B.Sc. (H.R.

K) Waves and Oscillation Chapter # 15: Oscillations

Chapter # 15: Oscillations

Each day we encounter many kinds of oscillatory motion. Common examples include the swinging pendulum of a clock
and vibrating guitar string. Examples on the microscopic scale are vibrating atoms in quartz crystal of a wristwatch and
vibrating molecules of air that transmit sound waves. The above cases are mechanical oscillations. We are also familiar
with electromagnetic oscillations, such as electrons surging back and forth in circuits that are responsible for
transmitting and receiving radio or TV signals.
One common feature of all these systems is the mathematical formulation used to describe their oscillations. In all cases,
the oscillating quantity, whether it be the displacement of a particle or the magnitude of an electric field, can be
described in terms of sine or cosine functions.
In this chapter we concentrate on mechanical oscillations and their description.
15.1 The Simple Harmonic Oscillator (SHO)
“An oscillator whose acceleration is directly proportional to the displacement and acceleration is directed
towards the mean position is called simple harmonic oscillator.”
Derivation of the Equation of Simple Harmonic Oscillator
Consider an oscillating system consisting of a particle of
mass m attached to a spring of spring constant „ ‟ that is free to
move over a frictionless horizontal surface is subjected to
restoring force such that:

where is the displacement of the particle from its equilibrium

position. is also called the stiffness factor and its value depends
on the nature of spring. It is large for a hard spring and small for a
sift spring.
From 2nd law of motion

̈ ̈
From (1) and (2), we have:
̈
̈

̈ ̈

This is the equation of motion of simple harmonic oscillator. This is second order differential equation. This
equation gives a relation between x and its 2nd derivative ̈ .
1
Prof. Nasir Perviz Butt Contact Us: Whatsapp # +923016775811, www.facebook.com/HomeOfPhysics
B.Sc. (H.R.K) Waves and Oscillation Chapter # 15: Oscillations
Solution of Equation of Simple Harmonic Oscillator
The motion of simple harmonic oscillator is described by formula:
̈
Multiplying both sides by ̇ we get
̇ ̈ ̇
Integrating both sides with respect to time t, we have:

∫ ̇ ̈ ∫ ̇ ∫

Say

̇
̇

̇ √

Integrating both sides, we have:

∫ ∫
√

( )
√ ⁄

( )
√ ⁄
So the above expressions becomes

( )
√ ⁄ √ ⁄

( )
√ ⁄

√ ⁄

2
Prof. Nasir Perviz Butt Contact Us: Whatsapp # +923016775811, www.facebook.com/HomeOfPhysics
B.Sc. (H.R.K) Waves and Oscillation Chapter # 15: Oscillations

√ ⁄

√ ⁄

This is the solution of differential equation of simple harmonic oscillator. This solution can also be put in the
form as:

Equation (5) is also solution of the equation of simple harmonic oscillator. So we find that equation (4) and
(5) both are the solutions of equation (3) because both the solution satisfy equation (3) as shown below:
is solution, then is solution, then
̇ ̇
̈ ̈ ̈ ̈
Now take equation (3) Now take equation (3)
̈ ̈
Consider ̈ ̈

is solution of is solution of
equation of SHO equation of SHO

Various Parameters of Oscillator:

(i) Amplitude: It is the maximum displacement from the mean position. The displacement will be maximum
when . Hence,

So the amplitude of the oscillator is . Now,

(ii) Time Period: Time taken to complete one vibration is called time period. As has the dimensions of
angular velocity, so time period T is given by:

√
(√ )

3
Prof. Nasir Perviz Butt Contact Us: Whatsapp # +923016775811, www.facebook.com/HomeOfPhysics
B.Sc. (H.R.K) Waves and Oscillation Chapter # 15: Oscillations

√
This shows that time period depends only on the mass of oscillator and spring constant and does not
depend on the amplitude.
(iii) The Displacement of SHO is periodic as the function of its Time: In equation (3) if we increase the
time t by then the value of x remain unchanged. So

[ ] [ ]
Consider
[ ]
[ ]

[ ( ) ]

[ ]

Hence proved that Displacement of SHO is periodic as function of time.

(iv) Frequency: The reciprocal of time period is called frequency. It gives the number of vibrations per
second. Thus frequency is given by

√ √

This shows that frequency is independent of amplitude.

(v) Phase: The term is called the phase of oscillator. It determines the displacement as well as the
direction of motion for SHO.
Important Note:
At the value of . So is called initial phase. It gives the position of start of oscillator.
Problem: A SHM takes 12 s to undergo 5 complete vibrations. Find (a) Time Period (b) Frequency and
(c) Angular Frequency of oscillator.
Given Data: Total Time , Number of Vibrations
To Determine: (a) Time Period , (b) Frequency , (c) Angular Frequency

Calculations: (a)

(b)

(c)

4
Prof. Nasir Perviz Butt Contact Us: Whatsapp # +923016775811, www.facebook.com/HomeOfPhysics
B.Sc. (H.R.K) Waves and Oscillation Chapter # 15: Oscillations
Problem: A load of 15 g elongates the spring by 2 cm. Find spring constant.
Given Data: Mass , Elongation
To Determine: Spring constant

Calculations: For Present Case:

Problem. A block weighing 4.0 kg extends a spring by 0.16 m from its un-stretched position. The block
is removed and a 0.50 kg body is hung from the same spring. If the spring is now stretched and then
released, what is the period of vibration?
Given Data:

To Determine: For time period, we have to find the Spring Constant

Calculations: By Hook‟s Law

As √ √

Problem. Find the amplitude, frequency and period of an object vibrating at the end of a spring, if the

equation from its position, as a function of time is ( ) . What is the displacement of the

object after 2.0 s?

Given Data: ( )

To Determine:

Calculation:
(i) Comparing (1) and (2):

( ⁄ )

(ii) Putting in equation (1): *( ) +

Sample Problem # 1. A spring hangs vertically when a body of mass is suspended from it.
Its length increases by .The spring is then mounted horizontally and a block of mass
is attached to the spring. The block is free to slide along a frictionless horizontal surface.
(a)What is the force constant k of the spring? (b)How much horizontal force is required to stretch the
spring by a distance of ? (c)When the block is displaced a distance of and released,
with what period will it oscillate?

Given Data: Mass of First Object , Elongation ,

Mass of Second Object , Displacement as Result of Horizontal Force
To Determine: (a) Spring Constant , (b) Horizontal Force (for Displacement of )
(c) Time Period

5
Prof. Nasir Perviz Butt Contact Us: Whatsapp # +923016775811, www.facebook.com/HomeOfPhysics
B.Sc. (H.R.K) Waves and Oscillation Chapter # 15: Oscillations
Calculations: (a) When suspended body is in equilibrium the spring force balances weight

(b) As by Hook‟s Law:

(c) As √ √

Problem: A 7 kg mass is hung from the bottom of vertical spring. The mass is set to vertical oscillation
with period of 2.6 s. Find force constant of spring.
Given Data:
To Determine:

Calculation: √

Relation between Displacement and Velocity:

The displacement of simple harmonic oscillator is given by:

Velocity is the time derivative of displacement, therefore,

[ ]

√ √

√
√ ( )

This is the relation between displacement and velocity of SHO. From this relation we find that
velocity of SHO is maximum when displacement x is minimum and velocity is minimum when displacement
x is maximum.
Relation between Displacement and Acceleration of SHO
As acceleration is described as the time derivative of velocity, so

[ ]

6
Prof. Nasir Perviz Butt Contact Us: Whatsapp # +923016775811, www.facebook.com/HomeOfPhysics
B.Sc. (H.R.K) Waves and Oscillation Chapter # 15: Oscillations

This is the relation between displacement and acceleration. From this relation we find that:
 Acceleration is maximum when displacement is maximum but direction of acceleration is opposite to the
displacement. Thus acceleration is maximum at extreme position because elastic restoring force is
maximum at extreme position.
 Acceleration is zero when displacement is zero. The acceleration is zero at the mean position because
elastic restoring force is zero at mean position.
Problem. A load of 15.0 g elongates a spring by 2.0 cm. If body of mass 294 g is attached to the spring
and is set into vibration with an amplitude of 10.0 cm, what will be the (i) period (ii) Spring Constant
(iii) maximum speed of its vibration.
Given Data:

To Determine:

Calculations: By Hook‟s Law

As √ √

As √ √

Problem: A spring, whose spring constant is vertically supports a mass of 1.0 kg in the rest
position. Find the distance by which the mass must be pulled down, so that on being released, it may
pass the mean position with a velocity of .
Given Data:
To Determine:

Calculation: √ √ √
(√ )

Problem. A block of mass 1.6 kg is attached to a spring with spring constant . The spring is
compressed through a distance of 2.0 cm and the block is released from rest. Calculate the velocity of
the block as it passes through equilibrium position, , if the surface is frictionless.
Given Data:
To Determine:

Calculation: √ √

Problem: A particle executes SHM with amplitude of 3 cm. At what distance from mid-point of its
position, does its speed equal to one half of its maximum speed.
Given Data: Amplitude ,
To Determine: Displacement When Velocity

7
Prof. Nasir Perviz Butt Contact Us: Whatsapp # +923016775811, www.facebook.com/HomeOfPhysics
B.Sc. (H.R.K) Waves and Oscillation Chapter # 15: Oscillations

Calculations: As √ √ √

√ √ √ √

√ √

Energy Consideration in Simple Harmonic Motion:

In simple harmonic motion, the total energy of the oscillator remains constant.
The energy of oscillator at any displacement “x” from the mean position is partly K.E and partly P.E.
The instantaneous displacement of SHO is described by formula:

Potential Energy of SHO:

The work done in stretching or compressing a spring will store in the form of potential energy. The
instantaneous potential energy at any instant is given by:

∫ ∫ ∫

| |

[ ]

So P.E varies with time and has maximum value.

Kinetic Energy of SHO

The kinetic energy at any instant is given by

( )

[ { }]

[ ] { }

So kinetic energy varies with time and has maximum value.

8
Prof. Nasir Perviz Butt Contact Us: Whatsapp # +923016775811, www.facebook.com/HomeOfPhysics
B.Sc. (H.R.K) Waves and Oscillation Chapter # 15: Oscillations
Total Instantaneous Energy of SHO
Total mechanical energy E of SHO at any displacement x is given by adding (1) and (2):

[ ]

From equations , we find that:

Hence total energy remains conserved.

 At the mean position the energy is entirely K.E and P.E is zero.
 At the extreme position the energy is entirely potential and K.E is zero.
 At any other position the energy is partly kinetic and partly potential.
From equations A,B and C , We also note that energy of oscillator is directly proportional to the square of
amplitude of motion.
Problem: A 0.5 kg cube connected to a spring for which force constant is 20 N/m oscillate on a
horizontal frictionless track. (a) Calculate total energy of system and maximum speed of cube if
amplitude of motion is 3 cm. (b) Find velocity, Determine instantaneous P.E and K.E when
displacement is 2 cm.
Given Data: Mass , Force Constant , Amplitude
To Determine: (a) Total Energy , Maximum Speed
(b) Instantaneous Velocity , , when

Calculations: (a)

√ √

(b) As √ √ √ √ √

Problem: A mass spring system oscillates with amplitude 3.5 cm. if the spring constant is 250 N/m, and
mass attached to the spring is 0.5 kg, find (a) mechanical energy of the system, (b) maximum speed of
system and (c) maximum acceleration of system.
Given Data: Mass , Force Constant , Amplitude
To Determine: (a) Mechanical Energy , (b) Max Speed (c) Max Acceleration

Calculations: (a)

(b) √ √

(c) ( )

9
Prof. Nasir Perviz Butt Contact Us: Whatsapp # +923016775811, www.facebook.com/HomeOfPhysics
B.Sc. (H.R.K) Waves and Oscillation Chapter # 15: Oscillations
Show that 〈 〉 〈 〉 , where E is total energy of SHO

As kinetic energy at any instant is described by formula:

And instantaneous Potential energy is given by:

Now the average K.E of SHO will be:

〈 〉 〈 〉

〈 〉 〈 〉 〈 〉

〈 〉 ( )

〈 〉

The average Potential Energy of SHO will be:

〈 〉 〈 〉

〈 〉 〈 〉 〈 〉

〈 〉

〈 〉

Now total energy of oscillator is given by

[ ]

From (a) and (b)

〈 〉 〈 〉

〈 〉 〈 〉 ( )

〈 〉 〈 〉

Question. From the expression obtain the expression for velocity for SHO.
The kinetic energy of SHO is described by formula:

10
Prof. Nasir Perviz Butt Contact Us: Whatsapp # +923016775811, www.facebook.com/HomeOfPhysics
B.Sc. (H.R.K) Waves and Oscillation Chapter # 15: Oscillations
The instantaneous P.E. of SHO is given by:

The total energy of simple harmonic oscillator is described as:

Total energy of SHO is related to instantaneous P.E and instantaneous K.E as:

√
This is the expression for velocity of SHO. From this expression we find that velocity is maximum at the
mean position and velocity is zero at extreme position.
Problem. A block of mass 4.0 kg is dropped from a height of 0.80 m on to a spring of spring constant
. Find the maximum distance through which the spring will be compressed.
Given Data:
To Determine:

Calculation:

Problem. An 8.0 kg body executes SHM with amplitude 30 cm. The restoring force is 60 N when the
displacement is 30 cm. Find (i) Period (ii) Acceleration, speed, kinetic energy and potential energy when
the displacement is 12 cm.
Given Data: | |

To Determine:

| |
Calculations: As Restoring Force | |

 √ √

 √ √ [ ]

 [ ]


11
Prof. Nasir Perviz Butt Contact Us: Whatsapp # +923016775811, www.facebook.com/HomeOfPhysics
B.Sc. (H.R.K) Waves and Oscillation Chapter # 15: Oscillations
Problem. A car of mass 1300 kg is constructed using a frame supported by four springs. Each spring
has a spring constant . If two people are riding in the car have a combined mass of 160 kg,
find the frequency of vibration of the car, when it is driven over a pot hole in the road. Assume the
weight is evenly distributed.
Given Data:

To Determine:

Calculation: √ √
( √ )

Sample Problem 2: The block spring combination is stretched in the positive x direction at distance of
from equilibrium and released. (a) What is the total energy stored in the spring? (b) What is
the maximum velocity of block? (c) What is the maximum acceleration? (c) If the block is released at
, what are its position, velocity and acceleration at ? Given for the
spring and mass attached to the spring .
Given Data: Amplitude , Spring Constant , Mass
To Determine: (a) Total Energy (b) Maximum Velocity , (c) Maximum Acceleration
Position , Velocity , Acceleration At

Calculations: (a)

(b)

(c) As

(d) As √ (√ )

As √ (√ ) √ (√ )

As

Sample Problem 3. The block of block-spring system of sample problem 1 is pushed from
equilibrium by an external force in the positive x direction. At , when the displacement of the
block is and its velocity is , the external force is removed and the block

begins to oscillate. Write an equation for during the oscillation.

Given Data: From S.P.1

At , Displacement , Velocity

To Determine: Equation for

Calculations: As

12
Prof. Nasir Perviz Butt Contact Us: Whatsapp # +923016775811, www.facebook.com/HomeOfPhysics
B.Sc. (H.R.K) Waves and Oscillation Chapter # 15: Oscillations

√ √

To find phase Consider , At

Equation (1) becomes: [ ]

Application of SHM
(1) The Torsional Oscillator (Pendulum)
“Torsional oscillator consists of a disk suspended by a wire attached to the center of mass of the disk. The
other end of a wire supporting the disk is fixed to a rigid support.”
When the disk is in equilibrium, radial line is drawn from its centre to point P on its rim as shown. If
the disk is rotated in a horizontal plane such that line OP moves to the new position OQ , the wire will be
twisted.
The twisted wire exerts a restoring torque on the disk which tends to bring the reference line back to
its mean position. For small twist the restoring torque is given by

where is angular displacement and is constant of

proportionality. Its value depends on the nature of suspension wire.
It is called torque constant. The negative sign shows that the torque
is directed opposite to angular displacement . According to
angular form of newton‟s 2nd law:

From (1) and (2)

Equation (3) represents angular S.H.M. This equation is similar to linear S.H.M given by:

In equation (3) and (4)

corresponds to .
corresponds to
corresponds to .
Therefore, the solution of equation (3) can be written as:

where is maximum angular displacement and is angular frequency.

13
Prof. Nasir Perviz Butt Contact Us: Whatsapp # +923016775811, www.facebook.com/HomeOfPhysics
B.Sc. (H.R.K) Waves and Oscillation Chapter # 15: Oscillations

Time Period. The time period is given by

The torsional oscillator is also called torsional pendulum.

Uses of Torsional Pendulum
 It is often used for time keeping e.g in the balance wheel of a mechanical watch in which the restoring
torque is provided by a spiral hair spring.
 It was used in Cavendish method to find the value of „G‟.
(ii) The Simple Pendulum.
“A simple pendulum consists of a point mass suspended from a frictionless support by a light,
inextensible and cord (string).”
The point mass which is a small metallic sphere is called bob of the pendulum. When the bob is
displaced to one side of its mean position and released, the pendulum begins to
oscillate in a vertical plane under the action of gravity. The motion of the pendulum is
periodic and oscillatory.
Figure shows a pendulum of length L and mass m in the displaced position.
Let and be the linear and angular displacements. The forces acting on the
pendulum in the displaced position are
(a) Weight mg of the bob acting vertically downward and
(b) The tension T in the string upward.
and are the rectangular components of weight along the string and to it.
 is along the radius L and is called radial component.
 is along the tangent to arc and is called tangential component.
As there is no motion along T and so they remain equal. So they cancel away. The only force on the
pendulum is which bring it back and so is the restoring force.

where negative sign shows that the restoring force F is opposite to the direction of increasing . It should be
noted that restoring force is proportional to . So motion is not S.H.M. For S.H.M should be very small
.If is quite small then and motion becomes S.H.M.

Now displacement of the bob along the arc is given by

So the equation (1) becomes

14
Prof. Nasir Perviz Butt Contact Us: Whatsapp # +923016775811, www.facebook.com/HomeOfPhysics
B.Sc. (H.R.K) Waves and Oscillation Chapter # 15: Oscillations

Since for a given pendulum. So force F is proportional to displacement and oppositely

directed which is the necessary condition for a body to perform S.H.M. In case of mass attached to a spring
the elastic restoring force is given by

Comparing (2) and (3)

Now time period of the object attached to a horizontal mass spring system is:

From (3)

This shows that time period of a simple pendulum is independent of mass and amplitude.
Uses
 We can find the value of g by simple pendulum.
 We can find the length of wire.
Problem: Find the frequency of second pendulum.
Given Data: Time Period of Second Pendulum
To Determine: Frequency of Second Pendulum

Calculations:

Problem: A simple pendulum is 50 cm long. What is frequency of vibration?

Given Data: Length of Second Pendulum
To Determine: Frequency of Second Pendulum

Calculations: √ √

Problem: What should be the length of a simple pendulum whose period is 1 s at a place where
? What is the frequency of such pendulum?
Given Data:
To Determine: ,

Calculations: √

As

15
Prof. Nasir Perviz Butt Contact Us: Whatsapp # +923016775811, www.facebook.com/HomeOfPhysics
B.Sc. (H.R.K) Waves and Oscillation Chapter # 15: Oscillations
Problem: A simple pendulum is 50.0 cm long. What will be its frequency of vibration at the place where
?
Given Data:
To Determine:

Calculations: √ √
( √ )

(iii) The Physical Pendulum.

“Any rigid body which can swing in a vertical plane about some axis passing through it
is called physical pendulum.”
Figure shows a rigid body of an irregular shape pivoted about a horizontal frictionless axis passing
through P displaced from the mean position at an angle .
The rigid body is in equilibrium. When center of mass „c‟
of the body lies vertically below P then distance of P from the
center of mass „c‟ is „d‟.
In the displaced position weight mg acts vertically
downward at an angle with vertical. The restoring torque on the
pendulum in displaced position is:

As the restoring torque is proportional to and not to

. So motion is not S.H.M. So for S.H.M should be quite small, then . Equation (1) becomes

Restoring torque is also given as

From (2) and (3), we have:

Now time period T of physical pendulum, in comparison with the time period of mass spring system, is given
by:

This gives the time period of physical pendulum.

16
Prof. Nasir Perviz Butt Contact Us: Whatsapp # +923016775811, www.facebook.com/HomeOfPhysics
B.Sc. (H.R.K) Waves and Oscillation Chapter # 15: Oscillations
Determination of Moment of Inertia of a Rigid Body
Now squaring both sides of equation (4) we get

Equation (5) gives the rotational inertia of physical pendulum.

Simple Pendulum is a special case of Physical Pendulum
The simple pendulum is a special case of physical pendulum in which a light string holds a single
particle. If the body is suspended by a long weightless string of length L then and . The
equation (4) becomes:

which is the time period of single pendulum.

Equivalent Length of Simple Pendulum
If the mass of a physical pendulum were concentrated at distance L from the pivot then the resulting
simple pendulum will have the same time period as original physical pendulum. So comparing equation (4)
and (6), we have:

√ √

This means that mass of physical pendulum may be connected at a point O distance from the pivot

point P. The point is called centre of oscillator of the physical pendulum.

Sample Problem 4. A thin uniform rod of mass and length is suspended
by a wire that passes through its center and is perpendicular to its length. The wire is twisted and the
rod set oscillating. The period is found to be . When a flat body in the shape of an equilateral
triangle is found to be . Find the rotational inertia of the triangle about this axis.
Given Data: Mass of the rod , Length of the rod
Time period of the rod , Time period of triangular body
To Determine: Rotational Inertia of triangular body

Calculations:

√ √ ( )

( ) ( )

17
Prof. Nasir Perviz Butt Contact Us: Whatsapp # +923016775811, www.facebook.com/HomeOfPhysics
B.Sc. (H.R.K) Waves and Oscillation Chapter # 15: Oscillations
Sample problem # 5: A uniform disc is pivoted at its rim. Find its period on small oscillations and the
length of the equivalent simple pendulum.
To Determine: Time period of physical pendulum , Length of Equivalent Simple Pendulum

Calculations:

Time period of physical pendulum with is given by √ √ √

The length of equivalent simple pendulum is given by

Sample problem # 7: The period of radius 10.2cm executing small oscillations about a pivot its rim is
measured to be .Find the value of ‘g’.
Given Data: Radius of disk , Time period of disk
To Determine: Gravitational Acceleration

Calculations: As time period of disk is given by √ ( ) ( )

S.H.M and Uniform Circular Motion

Consider a particle is revolving in a circle of radius R with constant angular velocity . At , the
radius vector ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ makes and angle with x-axis. is called initial phase or phase constant. At later time t, the
radius vector ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ makes an angle with x-axis.
Draw perpendicular PQ from point P on x-axis. The projection of OP along x-axis is called
x-component of radius vector ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ is described by formula:

We see that as the particle

P moves along the circle, its
projection Q perform S.H.M on the
diameter along x-axis. The
tangential velocity of the particle P
moving in a circle is described by
formula . The velocity of Q
is the x-component of velocity of P,
which is obtained by time
derivative of equation (1):

[ ] [ ]

18
Prof. Nasir Perviz Butt Contact Us: Whatsapp # +923016775811, www.facebook.com/HomeOfPhysics
B.Sc. (H.R.K) Waves and Oscillation Chapter # 15: Oscillations

The centripetal acceleration of P is given by which is directed towards the center of the
circle. The acceleration of Q is the x-component of acceleration of P, which is obtained by time derivative of
equation (2):

[ ] [ ]

We can also show that projection of P on y-axis also performs S.H.M. The projection of P along y-axis is M.
Now the projection of radius vector ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ along y-axis or y-component of radius vector ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ is given by

The velocity of projection M is given by

The acceleration of projection M is given by

Superposition of two perpendicular SHMs having same Amplitude and Phase

Squaring and adding (1) & (4) we get:

which is equation of circle. Thus the superposition of two perpendicular SHMs having same phase and
amplitude will result in circular motion. Now squaring and adding (2) & (5) we get

Now squaring and adding (3) & (6) we get

So from the above discussion we conclude that

“The circular motion is combinations of two identical SHM acting perpendicular to each other.

19
Prof. Nasir Perviz Butt Contact Us: Whatsapp # +923016775811, www.facebook.com/HomeOfPhysics
B.Sc. (H.R.K) Waves and Oscillation Chapter # 15: Oscillations
Sample problem # 8: Consider a body executing a horizontal
simple harmonic motion. The equation of that motion is
where is in meters and t in seconds. This motion
can also be represented as the projection of uniform circular
motion along a horizontal diameter. (a) Give the properties of the
corresponding uniform circular motion. (b) From the motion of
reference point determine the time required for the body to come
halfway in toward the center of motion from its initial position.
Given Data: Equation of motion of SHO:
To Determine: (a) Properties of the corresponding uniform motion
(b) Time required for the body to come half way
Calculations: (a) As we know that
Comparing (1) and (2), we have: , and

(b) As the body moves half way in,

Now as

4.Combination of Harmonic Motion (Lissajous Figures)

„‟When a particle is subjected to two SHMs at right angle to each other, the paths traced by the particle are
called Lissajous figures.‟‟
So the phenomenon of Lissajous figures arises due to the superposition of two S.H.Ms at right angle to each
other. Let us consider two simple harmonic motion along x and y-axis having same frequencies but different
amplitudes. They are given as

√ √

The equation (3) takes the form:

20
Prof. Nasir Perviz Butt Contact Us: Whatsapp # +923016775811, www.facebook.com/HomeOfPhysics
B.Sc. (H.R.K) Waves and Oscillation Chapter # 15: Oscillations

( ) ( )

This is the general equation of Lissajous figure in xy-plane

Special Cases: Let us now consider some special cases:

(i)

( )

( )

( )

21
Prof. Nasir Perviz Butt Contact Us: Whatsapp # +923016775811, www.facebook.com/HomeOfPhysics
B.Sc. (H.R.K) Waves and Oscillation Chapter # 15: Oscillations

√
This is the equation of an oblique ellipse.
So
„‟When a particle is subjected to two simple harmonic motion at right angle to each other the particle may
move along different paths. Such paths are called Lissajous figures.‟‟
Damped Harmonic Oscillator
If an oscillator moves in a resistive medium, its amplitude goes on decreasing. So energy of the
oscillator is used in doing work against the resistance of the medium. The motion of the oscillator is then said
to be damped. The damping force or the
resistive force is proportional to the velocity
of the oscillator.
̇
̇
when is called the damping co-efficient. So
for the damped oscillator, these are two forces
acting on it i.e (i) Elastic Restoring Force,
(ii) Damping force. Thus the equation of motion of damped oscillator is given as:

̇
̈ ̇

̈ ̇

̈ ̇

22
Prof. Nasir Perviz Butt Contact Us: Whatsapp # +923016775811, www.facebook.com/HomeOfPhysics
B.Sc. (H.R.K) Waves and Oscillation Chapter # 15: Oscillations

̈ ̇

̇
̈

√
( )

√ √

.
( √ ) ( √ )

This is the general solution of equation (1). It is clear that for oscillating motion, the damping force should be
less than restoring
( √ ) ( √ )

( √ ) ( √ )

( )

So the above equation becomes:

[ ]

23
Prof. Nasir Perviz Butt Contact Us: Whatsapp # +923016775811, www.facebook.com/HomeOfPhysics
B.Sc. (H.R.K) Waves and Oscillation Chapter # 15: Oscillations
[ ]
[ ( ) ( )]

* ( ) ( )+

* ( ) ( )+

( ) ( ) Therefore,

√ √ √

Therefore,

This is the solution of equation (1). It describes the motion of damped harmonic oscillator.

Parameters of Damped Harmonic Oscillator

Amplitude: The amplitude of the damped oscillator is given by:

We find that amplitude goes on decreasing exponentially

with time t due to the factor . Figure shows that

variation of amplitude with time.
Frequency
The frequency of the oscillator is given by,

√
√

This shows that the frequency of the damped oscillator is somewhat smaller than the undamped oscillator. For
weak damping, the frequency is nearly the same as that of undamped.
Energy of Damped Harmonic Oscillator
Consider a damped oscillator whose vibrations are counted from the mean position . The damped
instantaneous displacement of damped oscillator is described as:

√
24
Prof. Nasir Perviz Butt Contact Us: Whatsapp # +923016775811, www.facebook.com/HomeOfPhysics
B.Sc. (H.R.K) Waves and Oscillation Chapter # 15: Oscillations
For weak damping, . Therefore, √ .
So the above expression becomes
( )

:
( )

( )

Therfore average total energy over one period is

From (a), (b) and (c), we find that decreases exponantially with time. Now by
putting , the equation (c) takes the form:

( )

If ,
( )

This is the expression for average energy of damped harmonic oscillator.

Sample problem # 9. In damped oscillator ⁄ ⁄ In how
many periods of oscillations, will the mechanical energy of the oscillator drop to half of its initial value.
Given Data: ⁄ ⁄
To Determine: Periods of Oscillations in which the energy of oscillator become half

Calculations: Period of Oscillation √ √

( )
The energy of damped oscillator:

The initial energy of oscillator is:

25
Prof. Nasir Perviz Butt Contact Us: Whatsapp # +923016775811, www.facebook.com/HomeOfPhysics
B.Sc. (H.R.K) Waves and Oscillation Chapter # 15: Oscillations
( ) ( ) ( )
According to statement: ( )

Now the number of cycles are given by:

So after 7.4 cycles of oscillations, the mechanical energy of the system drop to one half of its initial value.

Forced Harmonic Oscillator

A damped harmonic oscillation under the action of a periodic force is called forced harmonic
oscillations. The examples of forced harmonic oscillations are:
 A bridge vibrating under the influence of marching soldiers
 The ear drum of a person vibrates due to periodic force of sound waves
Let us consider a damped harmonic oscillator under the action of periodic force , where
is the frequency of applied force and is the maximum value of external force. The total force on the
oscillator is given as:

where ̇
̈ ̇

̈ ̇

̈ ̇

̈ ̇

It is linear and non-homogeneous differential equation. To solve this equation, we change the variables x into
a complex variable such that x is the imaginary part of complex variable The above equation takes the
form:

̈ ̇

̈ ̇

̇
̈
̈
Equation (2) becomes:

26
Prof. Nasir Perviz Butt Contact Us: Whatsapp # +923016775811, www.facebook.com/HomeOfPhysics
B.Sc. (H.R.K) Waves and Oscillation Chapter # 15: Oscillations

[ ]

* +

[ ]
( )

[ ]
( )
√ √

( )
* +
√ √

( )
* +
√ √ √

( )
√

( )
( )
√
. , we have:

( )
( )( )
√

( )
√
This is the solution of complex equation (1). As is imaginary part of . So the solution of equation (2) is the
imaginary part of solution of equation (2). Therefore,

( )
√

27
Prof. Nasir Perviz Butt Contact Us: Whatsapp # +923016775811, www.facebook.com/HomeOfPhysics
B.Sc. (H.R.K) Waves and Oscillation Chapter # 15: Oscillations

Putting √

This is solution of equation (1). The phase constant is given by:

( )

( )

√
( )
√
( )
where is the natural frequency and is the frequency of driving force.
Resonance Phenomenon
Resonance is the increase in the amplitude of a vibrating body under the action of a periodic force whose
frequency is equal to the natural frequency of the body. So, for resonance . So the amplitude in
equation (3) takes the form:

( )

This shows that the amplitude of the oscillator becomes infinity if

there is no damping i.e., .
But can‟t be zero. So due to damping, the amplitude never become . In the figure shown, we have three
curves which shown the variation of amplitude with ratio of . It is clear that

28
Prof. Nasir Perviz Butt Contact Us: Whatsapp # +923016775811, www.facebook.com/HomeOfPhysics