Asked in MDCAT Test Series 5 — Waves and Thermodynamics (7 March 2025) 2025Moderate

To make the frequency double of a spring oscillation, we have to:

Correct answer: A. Reduce the mass to one fourth

  • A. Reduce the mass to one fourth
  • B. Quadruple the mass
  • C. Double the mass
  • D. Half the mass

Explanation

The frequency of a spring oscillation is given by the formula:f = 1 / (2π) √(k/m)Where f is the frequency, k is the spring constant, and m is the mass of the object. To double the frequency, we need f' = 2f. From the formula, f' / f = √(m/m'). Setting f' = 2f gives 2 = √(m/m'), leading to m' = m/4. This means reducing the mass to one-fourth doubles the frequency.Option A is correct because it matches this result. Options B, C, and D are incorrect as they either increase the mass (lowering the frequency) or do not change it to the required extent to double the frequency.

Last updated

About Simple Harmonic Motion

Simple harmonic motion is oscillation in which acceleration is directly proportional to displacement and directed toward the equilibrium position. Work includes displacement, velocity, acceleration, phase, period, frequency, amplitude and energy, with applications to springs and simple pendulums. The restoring force and the conditions for SHM distinguish it from general periodic motion.

Practise Waves

1,281 free Waves MCQs from Physics, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.

Exams that ask Physics questions like this

Physics is on 13 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.

Related questions