Virtual Labs

Types of Oscillators: Simple Harmonic, Damped and Forced Oscillators

1. Which of the following is a characteristic of free oscillations?

a: They always require an external periodic force Explanation

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b: They occur due to internal restoring forces like gravity or elasticity Explanation

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c: Their amplitude always increases with time Explanation

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d: They cannot occur in simple pendulums Explanation

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2. In simple harmonic motion (SHM), the restoring force is:

a: Directly proportional to displacement and opposite in direction Explanation

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b: Proportional to velocity Explanation

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c: Constant regardless of displacement Explanation

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d: Independent of displacement Explanation

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3. What happens to the amplitude of a damped oscillator over time?

a: It remains constant Explanation

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b: It gradually decreases Explanation

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c: It gradually increases Explanation

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d: It fluctuates randomly Explanation

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4. Which of the following is an example of a forced oscillator?

a: A tuning fork vibrating in air Explanation

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b: A car suspension system Explanation

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c: A pendulum pushed periodically by hand Explanation

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d: A simple pendulum oscillating freely Explanation

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5. At resonance in a lightly damped forced oscillator:

a: Amplitude becomes maximum Explanation

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b: Amplitude becomes zero Explanation

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c: Amplitude remains constant at all frequencies Explanation

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d: Oscillations stop completely Explanation

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6. The natural angular frequency of a mass-spring system is given by:

a: ω₀ = √(m/k) Explanation

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b: ω₀ = √(k/m) Explanation

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c: ω₀ = k/m Explanation

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d: ω₀ = m/k Explanation

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7. Which of the following best describes Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)?

a: Motion with constant velocity Explanation

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b: Motion in which acceleration is proportional to and directed away from equilibrium Explanation

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c: Motion in which acceleration is proportional to and directed towards equilibrium Explanation

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d: Motion driven by a periodic external force Explanation

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8. In an LC oscillator, which quantities oscillate analogous to SHM?

a: Resistance and current Explanation

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b: Charge and current Explanation

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c: Voltage and resistance Explanation

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d: Power and energy Explanation

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9. What is the time period of a liquid column oscillating in a U-tube of height h?

a: T = 2π√(g/h) Explanation

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b: T = 2π√(h/g) Explanation

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c: T = π√(h/g) Explanation

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d: T = 2π(h/g) Explanation

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10. In an ideal free oscillator (no damping, no driving force), the governing equation of motion is:

a: mẍ + bẋ + kx = F₀ sin(ωt) Explanation

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b: mẍ + bẋ + kx = 0 Explanation

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c: mẍ + kx = 0 Explanation

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d: mẍ = F₀ sin(ωt) Explanation

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