?
Solution
E = k(t) + U(t)
E
U(t)
Energy

K(t)
O t
T/4 T/2 3T/4 T K – t graph [1]
U – t graph [1]
Kinetic energy, potential energy and E – t graph
total energy as a function of time [1]

PART - D
IV. Answer any TWO of the following questions [2  5 = 10]
27. Obtain the expression for the pressure exerted by an ideal gas in a closed container on the basis of kinetic
theory of gases.
Solution
 Consider an ideal gas enclosed in a cube of side l.
Z
Let m is the mass of each molecule and n is the
number of gas molecules per unit volume.
Let a molecule with velocity (vx, vy, vz) hit the planar
wall parallel to yz-plane of area A = l 2, since the Diagram [1]
(vx, vy, vz)
collision is elastic, the molecule rebounds with the
Y
same velocity. Its y and z components of velocity do
(vx, vy, vz)
not change in the collision but the x component
reverses sign.
The velocity components now will be (vx, vy, vz). X
Change in the momentum of the molecule
= mvx  (mvx) = 2mvx

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By the principle of conservation of linear momentum, the momentum imparted to the wall during the
collision = 2mvx [1]
In a small time interval t, a molecule with x component of velocity vx will hit the wall if it is within
the distance (vxt) from the wall. All the molecules within the volume (Avxt) can hit the wall in
time t. But, on the average, we can assume that half of these molecules are moving towards the
wall and the other half are moving away from the wall.
1
The number of molecules with velocity (vx, vy, vz) hitting the wall in time interval t is (Avx t)n
2
Total momentum transferred to the wall by these molecules,
1 
p  (2mvx )  nAvx t 
2 
p  mnAvx t
2
[1]
Force on the wall is the rate of momentum transfer,
p
So, Force on the wall F 
t
mnAvx2 t
F
t
F  mnAv 2x
force mnAv 2x
Pressure on the wall    mnv 2x [1]
area A
All the molecules in a gas do not have the same velocity. There is a distribution in velocities. Thus,
p  mnvx2 holds good for pressure due to the group of molecules with speed vx in the x-direction and
n stands for number density of that group of molecules. Thus to find the total pressure, we replace
vx2 by its average value vx2
 
 Total pressure Ptotal = mn vx2 …(1)
Since the gas is isotropic, the molecular velocities are almost equally distributed in different
directions.
     
By symmetry vx2  vy2  vz2   vx2  vy2  vz2    v 2 
1
3
1
3
2
Where v = speed, v is the mean square velocity of the molecules.
 
Substituting vx2   v 2  in equation (1), we get,
1
3
Pressure of an ideal gas P  mn  v2 
1
…(2) [1]
3
28. Derive the expression for the time period of horizontal oscillation of a spring block system.
Solution
 Consider a block of mass m attached to one end of a light spring having force constant k .
The other end of the spring is fixed to a rigid
support. The block is placed on a frictionless
horizontal surface. (as shown in figure)
When the block is pulled on one side and released,
it executes SHM about mean position.

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 The restoring force F acting on the block at any instant t , when its displaced through a distance x
is
F  k x
From Newton’s second law, F  m a
ma k x
m   2 x    k x  a   2 x
k k
2  or 
m m
2 k

T m
 Then the period of oscillation is given by
m
T 2 … (1)
k
29. What is progressive wave? Write the general equation representing it and explain the symbols used.
Give any two alternate forms of the equation of a progressive wave.
Solution
 A continuous propagating disturbance is called a progressive wave.
 A wave that propagates due to simple harmonic vibrations of the particles of the medium is called a
harmonic progressive wave or sinusoidal wave.
Example: sound waves produced by a tuning fork are nearly sinusoidal
 In a harmonic progressive wave of given frequency, all the particles have same amplitude but
different phases.
 A sinusoidal progressive wave can be represented as
y  x, t   a sin   t  k x  0  … (1)
where
y  x, t   displacement as a function of position  x  and time  t 
a  amplitude of the wave   angular frequency of the wave
k  angular wave number or propagation constant 0  initial phase angle
2
k and  2  f

  wavelength of the wave f  frequency of the wave
 For the sinusoidal progressive wave propagating along positive X  axis
y  x, t   a sin   t  k x 
 x  
y  x, t   a sin   t   k   v  wave velocity
 v  v
 t x
y  x, t   a sin 2     T  time period
T 
2
y  x, t   a sin v t  x   wavelength


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V. Answer any TWO of the following questions [2  5 = 10]

30. State and explain the laws of vibration of a stretched string.
Solution
 The fundamental frequency of vibration of a stretched string is given by
1 T
f1 
2L 
L  length of the string T  tension in the string   linear density of the string
 Law of Length
The fundamental frequency of vibration of a stretched string is inversely proportional to its length L
provided the tension T and its linear density  are constant.
1
i.e., f  when T and  are constant
L
 Law of Tension
The fundamental frequency of vibration of a stretched string is directly proportional to square root of
its tension T provided its length L and its linear density  are constant.
i.e., f  T when L and  are constant
 Law of mass
The fundamental frequency of vibration of a stretched string is inversely proportional to square root
of its linear density  provided the tension T and its length L are constant.
1
i.e., f  when L and T are constant

31. Show that the frequencies of sound emitted by an open pipe are harmonics of the fundamental.
Solution
 A pipe which is open at both the ends is called an open pipe.
 Consider an open pipe of length L . Let v be the velocity of sound in air.
The air column in an open pipe vibrates in such a way that always antinodes are formed at the open
ends.
 First mode
In the first or fundamental mode of vibration, the entire length of the pipe
comprises of one loop.
Let 1 be the wavelength and f1 be the fundamental frequency.
 
L 1  1  or 1  2 L
 2
v v
f1  or f1  … (1)
1 2L

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 Second mode
In the second mode of vibration, the entire length of the pipe comprises of two
loops.
Let  2 be the wavelength and f 2 be the frequency of first overtone.
  2L
L2 2  or 2 
 2  2
v  v 
f2  or f2  2   … (2)
2 2 L

 Third mode:
In the third mode of vibration, the entire length of the pipe comprises of three
loops.
Let  3 be the wavelength and f 3 be the frequency of second overtone.
  2L
L3 3  or 3 
 2  3
v  v 
f3  or f3  3   … (3)
3 2 L
 From equations (1), (2) and (3), it follows that
f1 : f 2 : f 3  1: 2 : 3
Thus in case of an open pipe, the frequencies of the overtones is natural harmonics
of the fundamental.
32. Derive an expression for apparent frequency of sound in case of both source and observer moving in the
same direction.
Solution
 Consider a source S and an observer O are moving with speeds vs and vo respectively along the
same direction.

 Let the source emits sound waves of frequency f sends out waves with a speed v at a regular
1
interval of T  .
f
 The speed of the wave as perceived by the observer is  v  vo  .
At time t  0 , suppose the source is at a distance L from the observer. The first wave reaches the
observer at a time
L
t1 
 v  vo 

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 The source emits the second wave after a time T . In the mean time, the observer has moved a
distance vo T towards the source and the source moved a distance  vs T  towards the observer.
The distance between the source and the observer is  L   vs  vo  T 
The second wave reaches the observer at a time
 L   vs  vo  T 
t2  T  
 v  vo 
 The period of the wave as observed by the observer is
T   t2  t1
 L   vs  vo  T  L
T  T   
 v  vo   v  vo 
T  T 
L v  v  T  L
 s o
 v  vo   v  vo   v  vo 
T  T 
 vs  vo  T
 v  vo 
 v  vo  vs  vo 
T   T
 v  vo 
 v  vs 
T   T
 v  vo 
 The apparent frequency of the sound as heard by the observer is
1  v  vo  1
f 
T   v  vs  T

f
 v  vo  f
 v  vs 

VI. Answer any THREE of the following questions [3  5 = 15]

 2
33. A gas taken in a cylinder at 27 C , has a volume of 4 lt at pressure 100 N m . The gas is first
compressed at constant temperature so that its pressure is 150 N m  2 . Calculate the change in volume. It
is then heated at constant volume so that temperature becomes 127 C . Calculate the new pressure.
Solution
(a) P1  100 N m 2 , P2  150 N m  2 , V1  4 lt , V2  ?
Since temperature is kept constant,
P1 V1  P2 V2 [1]
P V 100  4
V2  1 1   2.67 lt [1]
P2 150
Change in volume V  V1  V2  4  2.67  1.33 lt [1]
2
(b) T1  27  273  300 K , T2  127  273  400 K , P2  150 M m , P3  ?
Since volume is kept constant,
P2 P3 P T
 or P3  2 3 [1]
T2 T3 T2
150  400
P3   200 N m  2 [1]
300

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34. The acceleration due to gravity on the surface of moon is 1.7 m s  2 . What is the time period of a simple
pendulum on the surface of moon if its time period on the surface of earth is 3.5 s ( g on the surface of
the earth is 9.8 m s  2 )?
Solution
l
Te  2  [1]
ge
l
3.5  2  …(1)
9.8
l
Tm  2  [1]
gm
l
Tm  2  …(2)
gm
(2)  (1) gives
Tm 9.8

3.5 1.7
9.8
Tm  3.5   8.4 s [1]
1.7
l Te2 g e
Te2  4 2 or l [1]
ge 4 2
3.52  9.8
l  3.04 m [1]
4  3.142

35. The expression y  0.08 sin  t  0.08 x  represents a wave, with distance in metre and time in
0.01
second . Calculate the velocity, amplitude, frequency and wavelength of the wave.
Solution

Given wave equation, y  0.08 sin  t  0.08 x 
0.01
y  0.08 sin 100  t  8  x 
On comparing with y  A sin   t  k x  [1]
A  0.08 m [1]
1
Angular frequency,   2  f  100  rad s
100 
f   50 Hz    [1]
2
2
Wave number, k   8  rad m1

2
  0.25 m [1]
8
Wave velocity, v  f   50  0.25  12.5 m s 1 [1]

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36. A train, standing at the outer signal of a railway station blows a whistle of frequency 400 Hz in still air.
What is the frequency of the whistle the observer standing on the platform when the train (a) approaches
the platform with a speed of 10 m s 1 (b) recedes from the platform with a speed of 10 m s 1 ? Speed of
sound in still air is 340 m s 1 .
Solution
(a) When the train approaches
f  400 Hz , v  340 m s 1 , vs  10 m s 1 , f   ?
 v 
f  f [1]
 v  vs 
 340 
f   400  412.1 Hz [2]
 340  10 
(b) When the train recedes
f  400 Hz , v  340 m s 1 , vs  10 m s 1 , f   ?
 v 
f  f
 v  vs 
 340 
f   400  388.6 Hz [2]
 340  10 
37. A closed organ pipe of length 0.42 m and an open organ pipe, both contain air at 35 C . The frequency
of first overtone of the closed pipe is equal to the fundamental frequency of open pipe. Calculate the
length of open pipe and the velocity of sound in air at 0 C . Given that closed pipe is in unison in its
fundamental mode with a tuning fork of frequency 210 Hz .
Solution
lc  0.42 m , f 0  210 Hz , lo  ? , v0  ?
3v
For closed pipe, first overtone is 3rd harmonic, f  [1]
4 lc
v 3v
For open pipe,  , l is the length of open pipe
2 lo 4 lc o
2 lc 2  0.42
lo    0.28 m [1]
3 3
vt  f 0  4 lc  210  4  0.42  352.8 m s 1 [1]
 t 
v0  vt   1   [1]
 546 
 35  1
v0  352.8  1    330.2 m s [1]
 546 

***

65