Short Q/A Simple Harmonic Motion and Waves - Students Free Notes

What is the significance of wave speed in a medium?

Wave speed determines how quickly a wave propagates through a medium. It depends on the medium’s properties, such as density and elasticity, and is calculated using v = fλ . Related Questions: Give an example of vibratory motion which is not simple harmonic motion. Give a reason for your selection. At the extreme position, velocity … Read more

How does damping affect oscillatory motion?

Damping is the gradual decrease in amplitude due to resistive forces like air resistance or friction. It reduces energy in the system, eventually stopping the oscillations. Related Questions: Give an example of vibratory motion which is not simple harmonic motion. Give a reason for your selection. At the extreme position, velocity is zero but acceleration … Read more

Why does a simple pendulum have a longer time period on the Moon than on Earth?

The time period of a pendulum depends on gravity . Since the Moon’s gravity is weaker than Earth’s, the time period T=2π√L/g g increases, making the pendulum oscillate more slowly. Related Questions: Give an example of vibratory motion which is not simple harmonic motion. Give a reason for your selection. At the extreme position, velocity … Read more

What is the difference between frequency and time period of a wave?

Frequency (f) is the number of oscillations per second, measured in Hertz (Hz), while the time period (T) is the time taken for one complete oscillation, measured in seconds. They are related by the equation: f=1/T Related Questions: Give an example of vibratory motion which is not simple harmonic motion. Give a reason for your … Read more

Why does the acceleration of a simple pendulum increase as it moves away from the equilibrium position?

The acceleration of a simple pendulum is given by . Since acceleration depends on displacement , as the pendulum moves away from the equilibrium position, increases, leading to greater acceleration due to the restoring force. Related Questions: At the extreme position, velocity is zero but acceleration is maximum in simple harmonic motion. How can you … Read more

Under what conditions are waves diffracted the most?

Waves diffract the most when their wavelength is comparable to or larger than the size of the obstacle or opening they pass through. Related Questions: Give an example of vibratory motion which is not simple harmonic motion. Give a reason for your selection. At the extreme position, velocity is zero but acceleration is maximum in … Read more

Why do water waves refract at the boundary of shallow water and deep water in a ripple tank experiment?

Water waves refract because their speed changes when moving from one depth to another, causing a change in wavelength and direction. Related Questions: Give an example of vibratory motion which is not simple harmonic motion. Give a reason for your selection. At the extreme position, velocity is zero but acceleration is maximum in simple harmonic … Read more

What will happen to the frequency of waves in a ripple tank if the time period of the electrical vibrator is decreased? What will happen to the wave speed?

Frequency and time period are inversely related. If the time period decreases, frequency increases. Wave speed remains the same if the medium does not change. Related Questions: Give an example of vibratory motion which is not simple harmonic motion. Give a reason for your selection. At the extreme position, velocity is zero but acceleration is … Read more

A simple pendulum has a time period “T” in Murree. In Karachi, it has a different time period. What would you do to make its time period the same as it was in Murree?

The time period depends on gravitational acceleration, which is slightly lower at higher altitudes like Murree. To make it the same in Karachi, the length of the pendulum should be slightly increased. Related Questions: A simple pendulum has a time period “T”. What will happen to its time period if its thread length is shortened … Read more

Same masses are attached to different springs, one is vibrating faster. Why?

The spring with a higher spring constant  ‘k’ vibrates faster because the time period T≈2π√m/k is inversely proportional to ‘k’. Related Questions: Give an example of vibratory motion which is not simple harmonic motion. Give a reason for your selection. At the extreme position, velocity is zero but acceleration is maximum in simple harmonic motion. … Read more