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NEET Physics: Oscillations and periodic motion Practice Questions

15 free multiple-choice questions on Oscillations and periodic motion (Oscillations and Waves) for NEET Physics, each with the correct answer and a step-by-step explanation. Attempt a question, then reveal the solution to check your reasoning.

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  1. Q1. If the frequency of oscillation of a simple pendulum is doubled, what happens to its time period?

    • AIt is doubled
    • BIt remains the same
    • CIt is halved
    • DIt is quadrupled
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: A — It is doubled

    The time period T is related to frequency (f) by T = 1/f. If frequency is doubled, the time period is halved.

  2. Q2. The total mechanical energy of a particle undergoing SHM is conserved. At the extreme positions (maximum displacement), the total energy is entirely:

    • ABoth Kinetic and Potential Energy
    • BPotential Energy
    • CKinetic Energy
    • DZero
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: B — Potential Energy

    At the extreme positions of oscillation (maximum displacement), the velocity is zero, so Kinetic Energy (KE) is zero. Thus, the total energy is purely stored as Potential Energy (PE) at these points.

  3. Q3. What is the relationship between frequency (f) and time period (T) of an oscillation?

    • AT = 2πf
    • BT = f/2π
    • Cf = 1/T
    • Df = T²
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: C — f = 1/T

    Frequency (f) is the reciprocal of the time period (T). Thus, f = 1/T.

  4. Q4. The total mechanical energy of a mass executing SHM is given by:

    • AE = 1/2 k A²
    • BKE = 1/2mv²
    • CE = 1/2 m ω² A²
    • DPE = mgh
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: C — E = 1/2 m ω² A²

    For SHM, the total energy is conserved and can be expressed in terms of amplitude (A) and angular frequency (ω): E = 1/2 m ω² A².

  5. Q5. The time period of oscillation of a simple pendulum depends on which of the following physical quantities?

    • AAcceleration due to gravity
    • BLength of the pendulum
    • CMass of the bob
    • DAmplitude of swing
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: B — Length of the pendulum

    The time period (T) of a simple pendulum is given by T = 2π√(L/g), where L is the length and g is acceleration due to gravity. It depends on the length and gravity.

  6. Q6. If an object is in SHM, its velocity is maximum when its displacement from the mean position is at:

    • AMaximum
    • BNegative amplitude
    • CZero
    • DPositive amplitude
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: C — Zero

    In SHM, velocity is zero when the object is at the extreme positions (maximum displacement) and maximum when it passes through the mean position (zero displacement).

  7. Q7. The relationship between the frequency (f) and the time period (T) of any oscillatory motion is given by:

    • Af = 1/T
    • BT = f/2π
    • Cf = T²
    • DT = 2πf
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: A — f = 1/T

    Frequency and time period are reciprocals of each other: f = 1/T, which means T = 1/f.

  8. Q8. In Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM), the total mechanical energy of the oscillating body is conserved. Which of the following quantities is always constant throughout the motion?

    • ALinear momentum
    • BKinetic energy
    • CPotential energy
    • DBoth B and C
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: D — Both B and C

    In Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM), the total mechanical energy (Kinetic Energy + Potential Energy) is conserved. While both kinetic energy (KE = 1/2 mv²) and potential energy (PE = 1/2 kx²) oscillate between maximum and minimum values, their sum remains constant, representing the total energy of the system.

  9. Q9. The motion of a body executing simple harmonic motion is characterized by a restoring force that is proportional to which term?

    • ADisplacement
    • BVelocity
    • CAcceleration
    • DForce applied
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: A — Displacement

    In SHM, the restoring force is directly proportional to the displacement from the equilibrium position and acts in the opposite direction.

  10. Q10. If the frequency of oscillation of a system is 10 Hz, what is the time period of oscillation?

    • A100 s
    • B0.1 s
    • C0.01 s
    • D10 s
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: D — 10 s

    Frequency (f) and time period (T) are inversely related: T = 1/f. If f = 10 Hz, then T = 1/10 = 0.1 s.

  11. Q11. Which of the following physical quantities is NOT a characteristic of Simple Harmonic Motion?

    • AConstant velocity
    • BZero acceleration at mean position
    • CConstant acceleration
    • DAcceleration proportional to displacement
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: A — Constant velocity

    SHM is defined by acceleration being proportional to displacement, and velocity/force changing direction, not constant velocity.

  12. Q12. What is the physical significance of the amplitude in Simple Harmonic Motion?

    • AThe total energy of the system
    • BThe maximum speed attained
    • CThe maximum displacement from the mean position
    • DThe frequency of oscillation
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: C — The maximum displacement from the mean position

    Amplitude is the maximum displacement reached by the oscillating body from its equilibrium (mean) position.

  13. Q13. Which of the following represents the periodic motion of a simple pendulum?

    • AMotion along a straight line
    • BUniform acceleration
    • CCircular motion
    • DOscillatory motion
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: D — Oscillatory motion

    A simple pendulum undergoes oscillatory motion, meaning it moves back and forth repeatedly in a regular pattern, which is the definition of periodic motion.

  14. Q14. The time period of a simple harmonic motion is defined as the time taken for one complete cycle of oscillation. If the frequency of oscillation is f, what is the time period T of the motion?

    • AA = f/2π
    • BD = f²
    • CB = 2π f
    • DC = 2π/f
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: D — C = 2π/f

    The relationship between time period (T) and frequency (f) is T = 1/f. If we use angular frequency ω, then ω= 2πf, and T = 2π/ω. Option C represents the relationship T = 2π/f when f is the standard frequency (cycles per second).

  15. Q15. In a system undergoing SHM, when the displacement is maximum, the instantaneous velocity of the body is:

    • AZero
    • BMaximum
    • CHalf the maximum value
    • DEqual to the acceleration
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: A — Zero

    At the extreme positions (maximum displacement), the body momentarily stops before reversing direction, hence the instantaneous velocity is zero.

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