[CHAPTER # 07 (OSCILLATION)] Class: 11th

Chapter # 07
Oscillation
Q2) Write short answers of the following questions.
i) Give two applications in which resonance plays an important role.
Answer:
Tuning a radio: The antenna of a radio receives thousands of different radio waves. However, we
obviously, want to listen to one of them. The tuning system of the radio distinguishes the desired frequency
for us. The tuning system consists of electric circuit in the radio set, usually a knob on the radio body and a
calibrated part showing different readings.
Now, when we are turning the knob on the radio set, we are in fact changing the frequency of the receiving
circuit. When this frequency equals the transmission frequency of the station we want to listen (resonance is
produced), it absorbs maximum energy and we hear that frequency clearly.
Cooking by microwave oven: Resonance plays an important role in heating and cooking food by
microwave oven. The microwaves produced by oven are absorbed due to resonance by water and fats
molecules in the food. This increase the internal energy of the molecules. They get heat up and so food is
cooked.

ii) What happens to the time period of a simple pendulum if its length is doubled?
Answer: The time period of a simple pendulum is given by:
√ … (1)
If the length becomes double, then

√ √

√ ( √ )… (2)
Putting value from equation (1) in (2)
√
When the length becomes double, the time period increases √ times.

iii) What will be the frequency of a simple pendulum if its length is ‘1 m’?
Answer: Frequency of a simple pendulum is given by:
√
If and , then:

And its time period will be:

iv) Give one practical example each of free and forced oscillation.
Answer: When an object is in free oscillation, it vibrates with its natural frequency without the interference
of some external force. Oscillation of a simple pendulum is a good example of free oscillation. When a
simple pendulum is set into oscillation, it vibrates with its own natural frequency. If it is not disturbed by
some external force, it will continue to do so with its natural frequency.
Notes By: Ms. Maimoona Altaf Page 1
 [CHAPTER # 07 (OSCILLATION)] Class: 11th

If a force is continuously and repeatedly applied to keep the oscillation going, the oscillation is said to be
forced oscillation. If a child is swinging in a swing and someone is continuously providing pushes to the
swing, then the appropriately timed pushes will keep the swing swinging. This is an example of forced
oscillation. The vibration of factory floor caused by the running of heavy machinery is another example.

v) A simple pendulum set into vibrations and left untouched, eventually stops, why?
Answer: When simple pendulum vibrates then there is friction between its different parts e.g. between hook
of bob and string, the point of suspension and string and air friction. During it’s to and fro motion, the
pendulum continuously does work against the resistance of the air. So, the energy of oscillation gradually
decreases.

When energy decreases then it decreases amplitude of oscillation and eventually it comes to rest i.e. when
energy = 0, then amplitude = 0.

vi) Explain why in S.H.M. the acceleration is zero when the velocity is greatest?
Answer: The velocity and acceleration of a body executing S.H.M. is:
√ … (1)
… (2)
When displacement x = 0 (i.e. at mean position), equations (1) and (2) become
√ [maximum]
[zero]
Therefore, when the velocity is maximum, acceleration is minimum, i-e, 0.

vii) Is there a connection between F and x in mass spring system? Explain.

Answer: Yes, force F and displacement x are inter-related in a mass-spring system.
A mass-spring system is one in which a certain mass is connected to a spring. Under the
action of gravity, the mass exerts a force on the spring which stretches it. The restoring force
in the spring attracts the mass again and the mass is, thus, set in Simple Harmonic Motion.
Consider a body having mass 'm' attached to the spring on one end. The spring is placed
on a smooth frictionless surface. Suppose 'k' is the spring constant. When a certain force
is applied to the body, the spring is elongated to displacement x. Applying Hook's law,

This equation gives the relation between F and x in a spring mass system. It states that greater force
produces greater displacement (extension) in the spring.

viii) What happens to the frequency of a simple pendulum as its oscillations die down from large
amplitude to small?
Answer: The amplitude of oscillation gradually decreases in the case of a damped oscillation. So the
situation in question is of damped oscillation.
Now damping is caused by the resistance of the air (or any other medium) to the motion of the oscillator.
The oscillator does work against this resistance force and gradually its energy is decreased. The resistive
force not only decreases the amplitude of vibration but it also increases the time period of oscillation. Since
frequency and time period are inversely proportional, the increased time period will decrease the frequency
of oscillation.

ix) A singer, holding a note of right frequency, can shatter a glass. Explain.
Answer: Like any solid body, glass also has a natural frequency of vibration. When a singer holds a note of
a particular frequency which is equal to the natural frequency of the glass, it will vibrate with great
amplitudes due to resonance. As a result the glass may be blown apart in pieces.

Notes By: Ms. Maimoona Altaf Page 2