UNIT #10

Examples:
The motion of a bob of a pendulum.
The motion of the swing.
SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION The motion of the string of sitar.
Q.2. Explain the following terms of SHM: Vibration, amplitude, time
AND WAVES period, frequency. (Comprehensive Q.3. FTB)
Ans. Oscillation/Vibration/Cycle: One complete round trip of an
(TOPICAL NOTES) oscillating body, during which It passes through all the points of Its
motion is known as oscillation or vibration or cycle.
Amplitude: It is the maximum displacement of a vibrating body
10.1 OSCILLATION OR VIBRATION from its mean position while executing S.H.M.
It is measured in metre(m).
10.2 SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION (SHM) Time period: It is the time taken by a body executing simple
Q.1. What do you mean by oscillation? Define simple harmonic harmonic motion to complete one cycle.
motion. Write down its condition and give some examples. It is the reciprocal of frequency. 𝑇= 𝑓
1
(Comprehensive Q.1 FTB)
OR What is simple harmonic motion? What are the necessary It is measured in seconds (s).
conditions for a body to execute simple harmonic motion? Frequency: It is the number of wave cycles passing through
𝑁
(Review Q.1. PTB) some point per unit time. Mathematically: 𝑓 = 𝑡
Ans. Oscillation/Vibration/Cycle: One complete round trip of an Its unit is hertz (Hz).
oscillating body, during which It passes through all the points of Its
motion is known as oscillation or vibration or cycle. Q.3. Explain that a steel ball dropped in from edge of shining bowl
Simple Harmonic Motion: performs SHM. (Comprehensive Q.4. FTB)
The type of motion in which the acceleration of a body is directly Ans. When the ball is displaced from its equilibrium position say to
proportional to its displacement and the acceleration is always directed point ‘P’, upon releasing it will start
towards the mean position is called Simple Harmonic Motion (S.H.M). moving under restoring force
Conditions for S.H.M: towards equilibrium position,
 There must be elastic restoring force acting on the system. opposite to the displacement ‘x’.
 A system executing S.H.M always vibrates about a fixed position. after reaching equilibrium position
 The system must have inertia. ‘O’ the ball will continue its motion
 The acceleration of the system should be proportional to its under inertia and will reach the
displacement from the mean position. other extreme position point ‘Q’
 The acceleration of the system must always be directed towards
the mean position.
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and thus, it will continue to oscillate back and forth. Ans. Frequency is the uber of waves passing through a point in a second.
Mathematically: 𝐹𝑟𝑒𝑠 ∝ −𝑥 …. 1 Mathematically, 𝑓 = ,
𝑁
𝑡
Here the negative sign shows that the restoring force and
Time period is the time taken for complete one complete wave to pass
displacement are oppositely directed. 𝑡
The proportionality 1 for restoring force leads us to restoring through a point. Mathematically, 𝑇 = 𝑁 ,
1
acceleration as a force will always produce acceleration. Mathematically: This shows that frequency is the reciprocal of time period, i.e., 𝑓 = 𝑇 .
𝑎 ∝ −𝑥 …… 2
Q.7. A ball is dropped from a certain height onto the floor and
Proportionality 1 and 2 are basic conditions of S.H.M. Therefore, motion
keeps bouncing. Is the motion of the ball simple harmonic? Explain.
of ball and bowl system is a S.H.M.
(Conceptual 10.2)
Ans. In case of bouncing ball, conditions of S.H.M are not satisfied
• There is no restoring force or acceleration opposite to
Q.4. Give an example of vibratory motion which is not simple
displacement when it is falling.
harmonic motion. Give a reason for your selection.
• Acceleration due to gravity remains constant while for SHM the
(Conceptual Q.1 FTB)
acceleration varies with displacement.
OR A ball is dropped from a certain height onto the floor and
keeps bouncing. Is the motion of the ball simple harmonic? Explain.
(Conceptual Q.10.1 PTB) Q.8. What is the displacement of an object in SHM when the kinetic
and potential energies are equal?
Ans. Yes, when a ball is dropped from a height on a perfectly elastic
surface, the motion is oscillatory but not simple harmonic as restoring Ans. Let amplitude = A
force F = mg = constant and not F∝−x, which is an essential condition for Displacement = x
1
S.H.M. P.E = 2 𝑘𝑥 2
1
Q.5. At extreme position velocity is zero but acceleration is P.E = 2 𝑘(𝐴2 − 𝑥 2 )
maximum in simple harmonic motion how can you theoretically Since loss in K.E = gain in P.E,
explain it? (Conceptual Q.2 FTB) 1 1
Therefore 𝑘(𝐴2 − 𝑥 2 ) = 𝑘𝑥 2
Ans. Maximum acceleration: At extreme position displacement “x” is 1
2
1 1
2

maximum and since according to conditions of SHM, 𝐹𝑟𝑒𝑠 ∝ −𝑥 and 𝑎 ∝ 𝑘𝐴2 − 2 𝑘𝑥 2 = 𝑘𝑥 2

2 2
−𝑥. Therefore, maximum displacement means maximum acceleration. 1
𝑘𝐴2 =
1 1
𝑘𝑥 2 + 2 𝑘𝑥 2
2 2
Zero velocity: Maximum displacement is a point at which the 1
object undergoing SHM comes to rest for a moment before accelerating 𝑘𝐴2 = 𝑘𝑥 2
2
1
toward mean position under the effect of restoring force. 𝐴2 = 𝑥 2
2
1
Q.6. Show that frequency and time period of waves are inverse of √ 2 𝐴2 = 𝑥
each other. (Comprehensive Q.11.FTB)

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 𝑥=
𝐴
𝐹𝑟𝑒𝑠 = 𝑚𝑎 ….. (3)
√2
𝐴 Comparing equations 1 and 3
Thus displacement when kinetic and potential energies are equal = 𝑚𝑎 = −𝑘𝑥
√2
𝑘
or 𝑎 = −𝑥 𝑚
10.3 MOTION OF MASS ATTACHED TO SPRING As mass of the body “m" and the spring constant “k” remain constant
Q.1. Show that vibrating mass spring system performs simple during the oscillatory motion, therefore acceleration 'a' and
harmonic motion. What is its time period? On what factors it displacement 'x' are related by:
depends? (Comprehensive Q.2 FTB) 𝑎 ∝ −𝑥 (4)
Ans. Motion of mass attached to a spring: Proportionalities 2 and 4 are the conditions for SHM. Here both the
Consider a body of mass conditions are satisfied, so we can say that mass attached to a spring
"m" attached to an elastic executes SHM.
spring as shown in figure. Time period of mass spring system:
The body moves over a The acceleration of an oscillating body can be given by:
𝑘
frictionless horizontal 𝑎 = −𝑥 𝑚 …….. (1)
surface. Let the body be Also, 𝑎 = −𝜔2 𝑥 as, 𝜔 = 2𝜋𝑓 =
2𝜋
….. (2)
displaced from Its means 𝑇
2𝜋 2 4𝜋 2
position 'O' to an extreme 𝑎 = −( 𝑇 ) 𝑥 ⇒ 𝑎 = − 𝑇2 𝑥
position ' P" and released. 𝑘 4𝜋 2
The elastic restoring force Comparing equations (1) and (2): −𝑥 𝑚 = − 𝑇 2 𝑥
of the spring will pull the 𝒎
𝑻 = 𝟐𝝅√ 𝒌
body towards mean
position "O". For an ideal Factors: Factors affecting time period of a spring mass system are:
spring that obeys Hooke's  Mass ‘m’. 𝑇 ∝ √𝑚
Law the elastic restoring 1
 Spring constant ‘k’. 𝑇 ∝
force Fres is given by: √𝑘
𝐹𝑟𝑒𝑠 = −𝑘𝑥 ….. (1)
As "k” is spring constant, Q.2. What is a spring constant? Write its unit.
so equation 1 can be Ans. Definition: The spring constant is the ratio of applied force ‘F’ to
written as: the change in length of the spring ‘x’.
𝐹𝑟𝑒𝑠 ∝ −𝑥 …. (2) −𝐹
Formula: 𝑘= 𝑥
Thus, motion of mass attached to spring Is SHM. The acceleration
produced by the restoring force can be given by Newton's 2nd law of Unit: Its unit is N/m.
motion:

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Q.3. What will happen to acceleration of mass spring system if its Fres = - mg sinθ
mass is doubled? (Conceptual Q.3. FTB) The negative sign is there, because the restoring force tends to decrease
𝑘 displacement or we can say that the restoring force is directed towards
Ans. From the motion of a mass spring system, since 𝑎 = −𝑥 𝑚 the
mean position.
acceleration will be halved if mass is doubled by keeping the For small angle (θ), the arc OP will
displacement and the spring constant unchanged. become a straight line OP and the
triangle ∆OPR will become a right
Q.4. Same masses are attached to different springs one is vibrating angle triangle. The sine ratio will
faster. Why? (Conceptual Q.6. FTB) then be given by:
𝑥
𝑚
Ans. Since 𝑇 = 2𝜋√ 𝑘 , the faster spring mass system has lesser mass 𝑆𝑖𝑛θ =
𝑙
Putting equation 3 in equation 2:
attached to it and the spring has larger value of spring constant that 𝑥
slower. 𝐹𝑟𝑒𝑠 = −𝑚𝑔 𝑙

As m, g and l remain constant, so

restoring force is proportional to
10.4 SIMPLE PENDULUM displacement from me position,
Q.1. What is simple pendulum? Show that vibrating simple given by: 𝐹𝑟𝑒𝑠 ∝ −𝑥
pendulum performs SHM. What is the formula for time period of
simple pendulum? On what factors it depends? From Newton's 2nd law of motion,
(Comprehensive Q.5. FTB) the restoring force can be given by: 𝐹𝑟𝑒𝑠 =
Ans: A simple pendulum consists of a small bob of mass 'm' attached to 𝑚𝑎
𝑥
the lower end of a string and is suspended from a fixed point at its upper Comparing equations 4 and 6: 𝑚𝑎 = −𝑚𝑔 𝑙
end. At the equilibrium position "O”, the net force on the bob is zero and 𝑎 = −𝑥 𝑙
𝑔

the bob is stationary. Let the bob is taken to the extreme position “P”
The proportionalities 5 and 7 satisfy the two conditions for SHM. This
where the net force is not zero.
means that a pendulum executes SHM.
𝑙
At point “P”, weight of the bob is divided into its rectangular Time period: 𝑇 = 2𝜋√𝑔,
components "mg cosθ" and "mg sinθ”. The tension in the string cancels
the mg cosθ component of the weight given by: Factors: Time period of a simple pendulum depends upon length of
pendulum “l” and gravitational acceleration “g”.
𝑇 = mg cosθ Q.2. If the length of a simple pendulum is doubled, what will be the
change in its time period?
The restoring force is only provided by “mg sinθ" component given by:
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 𝑙 Q.3. A simple pendulum has time period of 4 seconds. Will the time
Ans. As, 𝑇 = 2𝜋√𝑔
period remain same or change, if its steel bob is replaced by wood
If length is doubled i.e., l´= 2l, the new time period will be bob of same size? (Conceptual Q.5. FTB)
𝑙´ 2𝑙 Ans. Replacing steel bob with wood bob of same size will change its
𝑇´ = 2𝜋√𝑔 = 2𝜋√ 𝑔
𝑙
𝑙
mass but since 𝑇 = 2𝜋√𝑔, so changing mass will not affect the time
𝑇´ = √2 × 2𝜋√𝑔
period that will still be 4s.
𝑇´ = √2𝑇
Therefore, time period will become √2𝑇 if length s doubled.
Q.3. A student performed 2 experiments with a simple pendulum.
He/ She used two spheres of different masses by keeping the other Q.4. A simple pendulum has time period “T” in Murree. In Karachi,
parameters constant. To his/her astonishment the time period of it has different time period. What would you do to make its time
the pendulum did not change! Why? (Conceptual Q.10.3 PTB) period same as it was in Murree. (Conceptual Q.7. FTB)
Ans. The value of ‘g’ at Murree is less than at Karachi since Murree is
Ans. The formula for the time period of length is given by , 𝑙
higher in altitude than Karachi. Since 𝑇 = 2𝜋√ , so the time period “T”
𝑔
𝑙
𝑇 = 2𝜋√𝑔 in Murree is greater than at Karachi. So, the length of pendulum must be
which shows that time period of a simple pendulum does not depend on decreased to make its time period same as it was in Murree.
mass of sphere, so by using bobs of different masses, the time period
will remain same. 10.5 DAMPING
Q.1. Explain the process of damping. Differentiate between damped
and undamped oscillations. (Comprehensive Q.6. FTB)
Q.4. A simple pendulum has time period “T”. What will happen to OR
its time period if its thread length is shorten to half. *What are damped oscillations. How damping progressively
(Conceptual Q.4. FTB) reduces the amplitude of oscillation?* (Review Q 10.3. PTB)
Ans. Since 𝑇 = 2𝜋√𝑔,
𝑙 Ans. *Definition: Damping is the effect that tends to reduce the
amplitude of vibrations of an oscillating body.
1 𝑙
For half the length the new time period T’ = 2𝜋√2 × 𝑔 Explanation: Vibratory motion of ideal systems, in the absence of any
friction or resistance, continues indefinitely under the action of a
T’ =
1 𝑙
2𝜋√𝑔 =
1
𝑇 restoring force. But somehow there must be a resistive force that
√2 √2
𝑇
gradually reduces the amplitude of vibration. Such type of motion is
Therefore, time period will become times initial value. called damped oscillations. The motions of simple pendulum and spring-
√2

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mass system will eventually stop if they are left untouched because they the shock absorber is firmly attached to the body of the car. When the
will loss energy due to the resistive forces there as shown in figure. The car travels over a bump on the road, the car may vibrate violently. The
amplitude of vibration reduces progressively from A1 to A2 and then to shock absorbers damp these vibrations and convert their energy into
A3. * heat energy of the oil.

10.6 WAVES AND THEIR TYPES

Q.1. Define the term wave. Explain it with the help of an example.
Differentiate between mechanical waves and electromagnetic
waves. (Comprehensive Q.7. FTB)
Q. How can you define the term wave? Elaborate the difference
between mechanical and electromagnetic waves. Give examples of
each. (Review Q.10.4 PTB)
Q. *What types of waves do not require any material medium for
their propagation? * (10.4)
Damped oscillations Undamped oscillations Ans. Wave: Waves is a disturbance that moves outwards from its
 In damped oscillations the  In undamped oscillations the point of origin, transferring energy by means of vibrations with little or
amplitude decreases with time. amplitude does not decrease no transport of medium.
 There is a resistive force that with time. Explanations: Wave motion is related to oscillation as particles
opposes the motion during  Net resistive force remains zero of the medium execute SHM about their mean position when a wave
oscillation. during oscillation. passes.
 Comes to a stop after some time.  Continues indefinitely. Example: Take a rope and color a part of it. Attach one end of the
 Power is reduced to zero with  Power remains same. rope to the wall and wiggle the other end continuously. A wave train will
time. be produced. The colored part of rope will execute oscillations about
certain mean position as shown in figure.
Mechanical waves: Such type of waves which require material medium to
Q.2. Give a practical example of damped propagate from one point to another point are called mechanical waves. If
oscillations. medium does not exist, mechanical waves cannot travel from one point to
OR another point. For example, sound wave, waves produced in watet by
How does a shock absorber undergo throwing stone, seismic wave etc.
damped oscillation? Electromagnetic waves: *Such type of waves which do not require material
Ans. Shock absorbers in automobiles are one medium propagate from one point to another point are called
practical application of damped motion. A electromagnetic waves. * It means that existence of material medium is not
shock absorber consists of a piston moving necessary for propagation of electromagnetic waves. It consists of electric
through a liquid such as oil. The upper part of
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and magnetic fields. Examples of electromagnetic waves are light waves, x-
rays, ultraviolet waves., infrared waves etc.
Q.2. Define transverse waves. Discuss its motion with the help of
example. Also define the following terms for transverse waves;
crest, trough, wavelength, frequency and time period.
(Comprehensive Q.8. FTB)
Q. Define longitudinal waves. Discuss its motion with the help of
example. Also define the following terms for longitudinal waves;
rarefaction, compression, wavelength.
(Comprehensive Q.9. FTB)
Q. Distinguish between longitudinal waves and transverse waves
with suitable examples. (Review Q.10.5 PTB)
Ans. Longitudinal Waves:
Definition: In longitudinal waves, the direction of vibration of particles
is parallel to the direction of propagation of the waves.
Propagation: These waves propagate in the form of compressions and
rarefactions.
Wavelength: The distance between two consecutive compressions or
rarefactions is wavelength of the longitudinal waves.
Compression: The region of longitudinal waves where pressure is
higher or particles are close together than normal is called compression.
Rarefaction: The region of longitudinal waves where pressure is lower
or particles are farther apart than normal is called rarefaction
Production: Longitudinal waves can be produced on a slinky spring
with one end fixed to a wall. Hold other end in hand give it a regular
push and pull quickly along the length of the spring.
Longitudinal waves on a slinky.
A series of disturbances in the form of compressions and rarefactions
will start moving along the length of the slinky towards the fixed end.
Thus longitudinal waves are produced.
Examples:
 Sound waves
 Longitudinal waves on a slinky.
Transverse waves:
Definition: In transverse waves, the direction of vibration of particles is
perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave.
Propagation: These waves travel in the form of crests and troughs.
Wavelength: The distance between two consecutive crests or troughs is
called wavelength of the transverse wave.
Crest: The region of transverse wave where particles of medium are
above the mean position is called crest.
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Trough: The region of transverse wave where particles of medium are
below the mean position is called trough.
Production: Transverse waves can be produced on a slinky spring with
one end fixed to a wall. Hold other end in hand and move it up and down
quickly.
A series of disturbances in the form of crests and troughs will start
moving along the length of the slinky towards the fixed end. Thus,
transverse waves are produced.
Examples:
a. Waves on surface of water.
b. Waves produced on a slinky spring.
c. Waves produced in a rope.
Q.5. Does increasing the frequency of a wave also increase its
Q.3. Derive the formula for speed of waves (v) relating speed, wavelength? If not, how are these quantities related?
frequency and wavelength of waves. (Comprehensive Q.10. FTB) Ans. No, wavelength does not increase with the increase of frequency
Ans. The distance travelled by a wave in unit time is called wave of wave because frequency dependsupon the source which produces
speed.
𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 waves per second. But the wavelength of a wave depends upon the
Mathematically, 𝑉𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 = magnitude of vibrating particle.
𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒
∆𝑑
𝑣=
∆𝑡
If time taken by the wave in moving from one point to another is equal Q.6. Waves are the means of energy transfer without transfer of
to the time period then the distance covered by the wave will be equal to matter. Justify this statement with the help of a simple experiment.
one wavelength or s= λ , and t=T, Ans. Drop a stone into a pond of water. Water waves will be produced
λ
Now we have 𝑣 = 𝑇 on the surface of water and will travel outwards. Place a cork at some
Time period ‘T’ of the wave is the reciprocal of the frequency ‘f’ i.e. distance from the
1 falling stone. When
𝑇= 𝑓 waves reach the
cork, it will move
Therefore, 𝒗 = 𝑓λ up and down along
with the motion of
Q.4. Draw a transverse wave with an amplitude of 2cm and the water particles
wavelength of 4cm. Label crest and trough on the wave. by getting energy
Ans. from the waves.
This activity shows
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that water waves like other waves transfer energy from one place to means of a vibrator (paddle) The vibrator is an oscillating electric motor
another without transferring matter, i.e., water. fixed on a wooden plate over the tray such that its surface just touches
Q.7. What factors affect the amount of energy carried by a wave? the surface of the water. On setting the vibrator On, this wooden plate
Ans: The amount of energy carried by the wave depends on: starts vibrating to generate water waves. It also consists of
 Amplitude of the wave.  Electric supply
 Frequency of the wave.  Stand
 Distance from the source.  White paper or screen
 Lamp or electric bulb
Q.8. Why do transverse waves move through solids at a speed less
than half of longitudinal waves?
Plane waves: A straight dipper
Ans. It is because the restoring force exerted during the up and down is used to generate plane waves
motion of particles of the medium in case of transverse waves is less consisting of straight wavefronts
than the restoring force exerted by a back and forth motion of particles attached at the end of vibrator.
of the medium in case of longitudinal waves. Circular waves: A spherical or
round dipper is used to generate
10.7 PROPERTIES OF WAVES circular waves attached at the
Q.1. What is ripple tank? Describe its construction and working. end or the vibrator.
Use ripple tank to study reflection, rarefaction and diffraction of Following are the characteristics of waves that can be studied
water waves. using ripple tank:
OR Reflection: the change in direction of a wavefront at an interface
Explain the following properties of between two different media or rigid barrier so that the wavefront
waves with reference to ripple tank returns into the medium from which it is originated is called reflection.
experiment: In
a. Reflection b. Refraction c. Diffraction
(Review Q.10.9 PTB)
Ans. Ripple Tank: Ripple tank is a device
used to produce water waves and to
demonstrate different properties of water
waves like reflection, refraction and
diffraction.
Construction: A Ripple tank consists of a
ripple tank, reflection can be demonstrated by placing an upright
rectangular tray having glass bottom and
barrier straight in a tray and a reflection of water can be seen on the
is placed nearly half meter above the surface of water in the tray by
screen when a wavefront strikes the barrier and bounces back.

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Refraction: “When a wave from one medium enters into second
medium at some angle its direction may change. This phenomenon is
called refraction.”
This boundary
behavior of water
waves can be
observed in a
ripple tank if the
tank is partitioned
into a deep and a
shallow section. If
a pane of glass is placed in the bottom of the tank, one part of the tank
will be deep and the other part of the tank will be shallow. Waves
traveling from the deep end to the shallow end can be seen to refract
(i.e., bend), decrease wavelength (the wavefronts get closer together),
and slow down (they take a longer time to travel the same distance).
Converse is true when water waves enter a
deeper region from shallow.
Diffraction: “The bending or spreading of a
wave round the sharp edges or corners or
through an opening is called diffraction.
Diffraction occurs only when size of obstacle
is comparable with wavelength of wave.
This ca be observed using ripple tank by
placing two barriers in such a way that
separation is less than or equal to the size of
waves.
If separation is larger between barriers
compared to wavelength then central part of
wave will not be affected, only part of wave at
edges will diffract.
Q.2. What do the dark and bright fringes on the screen of ripple
tank represent?
Ans. The crests of the waves appear as bright lines on the paper
because they behave like convex lens andconverge the rays of light
falling on them. The troughs of the waves appear as dark lines on the
paper because they behave like concave lens anddiverge the rays of
light falling on them.
Q.3. What will happen to the frequency of waves in ripple tank if
time period of electrical vibrator is decreased? What will happen to
the wave speed? (Conceptual Q.8. FTB)
1
Ans. Since 𝑓 = 𝑇 so frequency is inversely proportional to time period
and thus frequency of waves will decrease with increase in time period
of vibrator.
Also 𝑣 = 𝑓λ, so frequency is directly proportional to wave speed and
thus wave speed will decrease with decrease in time period of vibrator.
Q.4. Why do water waves refract at the boundary of shallow water
and deep water in ripple tank experiment? (Conceptual Q.9. FTB)
Ans. As waves enter from shallow water to deep water, the wavelength
increases so the speed also increases and vice versa. This increase in
speed will cause the waves to change direction causing refraction.
Converse is also true.
Q.5. Plane waves in the ripple tank undergo refraction when they
move from deep to shallow water. What change occurs in the speed
of the waves? (Q.10.5 PTB)
Ans. When water waves enter from deeper to shallower region, its
wavelength decreases which decreases its speed. Since 𝒗 = 𝒗 𝒗,
This change in speed causes them to change their direction called
refraction of waves.
Q.6. Under what condition are the waves diffracted the most?
(Conceptual Q.10. FTB)
Ans. Diffraction is greatest when the size of the opening is less than or
equal to the size of the wavelength of waves.
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