Advertisements
Advertisements
Question
A body of mass m is situated in a potential field U(x) = U0 (1 – cos αx) when U0 and α are constants. Find the time period of small oscillations.
Advertisements
Solution
Given the potential energy associated with the field
U(x) = U0 (1 – cos αx) [∵ For conservative force f, we can write f = `(-du)/(dx)`] ......(i)
Now, Force F = `- (dU(x))/(dx)` .....[We have assumed the field to be conservative]
F = `- d/(dx) (U_0 - U_0 cos ax) = - U_0 a sin ax`
F = `- U_0 a^2x` [∵ For small oscillations ax is small, sin ax ≈ ax] ......(ii)
⇒ F ∝ (– x)
As, U0, a being constant.
∴ Motion is S.H.M for small oscillations.
The standard equation for S.H.M F = `- mω^2x` ......(iii)
Comparing equations (ii) and (iii), we get
`mω^2 = U_0a^2`
`ω^2 = (U_0a^2)/m` or `ω = sqrt((U_0a^2)/m)`
∴ Time period T = `(2pi)/ω = 2pi sqrt(m/(U_0a^2))`
APPEARS IN
RELATED QUESTIONS
The period of a conical pendulum in terms of its length (l), semi-vertical angle (θ) and acceleration due to gravity (g) is ______.
The phase difference between displacement and acceleration of a particle performing S.H.M. is _______.
(A) `pi/2rad`
(B) π rad
(C) 2π rad
(D)`(3pi)/2rad`
A spring having with a spring constant 1200 N m–1 is mounted on a horizontal table as shown in Fig. A mass of 3 kg is attached to the free end of the spring. The mass is then pulled sideways to a distance of 2.0 cm and released.

Determine (i) the frequency of oscillations, (ii) maximum acceleration of the mass, and (iii) the maximum speed of the mass.
Answer the following questions:
The motion of a simple pendulum is approximately simple harmonic for small angle oscillations. For larger angles of oscillation, a more involved analysis shows that T is greater than `2pisqrt(1/g)` Think of a qualitative argument to appreciate this result.
Answer the following questions:
A man with a wristwatch on his hand falls from the top of a tower. Does the watch give correct time during the free fall?
A mass attached to a spring is free to oscillate, with angular velocity ω, in a horizontal plane without friction or damping. It is pulled to a distance x0 and pushed towards the centre with a velocity v0 at time t = 0. Determine the amplitude of the resulting oscillations in terms of the parameters ω, x0 and v0. [Hint: Start with the equation x = acos (ωt+θ) and note that the initial velocity is negative.]
Define practical simple pendulum
If the maximum velocity and acceleration of a particle executing SHM are equal in magnitude, the time period will be ______.
The period of oscillation of a simple pendulum of constant length at the surface of the earth is T. Its time period inside mine will be ______.
The relation between acceleration and displacement of four particles are given below: Which one of the particles is executing simple harmonic motion?
A particle executing S.H.M. has a maximum speed of 30 cm/s and a maximum acceleration of 60 cm/s2. The period of oscillation is ______.
The length of a second’s pendulum on the surface of earth is 1 m. What will be the length of a second’s pendulum on the moon?
Consider a pair of identical pendulums, which oscillate with equal amplitude independently such that when one pendulum is at its extreme position making an angle of 2° to the right with the vertical, the other pendulum makes an angle of 1° to the left of the vertical. What is the phase difference between the pendulums?
A tunnel is dug through the centre of the Earth. Show that a body of mass ‘m’ when dropped from rest from one end of the tunnel will execute simple harmonic motion.
A simple pendulum of time period 1s and length l is hung from a fixed support at O, such that the bob is at a distance H vertically above A on the ground (Figure). The amplitude is θ0. The string snaps at θ = θ0/2. Find the time taken by the bob to hit the ground. Also find distance from A where bob hits the ground. Assume θo to be small so that sin θo = θo and cos θo = 1.

In the given figure, a mass M is attached to a horizontal spring which is fixed on one side to a rigid support. The spring constant of the spring is k. The mass oscillates on a frictionless surface with time period T and amplitude A. When the mass is in equilibrium position, as shown in the figure, another mass m is gently fixed upon it. The new amplitude of oscillation will be:

A particle at the end of a spring executes simple harmonic motion with a period t1, while the corresponding period for another spring is t2. If the period of oscillation with the two springs in series is T, then ______.
