Oscillations & Simple Harmonic Motion

Stage 2 – Page 1 | Board Exam Short Answer Questions

1. What is Oscillatory Motion?

Oscillatory motion is the motion in which a body moves to and fro about a fixed mean position repeatedly.

Example: Motion of a pendulum bob.

2. Define Periodic Motion

A motion which repeats itself after equal intervals of time is called periodic motion.

Example: Rotation of Earth.

3. What is Mean Position?

Mean position is the position where the net force acting on the particle is zero.

In SHM, acceleration is zero at mean position.

4. Define Amplitude

Amplitude is the maximum displacement of the particle from its mean position.

5. Define Time Period

Time period (T) is the time taken to complete one full oscillation.

6. Define Frequency

Frequency is the number of oscillations per second.

f = 1 / T

7. What is Simple Harmonic Motion?

A motion is said to be SHM if:

Acceleration is proportional to displacement
Acceleration is always directed towards mean position

a ∝ –x

8. Write the equation of SHM

The equation of SHM is:

x = A sin(ωt + φ)

9. What is Angular Frequency?

Angular frequency is given by:

ω = 2π / T

10. Write expressions for Velocity & Acceleration in SHM

Velocity:

v = ω√(A² − x²)

Acceleration:

a = −ω²x

11. What is Phase?

Phase indicates the state of motion of the particle at a given instant.

12. When is velocity maximum in SHM?

Velocity is maximum at mean position.

13. When is acceleration maximum in SHM?

Acceleration is maximum at extreme positions.

14. Is SHM possible without restoring force?

No. Restoring force is essential for SHM.

15. Give two examples of SHM

Simple pendulum (small angle)
Spring–mass system

Board Tip:
Always write definitions clearly and underline key terms.

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