shm equations and graphs

SHM Equations and Graphs | Kumar Physics Classes
If SHM equations and graphs are not clear and you are looking for a Physics Tutor, contact Kumar Sir.Phone: +91-9958461445Email: kumarsirphysics@gmail.com
CLASS 11 PHYSICS

SHM Equations and Graphs

Displacement, velocity, acceleration, phase, phase difference, x-t graph, v-t graph, a-t graph, ellipse relations, numericals and PYQs.

CBSENEETJEE MainJEE AdvancedIBICSEIGCSEA-Level

1. Displacement Equation in SHM

The displacement equation tells where the particle is at any instant. For sine form, the particle starts from mean position and initially moves toward the positive side.

x = A sin(ωt)

x is displacement from mean position, A is amplitude, ω is angular frequency and t is time. At t = 0, x = 0 and the graph initially rises.

Physical Meaning

The particle does not move uniformly. It is fastest near the mean position and slowest near the extreme. The sine equation captures this smooth repeated motion.

Example

If x = 5 sin(10t) cm, amplitude is 5 cm and angular frequency is 10 rad/s. The body begins at the mean position.

Exam Trap and Common Mistake

Trap: x = A sin(ωt) and x = A cos(ωt) describe the same SHM with different starting points.

Mistake: taking A as total distance between two extremes. The distance between extremes is 2A, not A.

Memory trick: sine form starts from zero; cosine form starts from maximum positive displacement.

2. Velocity Equation Derivation

Velocity is the rate of change of displacement. Differentiating x = A sin(ωt) gives the velocity equation.

Starting with x = A sin(ωt), velocity is dx/dt. Since derivative of sin(ωt) is ω cos(ωt),

v = Aω cos(ωt)

Velocity starts from maximum positive value because cos 0 = 1. This matches the sine-form displacement: at mean position, speed is maximum.

v = Aω sin(ωt + π/2)

This sine-form relation shows that velocity leads displacement by π/2.

Physical Meaning, Example and Mistake

Physical meaning: velocity is maximum at mean position and zero at extremes.

Example: if A = 0.20 m and ω = 5 rad/s, maximum speed is Aω = 1 m/s.

Exam trap: velocity is not always Aω. Aω is only maximum velocity. At general x, use v2 = ω2(A2 − x2).

3. Acceleration Equation Derivation

Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity. It is always directed towards the mean position.

From v = Aω cos(ωt), differentiating again gives acceleration:

a = −Aω2 sin(ωt)

At t = 0, acceleration is zero. Immediately after t = 0, displacement is positive and acceleration becomes negative.

a = −ω2x

Since x = A sin(ωt), acceleration is directly proportional to displacement and opposite in direction.

a = Aω2 sin(ωt + π)

This shows acceleration differs in phase from displacement by π.

Physical Meaning, Example and Common Mistake

Physical meaning: when the particle is on the positive side, acceleration pulls it back negative. When it is on the negative side, acceleration is positive.

Example: if ω = 10 rad/s and x = 0.03 m, a = −100 × 0.03 = −3 m/s2.

Mistake: saying acceleration is maximum at mean position. Actually acceleration is zero at mean and maximum at extremes.

4. Phase Concept

Phase tells the stage of oscillation. In x = A sin(ωt + φ), the quantity (ωt + φ) is phase.

Definition

Phase decides the current position and direction of motion in a cycle. Two SHMs can have the same amplitude and frequency but different phases.

Physical Meaning

If two students on swings pass the mean position together in the same direction, they are in phase. If one is at the right extreme while the other is at the left extreme, they differ by π.

Exam Trap

Do not compare only positions. Same position can occur with opposite velocities. Full phase comparison needs stage and direction.

5. Phase Difference Between x, v and a

Required Relations

  • v leads x by π/2 because v = Aω sin(ωt + π/2).
  • a is opposite in phase to x because a = −ω2x.
  • a leads x by π or differs by π because a = Aω2 sin(ωt + π).
  • a leads v by π/2 in phase language; equivalently v and a differ by π/2.

Example, Trap and Mistake

Example: at t = 0 for x = A sin(ωt), displacement is zero, velocity is maximum positive and acceleration is zero.

Trap: "lead" depends on the chosen reference equation. Always rewrite as sine functions before comparing phase.

Mistake: saying acceleration and displacement are in same phase because both become maximum at extremes. Their signs are opposite, so they differ by π.

QuantityEquationAt t = 0Phase Compared With x
Displacementx = A sin(ωt)0, increasingReference
Velocityv = Aω cos(ωt) = Aω sin(ωt + π/2)Maximum positiveLeads x by π/2
Accelerationa = −Aω2 sin(ωt) = Aω2 sin(ωt + π)0, decreasingDiffers from x by π

6. Graphical Understanding

The graphs below follow the sine-form starting condition: x starts from zero and increases, v starts from maximum positive, and a starts from zero and decreases.

x-t Graph: x = A sin(ωt)

+A−Atxstarts from zero, rises

v-t Graph: v = Aω cos(ωt)

+Aωstarts maximum positivetv

a-t Graph: a = −Aω² sin(ωt)

starts from zero, decreasesta

Combined Phase Graph

vxav leads x by π/2

v-x Ellipse

xv−A+A+Aω−Aω

a-x Straight Line: a = −ω²x

xanegative slope = −ω²

7. Ellipse Form Relations

Eliminating time from SHM equations gives relations between displacement, velocity and acceleration. These are powerful in JEE and graph questions.

x2/A2 + v2/(A2ω2) = 1

This is the v-x ellipse. Maximum x is A and maximum speed is Aω.

v2 = ω2(A2 − x2)

This gives speed at any displacement without time.

a = −ω2x

The a-x graph is a straight line through origin with negative slope.

a2/(A2ω4) + v2/(A2ω2) = 1

This is the a-v ellipse. Maximum acceleration is Aω2.

Exam trap: these ellipse equations use squared quantities, so they give magnitude relations. Direction or sign must be decided separately from phase or position.

Need Help With SHM Equations?

If SHM equations and graphs are not clear and you are looking for a Physics Tutor, contact Kumar Sir.

8. Important Formula Sheet

x = A sin(ωt)

Sine displacement form; starts from mean position.

v = Aω cos(ωt)

Velocity form; starts from maximum positive.

a = −Aω2 sin(ωt)

Acceleration form; opposite to displacement.

vmax = Aω

Maximum speed at mean position.

amax = Aω2

Maximum acceleration at extremes.

T = 2π/ω

Time period from angular frequency.

9. 40 Solved Numericals

Attempt each problem before opening the solution. These cover equations, phase, graphs, velocity-displacement relations and acceleration relations.

CBSE Easy

1. Identify amplitude

Question: x = 8 sin(4t) cm. Find A and ω.

Show Solution

Given: x = 8 sin(4t) cm.

Formula: Compare with x = A sin(ωt).

Solution: A = 8 cm and ω = 4 rad/s.

Final Answer: A = 8 cm, ω = 4 rad/s.

CBSE Easy

2. Time period

Question: x = 5 sin(10πt) cm. Find T.

Show Solution

Given: ω = 10π rad/s.

Formula: T = 2π/ω.

Solution: T = 2π/(10π) = 0.2 s.

Final Answer: 0.2 s.

NEET Easy

3. Maximum speed

Question: A = 0.1 m and ω = 20 rad/s. Find vmax.

Show Solution

Given: A = 0.1 m, ω = 20 rad/s.

Formula: vmax = Aω.

Solution: vmax = 0.1 × 20 = 2 m/s.

Final Answer: 2 m/s.

NEET Easy

4. Maximum acceleration

Question: A = 0.05 m and ω = 10 rad/s. Find amax.

Show Solution

Given: A = 0.05 m, ω = 10 rad/s.

Formula: amax = Aω2.

Solution: amax = 0.05 × 100 = 5 m/s2.

Final Answer: 5 m/s2.

JEE Main Medium

5. Velocity at time

Question: x = 0.2 sin(5t). Find v at t = 0.

Show Solution

Given: A = 0.2 m, ω = 5 rad/s, t = 0.

Formula: v = Aω cos(ωt).

Solution: v = 0.2 × 5 × cos 0 = 1 m/s.

Final Answer: 1 m/s.

JEE Main Medium

6. Acceleration at time

Question: x = 0.1 sin(10t). Find acceleration at t = π/20 s.

Show Solution

Given: A = 0.1 m, ω = 10 rad/s, ωt = π/2.

Formula: a = −Aω2 sin(ωt).

Solution: a = −0.1 × 100 × 1 = −10 m/s2.

Final Answer: −10 m/s2.

CBSE Medium

7. Speed at displacement

Question: A = 10 cm, x = 6 cm, ω = 5 rad/s. Find speed.

Show Solution

Given: A = 0.10 m, x = 0.06 m, ω = 5 rad/s.

Formula: v = ω√(A2 − x2).

Solution: v = 5√(0.01 − 0.0036) = 5 × 0.08 = 0.40 m/s.

Final Answer: 0.40 m/s.

NEET Medium

8. Acceleration from x

Question: If x = 0.04 m and ω = 6 rad/s, find a.

Show Solution

Given: x = 0.04 m, ω = 6 rad/s.

Formula: a = −ω2x.

Solution: a = −36 × 0.04 = −1.44 m/s2.

Final Answer: −1.44 m/s2.

JEE Main Medium

9. Frequency from equation

Question: x = 2 sin(8πt) cm. Find frequency.

Show Solution

Given: ω = 8π rad/s.

Formula: ω = 2πf.

Solution: f = 8π/(2π) = 4 Hz.

Final Answer: 4 Hz.

JEE Advanced Medium

10. Phase at time

Question: For x = A sin(20t), find phase at t = 0.1 s.

Show Solution

Given: ω = 20 rad/s, t = 0.1 s.

Formula: phase = ωt.

Solution: phase = 20 × 0.1 = 2 rad.

Final Answer: 2 rad.

CBSE Easy

11. Phase difference

Question: What is phase difference between x and v?

Show Solution

Given: x = A sin(ωt), v = Aω sin(ωt + π/2).

Formula: compare sine phases.

Solution: v leads x by π/2.

Final Answer: π/2.

NEET Easy

12. Acceleration phase

Question: What is phase difference between x and a?

Show Solution

Given: a = −ω2x.

Formula: opposite sign means phase difference π.

Solution: a and x are opposite in phase.

Final Answer: π.

JEE Main Medium

13. Speed at half amplitude

Question: Find speed at x = A/2 if vmax = 12 m/s.

Show Solution

Given: x = A/2, vmax = Aω = 12.

Formula: v = vmax√(1 − x2/A2).

Solution: v = 12√(1 − 1/4) = 6√3 m/s.

Final Answer: 6√3 m/s.

JEE Main Medium

14. Acceleration at half amplitude

Question: amax = 24 m/s2. Find |a| at x = A/2.

Show Solution

Given: x = A/2.

Formula: |a| = ω2x.

Solution: |a| = amax/2 = 12 m/s2.

Final Answer: 12 m/s2.

JEE Advanced Medium

15. Find amplitude

Question: vmax = 3 m/s and ω = 15 rad/s. Find A.

Show Solution

Given: vmax = 3 m/s, ω = 15 rad/s.

Formula: vmax = Aω.

Solution: A = 3/15 = 0.20 m.

Final Answer: 0.20 m.

JEE Advanced Medium

16. Find angular frequency

Question: amax = 18 m/s2 and A = 0.02 m. Find ω.

Show Solution

Given: amax = 18, A = 0.02.

Formula: amax = Aω2.

Solution: ω2 = 18/0.02 = 900, so ω = 30 rad/s.

Final Answer: 30 rad/s.

NEET Medium

17. Displacement at zero velocity

Question: In SHM, velocity is zero. What is displacement?

Show Solution

Given: v = 0.

Formula: v2 = ω2(A2 − x2).

Solution: A2 − x2 = 0, so x = ±A.

Final Answer: Extreme position, x = ±A.

CBSE Medium

18. Acceleration at mean

Question: Find acceleration at x = 0.

Show Solution

Given: x = 0.

Formula: a = −ω2x.

Solution: a = 0.

Final Answer: 0.

JEE Main Medium

19. Time for first maximum x

Question: For x = A sin(ωt), when does x first become A?

Show Solution

Given: sin(ωt) = 1.

Formula: ωt = π/2.

Solution: t = π/(2ω) = T/4.

Final Answer: T/4.

NEET Medium

20. Time for first zero velocity

Question: For x = A sin(ωt), when does velocity first become zero?

Show Solution

Given: v = Aω cos(ωt).

Formula: cos(ωt) = 0.

Solution: first zero at ωt = π/2, so t = T/4.

Final Answer: T/4.

CBSE Medium

21. Equation of acceleration

Question: If x = 4 sin(3t) cm, write acceleration equation in cm/s2.

Show Solution

Given: A = 4 cm, ω = 3 rad/s.

Formula: a = −Aω2 sin(ωt).

Solution: a = −4 × 9 sin(3t) = −36 sin(3t) cm/s2.

Final Answer: a = −36 sin(3t) cm/s2.

JEE Main Medium

22. Equation of velocity

Question: If x = 0.05 sin(40t), write v.

Show Solution

Given: A = 0.05 m, ω = 40 rad/s.

Formula: v = Aω cos(ωt).

Solution: v = 0.05 × 40 cos(40t) = 2 cos(40t).

Final Answer: v = 2 cos(40t) m/s.

JEE Advanced Difficult

23. Use v-x relation

Question: A = 0.5 m, ω = 4 rad/s. At x = 0.3 m, find v.

Show Solution

Given: A = 0.5, x = 0.3, ω = 4.

Formula: v = ω√(A2 − x2).

Solution: v = 4√(0.25 − 0.09) = 4 × 0.4 = 1.6 m/s.

Final Answer: 1.6 m/s.

JEE Advanced Difficult

24. Find x from v

Question: A = 0.2 m, ω = 10 rad/s, speed = 1 m/s. Find |x|.

Show Solution

Given: A = 0.2, ω = 10, v = 1.

Formula: v2 = ω2(A2 − x2).

Solution: 1 = 100(0.04 − x2), so x2 = 0.03.

Final Answer: |x| = √0.03 m = 0.173 m approximately.

NEET Difficult

25. Ratio of speed

Question: Find v/vmax at x = 3A/5.

Show Solution

Given: x/A = 3/5.

Formula: v/vmax = √(1 − x2/A2).

Solution: v/vmax = √(1 − 9/25) = 4/5.

Final Answer: 4/5.

JEE Main Difficult

26. Ratio of acceleration

Question: Find |a|/amax at x = 3A/5.

Show Solution

Given: x/A = 3/5.

Formula: |a|/amax = |x|/A.

Solution: ratio = 3/5.

Final Answer: 3/5.

CBSE Medium

27. Sine phase form

Question: Rewrite v = Aω cos(ωt) in sine form.

Show Solution

Given: cos θ = sin(θ + π/2).

Formula: v = Aω sin(ωt + π/2).

Solution: replace θ by ωt.

Final Answer: v = Aω sin(ωt + π/2).

NEET Medium

28. Acceleration sine form

Question: Rewrite a = −Aω2 sin(ωt) as a shifted sine.

Show Solution

Given: sin(θ + π) = −sin θ.

Formula: a = Aω2 sin(ωt + π).

Solution: use phase shift π.

Final Answer: a = Aω2 sin(ωt + π).

JEE Main Difficult

29. Find A from v and x

Question: At x = 0.06 m, v = 0.8 m/s, and ω = 10 rad/s. Find A.

Show Solution

Given: x = 0.06, v = 0.8, ω = 10.

Formula: A2 = x2 + v22.

Solution: A2 = 0.0036 + 0.64/100 = 0.0100.

Final Answer: A = 0.10 m.

JEE Advanced Difficult

30. Find ω from a and x

Question: At x = 0.05 m, acceleration is −20 m/s2. Find ω.

Show Solution

Given: a = −20, x = 0.05.

Formula: a = −ω2x.

Solution: 20 = ω2 × 0.05, so ω2 = 400.

Final Answer: ω = 20 rad/s.

CBSE Easy

31. Initial values

Question: For x = A sin(ωt), find x, v and a at t = 0.

Show Solution

Given: t = 0.

Formula: x = A sin0, v = Aω cos0, a = −Aω2 sin0.

Solution: x = 0, v = Aω, a = 0.

Final Answer: x = 0, v = Aω, a = 0.

NEET Medium

32. Quarter period values

Question: For x = A sin(ωt), find x, v and a at t = T/4.

Show Solution

Given: t = T/4 means ωt = π/2.

Formula: use sine and cosine values.

Solution: x = A, v = 0, a = −Aω2.

Final Answer: x = A, v = 0, a = −Aω2.

JEE Main Medium

33. Half period values

Question: For x = A sin(ωt), find x, v and a at t = T/2.

Show Solution

Given: ωt = π.

Formula: sinπ = 0, cosπ = −1.

Solution: x = 0, v = −Aω, a = 0.

Final Answer: x = 0, v = −Aω, a = 0.

JEE Advanced Medium

34. Three-quarter period

Question: For x = A sin(ωt), find x, v and a at t = 3T/4.

Show Solution

Given: ωt = 3π/2.

Formula: sin(3π/2) = −1, cos(3π/2) = 0.

Solution: x = −A, v = 0, a = +Aω2.

Final Answer: x = −A, v = 0, a = Aω2.

NEET Medium

35. Determine graph start

Question: A graph starts from x = 0 and rises. Which form is suitable?

Show Solution

Given: starts from zero and increases.

Formula: x = A sin(ωt).

Solution: sine starts at zero with positive slope.

Final Answer: x = A sin(ωt).

JEE Main Medium

36. Determine cosine start

Question: A body starts from positive extreme. Which displacement form is best?

Show Solution

Given: x = A at t = 0.

Formula: cos0 = 1.

Solution: x = A cos(ωt).

Final Answer: x = A cos(ωt).

CBSE Medium

37. a-x graph slope

Question: If a-x graph has slope −25 s−2, find ω.

Show Solution

Given: slope = −ω2 = −25.

Formula: ω2 = 25.

Solution: ω = 5 rad/s.

Final Answer: 5 rad/s.

JEE Advanced Difficult

38. v-x ellipse intercepts

Question: A v-x ellipse has x-intercept 0.2 m and v-intercept 4 m/s. Find ω.

Show Solution

Given: A = 0.2 m, Aω = 4 m/s.

Formula: ω = (Aω)/A.

Solution: ω = 4/0.2 = 20 rad/s.

Final Answer: 20 rad/s.

JEE Advanced Difficult

39. a-v ellipse intercepts

Question: In a-v ellipse, v-intercept is 3 m/s and a-intercept is 12 m/s2. Find ω.

Show Solution

Given: Aω = 3, Aω2 = 12.

Formula: ω = (Aω2)/(Aω).

Solution: ω = 12/3 = 4 rad/s.

Final Answer: 4 rad/s.

JEE Advanced Difficult

40. Combined values

Question: At a point, x = 0.08 m, v = 0.6 m/s and A = 0.10 m. Find ω.

Show Solution

Given: x = 0.08, v = 0.6, A = 0.10.

Formula: v2 = ω2(A2 − x2).

Solution: 0.36 = ω2(0.01 − 0.0064) = 0.0036ω2. Thus ω2 = 100.

Final Answer: ω = 10 rad/s.

10. 50 PYQs and Exam Questions

Answers are hidden to support active recall and exam practice.

CBSE

1. Write displacement equation of SHM.

Use sine form and define symbols.

Show Answer
x = A sin(ωt), where A is amplitude, ω is angular frequency and t is time.
CBSE

2. Derive velocity from x = A sin(ωt).

State final expression.

Show Answer
Differentiate displacement: v = dx/dt = Aω cos(ωt).
CBSE

3. Derive acceleration from velocity.

Use v = Aω cos(ωt).

Show Answer
a = dv/dt = −Aω2 sin(ωt) = −ω2x.
CBSE

4. Where is velocity maximum?

State position.

Show Answer
Velocity is maximum at mean position, where x = 0.
CBSE

5. Where is acceleration maximum?

State position.

Show Answer
Acceleration magnitude is maximum at extreme positions, x = ±A.
NEET

6. If x = A sin(ωt), what is v at t = 0?

Choose from zero, Aω, −Aω.

Show Answer
v = Aω cos0 = Aω.
NEET

7. If x = A sin(ωt), what is a at t = 0?

State value.

Show Answer
a = −Aω2 sin0 = 0.
NEET

8. Which quantity leads displacement by π/2?

In sine-form SHM.

Show Answer
Velocity leads displacement by π/2.
NEET

9. Phase difference between x and a?

Give radians.

Show Answer
π radians.
NEET

10. v2 relation in SHM.

Write the formula.

Show Answer
v2 = ω2(A2 − x2).
JEE Main

11. x = 4 sin(2πt). Find frequency.

Use ω = 2πf.

Show Answer
ω = 2π, so f = 1 Hz.
JEE Main

12. a-x graph slope is −16. Find ω.

Use slope = −ω2.

Show Answer
ω2 = 16, so ω = 4 rad/s.
JEE Main

13. At x = A/2, find v/vmax.

Use velocity relation.

Show Answer
v/vmax = √(1 − 1/4) = √3/2.
JEE Main

14. At x = A/2, find |a|/amax.

Use acceleration relation.

Show Answer
|a|/amax = 1/2.
JEE Main

15. What graph is v-x?

Name the shape.

Show Answer
It is an ellipse: x2/A2 + v2/(A2ω2) = 1.
JEE Advanced

16. What graph is a-x?

State slope.

Show Answer
It is a straight line through origin with slope −ω2.
JEE Advanced

17. What graph is a-v?

Write relation.

Show Answer
It is an ellipse: a2/(A2ω4) + v2/(A2ω2) = 1.
JEE Advanced

18. When velocity is zero, acceleration is?

Use extremes.

Show Answer
At x = ±A, velocity is zero and acceleration magnitude is maximum Aω2, directed toward mean position.
JEE Advanced

19. When acceleration is zero, velocity is?

Use mean position.

Show Answer
At x = 0, acceleration is zero and velocity magnitude is maximum Aω.
JEE Advanced

20. If v-x ellipse intercepts are A and Aω, what is ω?

Use intercept ratio.

Show Answer
ω = velocity intercept / displacement intercept.
IB

21. Explain phase in SHM.

One or two sentences.

Show Answer
Phase describes the stage of oscillation and determines position and direction at a given instant.
IB

22. Why is acceleration opposite to displacement?

Use restoring nature.

Show Answer
The acceleration is caused by restoring force, which always acts toward equilibrium, opposite to displacement.
ICSE

23. What is amplitude?

For graph reading.

Show Answer
Maximum displacement from the mean position.
ICSE

24. How to find period from x-t graph?

State graph method.

Show Answer
Measure time between two consecutive identical phase points, such as crest to next crest.
IGCSE

25. Which graph starts from maximum positive for sine displacement?

x, v or a?

Show Answer
The v-t graph starts from maximum positive.
IGCSE

26. Which graph starts from zero and decreases?

For x = A sin(ωt).

Show Answer
The a-t graph starts from zero and decreases.
A-Level

27. State SHM defining equation.

Use acceleration.

Show Answer
a = −ω2x.
A-Level

28. What is the significance of negative sign?

In a = −ω2x.

Show Answer
It shows acceleration is opposite to displacement and directed toward equilibrium.
Assertion-Reason

29. Assertion: v leads x by π/2. Reason: v = Aω sin(ωt + π/2).

Evaluate.

Show Answer
Both are true and the reason correctly explains the assertion.
Assertion-Reason

30. Assertion: a and x are in same phase. Reason: a = −ω2x.

Evaluate.

Show Answer
Assertion is false. Reason is true and shows they are opposite in phase.
True/False

31. v is maximum at x = 0.

True or false?

Show Answer
True.
True/False

32. a is maximum at x = 0.

True or false?

Show Answer
False. Acceleration is zero at x = 0.
True/False

33. x-t and a-t graphs are opposite in phase.

True or false?

Show Answer
True.
True/False

34. v-x graph is a straight line.

True or false?

Show Answer
False. It is an ellipse.
Conceptual

35. Why does v-t graph begin at maximum?

For x = A sin(ωt).

Show Answer
At t = 0 the particle is at mean position, where speed is maximum.
Conceptual

36. Why does a-t graph initially go negative?

For x = A sin(ωt).

Show Answer
Just after t = 0, x becomes positive, so a = −ω2x becomes negative.
Conceptual

37. Can velocity and acceleration be zero together in SHM?

Ideal nonzero amplitude SHM.

Show Answer
No. At mean acceleration is zero but velocity maximum; at extremes velocity is zero but acceleration nonzero.
Conceptual

38. Can displacement and acceleration be zero together?

When?

Show Answer
Yes, at mean position x = 0 and a = −ω2x = 0.
Difficult Numerical

39. vmax = 5 and amax = 20. Find A.

Use maximum relations.

Show Answer
A = vmax2/amax = 25/20 = 1.25 m.
Difficult Numerical

40. vmax = 5 and amax = 20. Find ω.

Use ratio.

Show Answer
ω = amax/vmax = 20/5 = 4 rad/s.
Difficult Numerical

41. At x = A/√2, find speed.

In terms of vmax.

Show Answer
v/vmax = √(1 − 1/2) = 1/√2.
Difficult Numerical

42. At x = A/√2, find acceleration magnitude.

In terms of amax.

Show Answer
|a|/amax = 1/√2.
Case Study

43. A sensor records x = 0 at t = 0 with positive slope.

Choose sine or cosine model.

Show Answer
x = A sin(ωt) is appropriate because it starts from zero and rises.
Case Study

44. A graph of a against x is a straight line through origin with negative slope.

What does it indicate?

Show Answer
It indicates SHM because a = −ω2x.
Case Study

45. A v-x graph has larger vertical intercept after changing system.

What may have increased?

Show Answer
The maximum speed Aω increased, due to greater amplitude, angular frequency, or both.
Case Study

46. A student says acceleration is highest where velocity is highest.

Correct the statement.

Show Answer
Incorrect. Velocity is highest at mean position, where acceleration is zero. Acceleration is highest at extremes.
Mixed

47. What is v when x = A?

Use v-x relation.

Show Answer
v = 0.
Mixed

48. What is a when x = −A?

Use a = −ω2x.

Show Answer
a = +Aω2.
Mixed

49. What is displacement when acceleration is maximum positive?

Use sign.

Show Answer
x = −A because a = −ω2x.
Mixed

50. What is displacement when acceleration is maximum negative?

Use sign.

Show Answer
x = +A.

11. Quick Revision Notes

Equation Chain

  • x = A sin(ωt)
  • v = Aω cos(ωt)
  • a = −Aω2 sin(ωt)
  • a = −ω2x

Graph Starts

  • x starts from zero and rises.
  • v starts from maximum positive.
  • a starts from zero and falls negative.
  • a-x graph has negative slope.

Exam Tips

  • Use radians for phase.
  • Compare phases only after converting to sine form.
  • Use v2 relation when time is not given.
  • Read signs carefully in acceleration questions.

Common Mistakes

  • Forgetting ω while differentiating.
  • Calling v = Aω true at all points.
  • Missing the negative sign in acceleration.
  • Drawing a-t graph in phase with x-t graph.

Last Day Formulae

  • vmax = Aω
  • amax = Aω2
  • T = 2π/ω
  • x2/A2 + v2/(A2ω2) = 1

Memory Tricks

  • Sine starts at zero.
  • Velocity leads displacement by one quarter cycle.
  • Acceleration opposes displacement.
  • Ellipse means time was eliminated.

If SHM equations and graphs are not clear and you are looking for a Physics Tutor, contact Kumar Sir.

Phone: +91-9958461445   Email: kumarsirphysics@gmail.com   Website: https://kumarphysicsclasses.com

Scroll to Top