1

10 a) Oscillations Argument (𝜔𝑡 + ∅) is known as phase and ∅ is known

Periodic Motion : It is the motion of a body which is
repeated again and again, after fixed interval of time. For
example revolution of earth around sun, rotation of earth
about its axis and motions of the hands of a clock etc. are
periodic motions.
Oscillatory or Vibratory Motion : It is a back and forth
motion or to and fro motion of a body between two fixed
points, which is repeated after regular interval of time. For
example motion of a body attached to a spring, motion of
liquid in a U-shaped tube and motion of a simple pendulum
bob etc. are oscillatory motions.
Definition :
as initial phase.
Simple Harmonic Motion (S.H.M) : Simple harmonic
motion is an oscillatory motion in which restoring force on
the oscillating body is directly proportional to the
displacement of the body. Hence for simple harmonic
motion Restoring force ∝ − Displacement
or 𝐹 ∝ −𝑦.
Negative sign is due to the opposite directions of restoring
force (𝐹) and displacement (𝑦)
Uniform Circular Motion and Simple Harmonic Motion :
Let a particle P is moving in a circle, where N is projection
of point 𝑃 on the diameter 𝑦𝑜𝑦’ at an instant.

1. One oscillation : It is a one round trip motion of the

oscillating body. In fig. motion of the bob from point A
to B, then back to point A completes one oscillation.

It is clear when the particle P moves from point x to y then

2. Time period (T) : It is the time taken to complete one
oscillation by the oscillating body.
3. Frequency (𝜈) : It is the number of oscillations
completed by the oscillating body in one second.
4. Displacement (y): It is the change in position of the
oscillating body with respect to its mean position.
5. Amplitude (𝑟) : Maximum displacement of the particle
is known as amplitude.
6. Angular frequency (𝝎): It is given by 𝜔 = 2𝜋𝜈
Periodic function : It is a functions which represents a
periodic motion. Sine and Cosine functions are periodic
functions. Which are written as
f t = a sin ωt or f t = b cos ωt
Where y is displacement, a and b are amplitudes and 𝛚
is angular frequency.
its projection 𝑁 moves from point O to y. When particle
move from point y to x’ then its projection 𝑁 moves from
point y to O. When particle move from point x’ to y’ then its
projection 𝑁 moves from point O to y’ and When particle
move from point y’ to x then its projection 𝑁 moves from
point y’ to O. In this way, as the particle P completes one
revolution, its projection N completes one oscillation along
the diameter yoy’. If motion of the particle P is periodic
then motion of its projection 𝑁 will be simple harmonic.
Characteristics of Simple Harmonic Motion:
1. Displacement (𝒚) Displacement of the particle
executing S.H.M is defined as its position with respect
to its mean position. Consider a particle P is moving in a
circle of radius 𝑟 with a uniform angular velocity 𝜔.
When particle starts moving from point X and reaches to
point P in time t, then y is displacement of the projection of
the particle

Phase : Phase of an oscillating particle is a physical

quantity which express the position and direction of motion
of the particle with respect to its mean position at an instant.
Argument of a sine or cosine function is known as phase.

In the periodic function f(t) = a sin(ωt + ∅)

 2
From right angled triangle ONP This is the expression for the displacement of a particle in
S.H.M.
ON
= sin θ
OP
In general 𝑦 = 𝑟𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝜔𝑡 ± ∅) ……….(1)
y
or = sin θ
𝐫
2. Velocity : Velocity is defined as the change in
or y = r sin θ displacement per unit time.
or y = r sin ωt [As θ = ωt ] Displacement of a particle in S.H.M is 𝑦 = 𝑟𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝜔𝑡 ± ∅)
When particle starts moving from point A and reaches to Differentiating both side with respect to time t.
point P in time t, then ∅ is initial phase of the projection of
𝑑𝑦 𝑑
the particle. Then θ = ωt + ∅ = 𝑟𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝜔𝑡 ± ∅)
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡

or 𝑣 = 𝑟𝜔 𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝜔𝑡 ± ∅) …….(2)

Special Results : Eqn. (2) can be written as

𝑣 = 𝑟𝜔 1 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 (𝜔𝑡 ± ∅)

Using eqn. (1) we get

𝑦 2
𝑣 = 𝑟𝜔 1 −
𝑟

From right angled triangle ONP

or 𝑣 = 𝜔 𝑟 2 − 𝑦 2 ..…(3)
ON
= sin θ
OP At mean position 𝑦 = 0, 𝑣 = 𝜔 𝑟 2 − 02 = 𝑟𝜔 = 𝑣𝑚𝑎𝑥
𝑦
or = 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃
𝒓 At extreme position y = r, 𝑣 = 𝜔 𝑟2 − 𝑟2 = 0
or 𝑦 = 𝑟 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃 3. Acceleration : Acceleration is defined as the rate of
change of velocity.
or 𝑦 = 𝑟 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜔𝑡 + ∅
Velocity of a particle in S.H.M is
When particle starts moving from point B and reaches to
point P in time t, then ∅ is initial phase of the projection of 𝑣 = 𝑟𝜔 𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝜔𝑡 ± ∅)
the particle. Then 𝛉 = 𝛚𝐭 − ∅
Differentiating both side with respect to time t
𝑑𝑣 𝑑
= 𝑟𝜔 𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝜔𝑡 ± ∅)
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡

or 𝑎 = − 𝜔2 𝑟 𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝜔𝑡 ± ∅)

or 𝑎 = − 𝜔2 𝑦 ……...(4) [Using eqn. ( 1)]

At mean position y=0, 𝑎 = − 𝜔2 0 = 0

At extreme position y =r, 𝑎 = − 𝜔2 𝑟 ( max. acceleration)

From right angled triangle ONP 4. Time period: Time period is defined as the time taken
ON to complete one oscillation by the particle executing
= sin θ S.H.M. Acceleration in S.H.M. is give by
OP
𝑦
or = 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃 a = 𝜔2 𝑦 (neglecting -ve sign )
𝒓
𝑎
or 𝑦 = 𝑟 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃 or = 𝜔2
𝑦

or 𝑦 = 𝑟 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜔𝑡 − ∅
 3
𝑎
or =𝜔
𝑦

𝑎 2𝜋
or =
𝑦 𝑇

𝑦
or 𝑇 = 2𝜋
𝑎

Graphical representation of S.H.M : Displacement of a Acceleration of S.H.M is

particle executing S.H.M is
𝑎 = − 𝜔2 𝑟 𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝜔𝑡 ± ∅)
𝑦 = 𝑟𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝜔𝑡 ± ∅)
2𝜋
2𝜋 Put 𝜔= and ∅ = 0,
Put 𝜔= and ∅ = 0, 𝑇
𝑇
2𝜋
2𝜋 Then we get 𝑎 = − 𝜔2 𝑟 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑡
Then we get 𝑦 = 𝑟𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑡 𝑇
𝑇
2𝜋
2𝜋 At time t= 0, 𝑎 = − 𝜔2 𝑟 𝑠𝑖𝑛 0 =0
At time t= 0, 𝑦 = 𝑟𝑠𝑖𝑛 0 =0 𝑇
𝑇
𝑇 2𝜋 𝑇
𝑇 2𝜋 𝑇 At time 𝑡 = , 𝑎 = −𝜔2 𝑟 𝑠𝑖𝑛 = − 𝜔2 𝑟
At time 𝑡 = 𝑦 = 𝑟𝑠𝑖𝑛 =r 4 𝑇 4
4 𝑇 4
𝑇 2𝜋 𝑇
𝑇 2𝜋 𝑇 At time 𝑡 = 𝑎 = − 𝜔2 𝑟 𝑠𝑖𝑛 =0
At time 𝑡 = 𝑦 = 𝑟𝑠𝑖𝑛 =0 2 𝑇 2
2 𝑇 2
3𝑇 2𝜋 3𝑇
3𝑇 2𝜋 3𝑇 At time 𝑡 = 𝑎 = −𝜔2 𝑟 𝑠𝑖𝑛 = 𝜔2 𝑟
At time 𝑡 = 𝑦 = 𝑟𝑠𝑖𝑛 =r 4 𝑇 4
4 𝑇 4
2𝜋
2𝜋 At time 𝑡 = 𝑇 𝑎 = − 𝜔2 𝑟 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑇 = 0
At time 𝒕 = 𝑻 𝑦 = 𝑟𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑇 = 0 𝑇
𝑇

Motion of a Simple Pendulum : An ideal simple pendulum

Velocity of S.H.M is consist of a heavy point mass suspended by a weightless
and inextensible string from a rigid support, which can
𝑣 = 𝑟𝜔 𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝜔𝑡 ± ∅) oscillate freely. In actual practice we cannot have a heavy
2𝜋
point mass. Hence practically a simple pendulum consist of
Put 𝜔= and ∅ = 0, a small metal sphere known as bob, which is suspended to
𝑇
a rigid support with the help of a cotton thread. The distance
2𝜋
Then we get 𝑦 = 𝑟𝜔𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑡 between the point of suspension S and the centre of gravity
𝑇
of the bob is known as length of the pendulum.
2𝜋
At time t= 0, 𝑣 = 𝑟𝜔 𝑐𝑜𝑠 0 = 𝑟𝜔 Motion of a Simple Pendulum is S.H.M : Consider a
𝑇

𝑇 2𝜋 𝑇
simple pendulum of length 𝑙 and with mass of the bob m.
At time 𝑡 = 𝑦 = 𝑟𝜔 𝑐𝑜𝑠 =0 Let the bob is displaced from its mean position O to a point
4 𝑇 4
P, then y is linear displacement and 𝜃 is angular
At time 𝑡 =
𝑇
𝑦 = 𝑟𝜔𝑐𝑜𝑠
2𝜋 𝑇
= − 𝑟𝜔 displacement of the bob.
2 𝑇 2

3𝑇 2𝜋 3𝑇 Different forces on the bob at point P are

At time 𝑡 = 𝑦 = 𝑟𝜔𝑐𝑜𝑠 =0
4 𝑇 4
1. Weight of the bob W = mg
At time 𝑡 = 𝑇 𝑦 = 𝑟𝜔𝑐𝑜𝑠
2𝜋
(𝑇) = 𝑟𝜔 2. Tension in the string T along PS
𝑇
 4
𝑙
𝑇 = 2𝜋
𝑔

This is time period of the simple pendulum.

Second’s Pendulum : It is that simple pendulum whose

time period is 2 seconds.

Time period of a simple pendulum is

𝑙
𝑇 = 2𝜋 ….…(1)
𝑔

For second’s pendulum 𝑇 = 2 Sec,

Two mutually perpendicular components of mg are: Also g = 9.8𝑚𝑠 −1

(i) 𝑚𝑔𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 along PA Hence eqn. (1) gives

(ii) 𝑚𝑔𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃 along PB
𝑙
𝑇 = 2 × 3.14
Component mg cos  is balanced by the tension T and 9.8

Component mg sin  act as restoring force on the bob. or 𝑙 = 0.993 𝑚 = 99.3 𝑐𝑚

Hence restoring force on the bob is given by
𝐹 = − 𝑚𝑔𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃………(1)
( -Ve sign is due to opposite directions of F and 𝜽)
If 𝜽 is very small then 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃 ≈ 𝜃, then eqn. (1) become
Motion of a Loaded Spring: Consider a light spring AB of
spring constant k suspended from a rigid support at point
A. Let a body of mass m is attached to its lower end B,
such that BC = l is extension in the spring.

𝐹 = − 𝑚𝑔 𝜃
𝑦
Put 𝜃=
𝑙

Then we get
𝑦
𝐹 = 𝑚𝑔 …….(2)
𝑙

As 𝑚, 𝑔 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑙 are constants for a pendulum.

Hence eqn. (2) gives that Then restoring force in the spring is
𝐹 ∝ −𝑦 𝐹1 = −𝑘𝑙…….(1)
𝑖. 𝑒. 𝑚𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑕𝑒 𝑏𝑜𝑏 𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑕𝑎𝑟𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑖𝑐. (Negative sign is due to opposite directions of F and 𝒍 )
Time period of S.H.M is given by Let the body is pulled downward through a small
displacement CD = y, then extension in the spring is (l + y )
𝑦
𝑇 = 2𝜋 ……..(3)
𝑎 Then restoring force in the spring is
Eqn. (2) can be written as 𝐹2 = −𝑘(𝑙 + 𝑦)….(3)
𝑦
𝑚𝑎 = 𝑚𝑔 Effective restoring force is given by
𝑙

𝑦 𝑙 𝐹 = 𝐹2 − 𝐹1
or =
𝑎 𝑔
By using eqns.(1) and (2) we get
Using this is result in eqn. and (5) we get
𝐹 = −𝑘 𝑙 + 𝑦 −(−𝑘𝑙)
 5
𝑦
or 𝐹 = −𝑘𝑦…..(3) or 𝑊 = 𝑚𝜔2 𝑦 dy
0

or 𝐹 ∝ −𝑦 𝑦2
𝑦
or 𝑊 = 𝑚𝜔2
2 0
i.e. motion of the body is simple harmonic,
𝑦2 (0)2
Time period of S.H.M is given by or 𝑊 = 𝑚𝜔2 −
2 2

y 𝑦2
T = 2π …..(4) or 𝑊 = 𝑚𝜔2
a 2

1
Eqn.(3) can be written as or 𝑊 = 𝑚𝜔2 y 2
2

m a = −k y This work done is equal to potential energy of the particle.

𝐲 𝐦 1
or = Hence 𝑃. 𝐸 = 𝑚𝜔2 y 2 …..(2)
𝐚 𝐤 2

Using this result in eqns. (4)we get Kinetic Energy : It is the energy possessed by the particle
due to its motion.
m
T = 2π
k Kinetic energy of a particle of mass m moving with velocity v
is given by
Energy of S.H.M : A particle executing S.H.M possess
Potential energy and Kinetic energy. Sum of these two 𝐾. 𝐸. =
1
𝑚𝑣 2
2
energies is known as the energy of the Simple Harmonic
Motion.
For S.H.M 𝑣 = 𝜔 𝑟2 − 𝑦2 hence
Potential Energy : It is the energy possessed by a particle 2
1
due to its displacement from its mean position. 𝐾. 𝐸 = 𝑚 𝜔 𝑟 2 − 𝑦 2
2

Let a particle of mass m is executing S.H.M with angular 1

or 𝐾. 𝐸 = 𝑚𝜔2 ( 𝑟 2 − 𝑦 2 )………..(3)
frequency 𝜔 and amplitude r. 2

If a is acceleration and y is displacement of the particle Total energy in S.H.M is given by

at an instant,
𝐸 = 𝑃. 𝐸 + 𝐾. 𝐸
Then acceleration of the particle is
Using eqn. (2) and (3) we get
a = −𝜔 𝑦 2
1 1
𝐸 = 𝑚𝜔2 𝑦 2 + 𝑚𝜔2 𝑟 2 – 𝑦 2
2 2
And force on the particle is
1
or 𝐸 = 𝑚𝜔2 𝑟 2
. 𝐹 = 𝑚𝑎 2

or F = m( −𝜔2 𝑦) Variation of P.E and K.E of S.H.M is shown below

or F = -m 𝜔2 𝑦….…(1)

Work done against this force for a small displacement dy

is given by

dW = F. dy

Using eqns. (1) we get

dW = m 𝜔2 𝑦 dy
Types of oscillations
Total work done in changing the position of the particle from
0 to y is given by 1. Free Oscillations : Oscillations of a body are said to be
free oscillations if the body oscillates freely with its
𝑦
𝑑𝑊 = 0
m 𝜔2 𝑦 dy natural frequency.
 6
Restoring forces set up in the two springs respectively are
2. Forced Oscillations: Oscillations of a body are said to given by
be forced oscillations if the body oscillates under the
𝐹1 = −𝑘1 𝑦
effect of an external periodic force.
The external periodic force is known as the driving And 𝐹2 = −𝑘2 𝑦
force. Frequency of the forced oscillations is different
from the natural frequency of the oscillations. Total restoring force is

𝐹 = 𝐹1 + 𝐹2
3. Resonant oscillations : Resonance is a state when
frequency of the driving force is equal to the natural or 𝐹 = −𝑘1 𝑦 + (−𝑘2 𝑦)
frequency of the oscillations. At resonance Amplitude
of the oscillations is maximum. And Oscillations are or 𝐹 = −(𝑘1 + 𝑘2 )𝑦 ..…(1)
known as resonant oscillations. Let k be the spring constant of this combination, then total
restoring force is 𝐹 = −𝑘𝑦 …….(2)
4. Damped Oscillations : Oscillations of a body are said
to be damped oscillations if amplitude of the oscillations From eqns. (1) and (2) we get
gradually decreases with time. Damping of the
oscillation is caused due to the dissipative force like air −𝑘𝑦 = −(𝑘1 + 𝑘2 )𝑦
resistance, friction and viscosity etc. or 𝑘 = 𝑘1 + 𝑘2

2. Series Combination : A series combination of two

springs of spring constants 𝑘1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑘2 is shown
below.

Restoring forces set up in two springs respectively are given

by 𝐹1 = −𝑘1 𝑦1
𝐹
or 𝑦1 = − …..….(1)
5. Un-damped Oscillations: Oscillations of a body are 𝑘1

said to be un-damped if amplitude of the oscillations and 𝐹2 = −𝑘2 𝑦2

remains constant. It is possible if oscillations are free
𝐹
from the dissipative force like air resistance, friction or 𝑦2 = − ……..(2)
𝑘2
and viscosity etc.

Combination of Springs

1. Parallel Combination: A parallel combination of two

springs of spring constants 𝑘1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑘2 respectively
is shown below.

Total extension is given by

𝑦 = 𝑦1 + 𝑦2

Using eqns.( (1) and (2) we get

𝐹 𝐹
𝑦=− + −
𝑘1 𝑘2

1 1
or 𝑦 = −𝐹 +
𝑘1 𝑘2

1 1
or 𝑦 = −𝐹 + .…(3)
𝑘1 𝑘2
 7
From 𝐹 = −𝑘𝑦
𝐹
we get 𝑦 = ……..(4)
𝑘
From eqns.(3) and (4) we get
1 1 1
= +
𝑘 𝑘1 𝑘2
Revision Questions
1. What periodic motion? Give three examples
2. What is oscillatory motion? Give three examples.
3. For an Oscillatory motion, define (i) Time Period (ii)
Frequency (iii) Displacement (iv) Amplitude.
4. What do you mean by simple harmonic motion? Explain
about uniform circular motion and Simple Harmonic
Motion
5. Discuss about the characteristics of simple harmonic
motion.
6. What is a simple pendulum? Show that motion of a
simple pendulum is simple harmonic. Obtain time period
of the simple pendulum.
7. Show that motion of a loaded spring is simple harmonic
motion. Obtain time period of the oscillations of the
loaded spring.
8. Which are the energies possessed by a body executing
simple harmonic motion? Derive expressions for theses
energies and for the total energy.
9. Explain briefly about (i) Free Oscillations (ii) Forced
Oscillations (iii) Damped Oscillations.
10. What do you mean by (i) Spring Constant (ii) Deriving
Force (iii) Resonance of the Oscillations?
11. What is a Second’s Pendulum? Find length of Second’s
Pendulum.
Conceptual Questions
1. A girl is sitting on a swing. If another girl sits by her
side then what is the effect on time period of swing ?
2. A girl sitting on a swing stands up. What is the effect on
time period of swing?
3. A body is dropped in a hole along the diameter of earth.
What is the type of motion of the body?
4. A pendulum clock is taken to mountain top. Does it loss
or gain the time period?
5. The soldiers marching on a suspended bridge are
advised to go out of steps. Why?
6. For an oscillating simple pendulum, at what position the
tension in the string is (i) maximum (ii) minimum
7. At what distance from mean position, K.E and P.E of
an oscillating simple pendulum are equal?
8. If amplitude of the simple harmonic oscillator is doubled.
What is the effect on (i) maximum velocity (ii) total
energy (iii) period of the oscillations?
9. What provide restoring force in the oscillation (i) in
simple pendulum (ii) in spring (iii) in liquid column in a
U-shaped tube?
10. Length of a simple pendulum is doubled. How will its
time period change?
11. During the oscillations of a body, which quantities
remain constant?
12. The bob of a simple pendulum is made of ice. How will
time period change when ice start melting?
13. Two identical pendulums are oscillating with amplitudes
of 2cm and 3cm. Find the ratio of their energies.
Numerical Problems
1. A simple harmonic motion is represented by
𝐲 = 𝟓𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝟏𝟎𝐭 + 𝟎. 𝟒).
Find amplitude, angular frequency, time period and
initial phase, if y is in meters and t is in seconds.
2. The equation of simple harmonic motion of a body is
given by
𝐲 = 𝟒. 𝟎 𝐦 𝐜𝐨𝐬⁡ [ 𝟑𝛑𝐫𝐚𝐝 𝐬 −𝟏 𝐭 + 𝛑 𝟐]
Find displacement, speed and acceleration of the body
after 2sec, starting from t = 0.
3. The velocity of a body is 20m/s when passes through its
mean position during its simple harmonic motion. Find
frequency if amplitude is 10cm.
4. The time period for the simple harmonic motion of a
body is 2sec. After how much time from t = 0 will its
displacement become half of its amplitude?
5. A particle executing S.H.M has velocity 4m/s at
displacement of 3cm and 3m/s when displacement is
4cm. Find time taken for the displacement of 2.5cm.
6. The shortest distance travelled by a particle executing
S.H.M. from mean position in 2sec. is equal to ( 𝟑 𝟐)
times its amplitude. Find its time period.
7. Displacement of a particle executing S.H.M is given by
𝐱 = 𝟏𝟎𝐬𝐢𝐧𝛚𝐭 (in cm).
Find velocity and acceleration of the particle 2 sec.
after it passé through mean position, if its time period is
10 seconds.
8. A mass of 2kg is executing S.H.M. If its displacement is
given by
𝐱 = 𝟓. 𝟎 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝐭 + 𝛑 𝟒 (cm)
Find maximum kinetic energy.
9. A mass of 4kg is executing S.H.M with amplitude 20cm.
Restoring force at a displacement of 20cm is 50N. Find
(i) time period (ii) acceleration, potential energy, kinetic
energy, when displacement is 10 cm.
10. A particle is executing S.H.M with amplitude 0.2m. and
its kinetic energy at mean position is 0.08Joules. Write
equation for its motion if initial phase 𝟒𝟓𝟎