Sure, let's go through each problem step by step and solve them one by one.

Problem 1: Derive the differential equation of motion for a damped oscillator.

Discuss all the possible cases.
Solution:
The differential equation of motion for a damped oscillator is derived from Newton's second law.
Consider a mass 𝑚 attached to a spring with spring constant 𝑘 and a damping force proportional
to the velocity 𝑣 with damping coefficient 𝑏.
The forces acting on the mass are:
1. Restoring force due to the spring: 𝐹spring = −𝑘𝑥
2. Damping force: 𝐹damping = −𝑏𝑣

Using Newton's second law:

𝑑2 𝑥
𝐹net = 𝑚
𝑑𝑡 2
𝑑𝑥 𝑑2𝑥
−𝑘𝑥 − 𝑏 =𝑚 2
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡
Rearranging, we get the differential equation for a damped oscillator:
𝑑2𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑚 2 +𝑏 + 𝑘𝑥 = 0
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡
Possible Cases:
1. Underdamped (𝑏 2 < 4𝑚𝑘): The system oscillates with a gradually decreasing
amplitude.
2. Critically damped (𝑏 2 = 4𝑚𝑘): The system returns to equilibrium as quickly as possible
without oscillating.
3. Overdamped (𝑏 2 > 4𝑚𝑘): The system returns to equilibrium without oscillating, but
more slowly than in the critically damped case.

Problem 2: Define SHM. Derive the second-order differential equation for a

spring-mass system and obtain the solution of this equation.
Solution:
Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) is a type of periodic motion where the restoring force is
directly proportional to the displacement and acts in the direction opposite to that of
displacement.
For a spring-mass system, the restoring force is given by Hooke's law:
 𝐹 = −𝑘𝑥
Using Newton's second law:
𝑑2𝑥
𝑚 = −𝑘𝑥
𝑑𝑡 2
Rearranging, we get the second-order differential equation:
𝑑2𝑥 𝑘
+ 𝑥=0
𝑑𝑡 2 𝑚
𝑘
Let 𝜔2 = 𝑚, then the equation becomes:

𝑑2 𝑥
+ 𝜔2 𝑥 = 0
𝑑𝑡 2
Solution: The general solution to this differential equation is:
𝑥(𝑡) = 𝐴cos(𝜔𝑡 + 𝜙)
where 𝐴 is the amplitude, 𝜔 is the angular frequency, and 𝜙 is the phase angle.

Problem 3: Derive an expression for the total energy of a simple harmonic

oscillator and show that it is constant and proportional to the square of
amplitude.
Solution:
The total energy of a simple harmonic oscillator is the sum of its kinetic energy (KE) and
potential energy (PE).
1. Kinetic Energy (KE):
1
𝐾𝐸 = 𝑚𝑣 2
2
𝑑𝑥
For SHM, 𝑣 = = −𝐴𝜔sin(𝜔𝑡 + 𝜙), so:
𝑑𝑡

1 2 1
𝐾𝐸 = 𝑚(𝐴𝜔sin(𝜔𝑡 + 𝜙)) = 𝑚𝐴2 𝜔2 sin2 (𝜔𝑡 + 𝜙)
2 2
2. Potential Energy (PE):
1
𝑃𝐸 = 𝑘𝑥 2
2
For SHM, 𝑥 = 𝐴cos(𝜔𝑡 + 𝜙), so:
 1 2 1
𝑃𝐸 = 𝑘(𝐴cos(𝜔𝑡 + 𝜙)) = 𝑘𝐴2 cos 2 (𝜔𝑡 + 𝜙)
2 2
3. Total Energy (E):
1 1
𝐸 = 𝐾𝐸 + 𝑃𝐸 = 𝑚𝐴2 𝜔2 sin2 (𝜔𝑡 + 𝜙) + 𝑘𝐴2 cos 2 (𝜔𝑡 + 𝜙)
2 2
𝑘
Since 𝜔2 = 𝑚, we can write:

1 2 1
𝐸= 𝑘𝐴 (sin2 (𝜔𝑡 + 𝜙) + cos2 (𝜔𝑡 + 𝜙)) = 𝑘𝐴2
2 2
Thus, the total energy is constant and proportional to the square of the amplitude 𝐴.

Problem 4: Calculate the time after which the energy of a tuning fork becomes
1/10 of its initial value. Given, the frequency of the tuning fork is 250 Hz and
quality factor is 104 .
Solution:
The energy of a damped oscillator decays exponentially as:
𝑡
𝐸(𝑡) = 𝐸0 𝑒 −𝜏
where 𝜏 is the relaxation time, given by:
𝑄
𝜏=
𝜔0
Here, 𝑄 = 104 is the quality factor, and 𝜔0 = 2𝜋𝑓 = 2𝜋 × 250 = 500𝜋 rad/s.
Thus:
104 20
𝜏= = seconds
500𝜋 𝜋
1
We want the time 𝑡 when 𝐸(𝑡) = 10 𝐸0 :

1 𝑡
𝐸0 = 𝐸0 𝑒 −𝜏
10
Taking the natural logarithm on both sides:
1 𝑡
ln ( )=−
10 𝜏
20 20
𝑡 = 𝜏ln(10) = ln(10) ≈ × 2.3026 ≈ 14.65 seconds
𝜋 𝜋
Problem 5: A particle of mass 2 gm is subjected to an elastic force of 0.03 N/m
and frictional force of 0.005 N/ms−1 . If it is displaced 2 cm from its mean
position and then released, check whether the motion is oscillatory or not. If
yes, find the time period of oscillations.
Solution:
Given:
 Mass 𝑚 = 2 gm = 0.002 kg
 Spring constant 𝑘 = 0.03 N/m
 Damping coefficient 𝑏 = 0.005 N/ms−1
 Initial displacement 𝑥0 = 2 cm = 0.02 m
To check if the motion is oscillatory, we compare the damping coefficient 𝑏 with the critical
damping value 𝑏𝑐 = 2√𝑚𝑘:

𝑏𝑐 = 2√0.002 × 0.03 = 2√0.00006 ≈ 0.0155 N/ms−1

Since 𝑏 = 0.005 < 𝑏𝑐 , the motion is underdamped and oscillatory.
The angular frequency of the damped oscillator is:

𝑘 𝑏 2 0.03 0.005 2
𝜔𝑑 = √ −( ) = √ −( ) = √15 − 1.5625 ≈ √13.4375 ≈ 3.666 rad/s
𝑚 2𝑚 0.002 2 × 0.002

The time period 𝑇 is:

2𝜋 2𝜋
𝑇= ≈ ≈ 1.71 seconds
𝜔𝑑 3.666

Problem 6: For a particle vibrating simply harmonically, the displacement is

12 cm at the instant the velocity is 5 cm/s and the displacement is 5 cm the
instant velocity is 12 cm/s. Calculate (i) amplitude, (ii) frequency, and (iii) time
period.
Solution:
Given:
 At 𝑥1 = 12 cm, 𝑣1 = 5 cm/s
 At 𝑥2 = 5 cm, 𝑣2 = 12 cm/s
For SHM, the velocity 𝑣 and displacement 𝑥 are related by:
 𝑣 = 𝜔√𝐴2 − 𝑥 2
Thus:

𝑣1 = 𝜔√𝐴2 − 𝑥12 and 𝑣2 = 𝜔√𝐴2 − 𝑥22

Squaring both equations:

𝑣12 = 𝜔2 (𝐴2 − 𝑥12 ) and 𝑣22 = 𝜔2 (𝐴2 − 𝑥22 )
Dividing the two equations:
𝑣12 𝐴2 − 𝑥12
=
𝑣22 𝐴2 − 𝑥22
Substituting the given values:
$$\left. \frac{5^{2}}{12^{2}} = \frac{A^{2} - 12^{2}}{A^{2} -
5^{2}}\text{\:\,}\Longrightarrow\text{\:\,}\frac{25}{144} = \frac{A^{2} - 144}{A^{2} - 25}
\right.$$
Cross-multiplying:
25(𝐴2 − 25) = 144(𝐴2 − 144)
25𝐴2 − 625 = 144𝐴2 − 20736
$$\left. 119A^{2} = 20111\text{\:\,}\Longrightarrow\text{\:\,}A^{2} = \frac{20111}{119}
\approx 169\text{\:\,}\Longrightarrow\text{\:\,}A \approx 13\text{~cm} \right.$$

Now, using 𝑣1 = 𝜔√𝐴2 − 𝑥12 :

$$\left. 5 = \omega\sqrt{13^{2} - 12^{2}} = \omega\sqrt{25} =
5\omega\text{\:\,}\Longrightarrow\text{\:\,}\omega = 1\text{~rad/s} \right.$$
Thus:

 Amplitude 𝐴 = 13 cm
𝜔 1
 Frequency 𝑓 = 2𝜋 = 2𝜋 ≈ 0.159 Hz
1
 Time period 𝑇 = 𝑓 = 2𝜋 ≈ 6.28 seconds

Problem 7: Show that the energy is not conserved in case of a damped

harmonic oscillator.
Solution:
In a damped harmonic oscillator, the total energy is the sum of kinetic and potential energy, but
due to the damping force, energy is continuously dissipated as heat.
The rate of change of total energy 𝐸 is:
𝑑𝐸 𝑑 1 1 𝑑𝑣 𝑑𝑥
= ( 𝑚𝑣 2 + 𝑘𝑥 2 ) = 𝑚𝑣 + 𝑘𝑥
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡 2 2 𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡
Using the equation of motion for a damped oscillator:
𝑑𝑣
𝑚 = −𝑘𝑥 − 𝑏𝑣
𝑑𝑡
Thus:
𝑑𝐸
= 𝑣(−𝑘𝑥 − 𝑏𝑣) + 𝑘𝑥𝑣 = −𝑏𝑣 2
𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝐸
Since 𝑏 > 0 and 𝑣 2 ≥ 0, 𝑑𝑡 ≤ 0. This shows that the energy decreases over time, and hence,
energy is not conserved in a damped harmonic oscillator.

Problem 8: What do you understand by logarithmic decrement, relaxation

time, and quality factor of a weakly damped harmonic oscillator? What is the
relationship between them?
Solution:
1. Logarithmic Decrement (𝛿): It is the natural logarithm of the ratio of two successive
amplitudes of a damped oscillator. It is given by:
𝑥𝑛 𝑏
𝛿 = ln ( )= 𝑇
𝑥𝑛+1 2𝑚 𝑑
where 𝑇𝑑 is the time period of the damped oscillation.
1
2. Relaxation Time (𝜏): It is the time taken for the amplitude of the oscillator to decay to
𝑒
of its initial value. It is given by:
2𝑚
𝜏=
𝑏
3. Quality Factor (𝑄): It is a measure of the damping in the system. For a weakly damped
oscillator, it is given by:
𝜔0 𝜔0 𝜏
𝑄= =
𝛥𝜔 2
where 𝜔0 is the natural frequency and 𝛥𝜔 is the bandwidth.
Relationship:
𝜋
𝑄=
𝛿
and
𝑄
𝜏=
𝜔0

Problem 9: Explain the theory of forced harmonic oscillator and show how
the sharpness of resonance depends on damping.
Solution:
A forced harmonic oscillator is a system that is subjected to an external periodic force 𝐹(𝑡) =
𝐹0 cos(𝜔𝑡). The equation of motion is:
𝑑2𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑚 2
+𝑏 + 𝑘𝑥 = 𝐹0 cos(𝜔𝑡)
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡
The steady-state solution is:
𝑥(𝑡) = 𝐴cos(𝜔𝑡 − 𝜙)
where 𝐴 is the amplitude and 𝜙 is the phase difference between the driving force and the
displacement.
Sharpness of Resonance: The sharpness of resonance is determined by the quality factor 𝑄. For
a lightly damped system (high 𝑄), the resonance peak is sharp, and the system responds strongly
to frequencies close to the natural frequency 𝜔0 . For a heavily damped system (low 𝑄), the
resonance peak is broad, and the system responds to a wider range of frequencies.

Problem 10: A mass of 0.1 kg is suspended from a spring with a spring

constant of 100 N/m. A resistive force, 𝑞𝑣, acts on the system, where 𝑞 is 1
N/ms−1 and 𝑣 is velocity. In a steady state, the object is subjected to a driving
force of 2N and a frequency of 50 rad/sec. Find the amplitude and phase
relative to the applied force.
Solution:
Given:
 Mass 𝑚 = 0.1 kg
 Spring constant 𝑘 = 100 N/m
 Damping coefficient 𝑞 = 1 N/ms−1
 Driving force 𝐹0 = 2 N
 Driving frequency 𝜔 = 50 rad/s
The amplitude 𝐴 of the forced oscillator is given by:
 𝐹0
𝐴=
√(𝑘 − 𝑚𝜔 2 )2 + (𝑞𝜔)2
Substituting the values:
2 2 2
𝐴= = =
√(100 − 0.1 × 502 )2 + (1 × 50)2 √(100 − 250)2 + 2500 √22500 + 2500
2 2
= = ≈ 0.0126 m
√25000 158.11
The phase 𝜙 is given by:
𝑞𝜔 50 50 1
𝜙 = tan−1 ( 2
) = tan−1 ( ) = tan−1 ( ) = tan−1 (− ) ≈ −18.43∘
𝑘 − 𝑚𝜔 100 − 250 −150 3

Problem 11: Derive the differential equation for a forced harmonic oscillator
and find its solution. Discuss all three cases.
Solution:
The differential equation for a forced harmonic oscillator is:
𝑑2𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑚 2
+𝑏 + 𝑘𝑥 = 𝐹0 cos(𝜔𝑡)
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡
The solution consists of two parts:
1. Transient Solution: This is the solution to the homogeneous equation (without the
driving force) and decays over time.
2. Steady-State Solution: This is the particular solution due to the driving force and is
given by:
𝑥(𝑡) = 𝐴cos(𝜔𝑡 − 𝜙)
where 𝐴 and 𝜙 are as derived in Problem 10.
Three Cases:
1. Underdamped (𝑏 2 < 4𝑚𝑘): The system oscillates with a gradually decreasing
amplitude.
2. Critically Damped (𝑏 2 = 4𝑚𝑘): The system returns to equilibrium as quickly as
possible without oscillating.
3. Overdamped (𝑏 2 > 4𝑚𝑘): The system returns to equilibrium without oscillating, but
more slowly than in the critically damped case.
Problem 12: Define resonance and find the expression for maximum
amplitude.
Solution:
Resonance occurs when the frequency of the driving force matches the natural frequency of the
system, resulting in maximum amplitude of oscillation.
The amplitude 𝐴 of a forced harmonic oscillator is given by:
𝐹0
𝐴=
√(𝑘 − 𝑚𝜔 2 )2 + (𝑏𝜔)2

𝑘
The maximum amplitude occurs when 𝜔 = 𝜔0 = √𝑚, and is given by:

𝐹0
𝐴max =
𝑏𝜔0

Problem 13: Draw the amplitude vs driving frequency for a forced harmonic
oscillator. Discuss how the maximum amplitude depends on the damping.
Solution:
The amplitude 𝐴 vs driving frequency 𝜔 graph for a forced harmonic oscillator shows a peak at
the resonant frequency 𝜔0 . The height and width of the peak depend on the damping:
 Low Damping (High 𝑄): The peak is tall and narrow, indicating a sharp resonance.
 High Damping (Low 𝑄): The peak is short and broad, indicating a less pronounced
resonance.

Problem 14: The displacement of a particle executing SHM is given by 𝑥 =

cos(𝜔𝑡). Find the displacement at which kinetic energy of the particle is equal
to its potential energy.
Solution:
For SHM, the kinetic energy (KE) and potential energy (PE) are given by:
1 1
𝐾𝐸 = 𝑚𝑣 2 and 𝑃𝐸 = 𝑘𝑥 2
2 2
At the point where 𝐾𝐸 = 𝑃𝐸:
1 1
𝑚𝑣 2 = 𝑘𝑥 2
2 2
𝑘
For SHM, 𝑣 = 𝜔√𝐴2 − 𝑥 2 , and 𝜔2 = 𝑚, so:
 1 1
𝑚𝜔2 (𝐴2 − 𝑥 2 ) = 𝑘𝑥 2
2 2
𝑘
Substituting 𝜔2 = 𝑚:

1 1
𝑘(𝐴2 − 𝑥 2 ) = 𝑘𝑥 2
2 2
$$\left. A^{2} - x^{2} = x^{2}\text{\:\,}\Longrightarrow\text{\:\,}A^{2} =
2x^{2}\text{\:\,}\Longrightarrow\text{\:\,}x = \frac{A}{\sqrt{2}} \right.$$
𝐴
Thus, the displacement at which 𝐾𝐸 = 𝑃𝐸 is .
√2

Let me know if you need further clarification on any of the problems!