Physics Practice Test – Simple Harmonic Motion (Questions with Answers and Explanations)

A vertical string, suspended from a fixed point and having a small mass attached to the free end is set into oscillations. Which of the following statements about the system are correct?

I. The potential energy of the mass is minimum at the middle of the swing.
II. Its kinetic energy is maximum at the middle of the swing.
III. The sum of the potential and kinetic energies is constant throughout the swing.

A. I, II and III
B. I and II only
C. II and III only
D. I and III only

A swinging pendulum between the rest position and its maximum displacement possesses ______

A. kinetic energy only
B. potential energy only
C. gravitational energy only
D. both kinetic and potential energy

The period of a simple pendulum X is 5 s. What is the period of a simple pendulum Y which makes 50 vibrations in the same time it takes X to make 20 vibrations? (WASSCE 2014)

A.  12.5 s   B. 2.5 s   C. 2.0 s  D. 1.2 s

The period of a simple pendulum of length 80.0 cm was found to have doubled when the length of pendulum was increased by X. Calculate X. (WASSCE 2009)

A. 26.7 cm   B. 40.0 cm   C. 160.0 cm   D. 240.0 cm

The frequency of a swinging pendulum is the ______ (WASSCE 2005)

A. number of complete oscillations the pendulum makes in one second.
B. number of amplitudes the bob makes in one second
C. angle the bob swings through in one second
D. distance the bob covers in one second