Question 1

A grandfather clock uses a pendulum to keep time. If the length of the pendulum is doubled, what happens to the period of its oscillation?

Accepted Answer

The period increases by a factor of $$\sqrt{2}.$$

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the relationship between frequency ($$f) $$and period ($$T) of a $$periodic motion?

Accepted Answer

$$f = \frac{1}{T}$$

Question 3

A mass-spring system oscillates with a period $$T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{m}{k}}. If $$the mass is quadrupled and the spring constant is doubled, what is the new period?

Accepted Answer

$$T_{new} = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{4m}{2k}} = 2\pi \sqrt{2\frac{m}{k}}$$

Question 4

A heart beats at a frequency of 1.2 Hz. What is the period of one heartbeat?

Accepted Answer

$$T = 0.83 s$$

Question 5

Which condition is required for simple harmonic motion to occur in an oscillating system?

Accepted Answer

The restoring force must be proportional to the displacement from equilibrium.

Question 6

A mass attached to a spring is displaced and released. Which of the following statements about its motion is correct?

Accepted Answer

The mass experiences zero force at $$x = 0$$ and maximum force at $$x = \pm A.$$

Question 7

Which of the following factors does NOT affect the period of a mass-spring system in simple harmonic motion?

Accepted Answer

The amplitude of oscillation.

Question 8

An astronaut uses a mass measurement device (MMD) in space. The device measures the period of oscillation to determine mass. Which formula is used?

Accepted Answer

$$T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{m}{k}}$$

Question 9

A pendulum is taken from Earth to the Moon, where gravity is lower. What happens to its period?

Accepted Answer

The period increases.

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why the period of a pendulum does not depend on the mass of the bob?

Accepted Answer

The increased inertia and increased gravitational force cancel each other.

Question 11

A child on a swing increases the amplitude of her motion. What happens to the period of the swing?

Accepted Answer

The period remains unchanged.

Question 12

Resonance occurs when:

Accepted Answer

A system is driven at its natural frequency.

Question 13

Which real-world event is a dramatic example of resonance?

Accepted Answer

The collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.

Question 14

Which statement best describes the motion of particles in a transverse wave?

Accepted Answer

Particles move perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.

Question 15

A sound wave travels faster in steel than in air because:

Accepted Answer

Steel is a stiffer medium than air.

Question 16

The speed of a wave is given by $$v = f\lambda. If $$the frequency is doubled and the wavelength is halved, what happens to the speed?

Accepted Answer

The speed remains unchanged.

Question 17

When two waves overlap and their amplitudes add to produce a larger wave, this is called:

Accepted Answer

Constructive interference.

Question 18

A standing wave on a string fixed at both ends has nodes and antinodes. What is a node?

Accepted Answer

A point that does not move.

Question 19

The frequency of the second harmonic of a string is:

Accepted Answer

Twice the frequency of the first harmonic.

Question 20

A guitar string is shortened by pressing it against a fret. What happens to the frequency of the note produced?

Accepted Answer

The frequency increases.

Oscillations, Simple Harmonic Motion, Pendulums, and Waves: Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards