QUESTIONS FOR SHORT ANSWER

Can the potential energy in a simple harmonic motion be negative? Will it be so if we choose zero potential energy at some point other than the mean position?

The energy of a system in simple harmonic motion is given by, $E=\frac{1}{2}m{\omega }^2{A}^2.$ Which of the following two statements is more appropriate?

(A) The energy is increased because the amplitude is increased.

(B) The amplitude is increased because the energy is increased.

A pendulum clock gives correct time at the equator. Will it gain time or lose time as it is taken to the poles?

Can a pendulum clock be used in an earth satellite?

A hollow sphere, filled with water, is used as the bob of a pendulum. Assume that the equation for a simple pendulum is valid with the distance between the point of suspension and centre of mass of the bob acting as the effective length of the pendulum. If water slowly leaks out of the bob, how will the time period vary?

A block of known mass is suspended from a fixed support through a light spring. Can you find the time period of vertical oscillation only by measuring the extension of the spring when the block is in equilibrium?

A platoon of soldiers march on a road in steps according to the sound of a marching band. The band is stopped and the soldiers are ordered to break the steps while crossing a bridge. Why?

The force acting on a particle moving along $x$-axis is, $F=-k\left(x-v_{0}t\right)$ where, $k$ is a positive constant. An observer moving at a constant velocity $v_0$ along the $x$-axis looks at the particle. What kind of motion does he find for the particle?