NEET Physics: Simple harmonic motion S H M and its equation Practice Questions
14 free multiple-choice questions on Simple harmonic motion S H M and its equation (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.
Practice thousands more NEET questions in the app →Q1. The total mechanical energy of a simple harmonic oscillator is conserved. This energy is continuously exchanged between kinetic energy and potential energy. At the points of maximum displacement, the energy is stored primarily as:
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Correct answer: A — potential energy only
At the points of maximum displacement (extreme positions), the velocity is momentarily zero, meaning the kinetic energy is zero, and the total energy is entirely stored as potential energy (maximum potential energy).
Q2. If the frequency of oscillation of a system is 5 Hz, what is the time period of oscillation?
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Correct answer: C — 0.2 s
The time period (T) is the reciprocal of the frequency (f): T = 1/f. If f = 5 Hz, then T = 1/5 = 0.2 seconds.
Q3. In SHM, the total energy of the system is conserved. This energy is primarily kinetic energy at which point?
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Correct answer: A — Maximum velocity
Kinetic energy (K = 1/2 mv²) is maximum when the velocity (v) is maximum, which occurs at the mean position of the oscillation.
Q4. In Simple Harmonic Motion, the instantaneous velocity of the oscillating body is maximum when its displacement from the mean position is:
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Correct answer: A — zero
In SHM, the velocity is maximum when the body passes through the equilibrium position (mean position), where the displacement is zero.
Q5. In SHM, if the phase of the displacement function is φ= 0, what is the instantaneous position of the particle at time t=0?
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Correct answer: D — Zero displacement.
The general equation for SHM position is x = Asin(ωt + φ). If φ=0, then at t=0, x = Asin(0) = 0. The particle is at the equilibrium position.
Q6. For a particle executing Simple Harmonic Motion, what defines the maximum speed attained by the particle?
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Correct answer: B — The velocity at the phase of maximum displacement
In SHM, the instantaneous speed is maximum when the particle passes through the equilibrium position. Since speed is related to displacement and velocity (speed = dx/dt), the maximum speed occurs when the displacement (x) is zero. However, the maximum speed is achieved when the velocity is maximum, which corresponds to the passage through equilibrium.
Q7. If the equation describing the displacement of an oscillator is x = A cos(ωt), what does the term A represent in the context of SHM?
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Correct answer: B — Amplitude
In the general equation x = A cos(ωt + φ), A represents the maximum extent or distance from the equilibrium position, which is the definition of the amplitude of oscillation.
Q8. For a particle executing SHM, the maximum velocity occurs when the particle is at which position?
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Correct answer: B — Zero displacement
In SHM, velocity is maximum when the particle passes through the equilibrium position (mean position), where the displacement is zero.
Q9. If the amplitude of a simple harmonic motion is doubled while keeping the mass constant, how does the total energy stored in the system change?
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Correct answer: C — It is quadrupled
The total energy in SHM is proportional to the square of the amplitude (E ∝ A²). If the amplitude is doubled (2A), the energy becomes (2A)² = 4A², so it is quadrupled.
Q10. The total mechanical energy of a particle executing SHM is maximum when its kinetic energy is:
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Correct answer: A — maximum
In SHM, total energy (E = K + U) is conserved. Potential energy is maximum at extreme positions (x=A, where K=0), meaning kinetic energy is minimum (zero). Total energy is maximum when potential energy is zero, which occurs at the equilibrium position (x=0), thus kinetic energy is maximum.
Q11. Which of the following statements correctly describes the relationship between the angular frequency (ω) and the time period (T) of a simple harmonic motion?
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Correct answer: D — ω= 2π/T
The angular frequency (ω) and the time period (T) are related by the formula ω= 2π/T.
Q12. The frequency of oscillation is defined as the number of complete oscillations that occur in one second. What is the unit of frequency?
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Correct answer: C — Hertz (Hz)
Frequency is the rate of oscillation, measured in cycles per second, which is denoted by Hertz (Hz). One Hz is equal to one cycle per second.
Q13. If the amplitude of oscillation in SHM is doubled while the angular frequency remains constant, the new time period of oscillation will be:
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Correct answer: A — doubled
Since T = 2π/ω, if ω is constant, T remains constant. The period does not change if the frequency does not change.
Q14. The angular frequency (ω) of an oscillation is related to the time period (T) by the equation:
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Correct answer: C — ω= 2π/ T
The relationship between angular frequency (ω) and time period (T) is ω= 2π/T.
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