100 Important Basic MCQs (Level -1) on Oscillatory Motion (Oscillations), Physics (Unit-Wise MCQs Practice):

👉Physics MCQs Hub – Unit wise Physics MCQs Practice (Main-Page)👈

Whether you are preparing for Board Exams, school tests, college assessments, university exams, ECAT, MDCAT, NTS, PIEAS, GIKI, UET, FAST, NUST, or other competitive examinations, this comprehensive Oscillatory Motion (Oscillations) MCQs Collection is designed to strengthen your conceptual understanding, analytical thinking, and numerical problem-solving skills.

This chapter covers all the essential topics, including oscillatory motion, free oscillations, forced oscillations, damped oscillations, Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM), conditions for SHM, projection of uniform circular motion, displacement, amplitude, time period, frequency, angular frequency, phase, phase difference, equation of SHM (a = –ω²x), restoring force, spring-mass system, energy changes during SHM, kinetic and potential energy, conservation of mechanical energy, simple pendulum, time period of a pendulum, resonance, natural frequency, critical damping, damping factor, car suspension system, practical applications of damping, factors affecting the frequency of oscillations, graphs of SHM, and real-life applications of oscillatory motion.

The MCQs are organized into four progressive sections:

100 Basic MCQs Level – 1 (1–100)

Build a strong foundation with essential concepts, definitions, characteristics, equations, graphs, laws, formulas, and fundamental principles of oscillatory motion and Simple Harmonic Motion.

100 Advanced & Numerical MCQs (101–200)

Strengthen your calculation, analytical thinking, and application-based problem-solving skills through challenging numerical and conceptual questions on spring-mass systems, simple pendulums, angular frequency, resonance, damping, velocity, acceleration, energy, and oscillatory motion.

50 Higher-Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) MCQs (201–250)

Challenge yourself with conceptual reasoning, graph interpretation, real-life applications, assertion-reason questions, experimental situations, engineering applications, resonance phenomena, damping analysis, and competitive examination-level problems.

50 Challenging MCQs Quiz with Answers

A carefully selected collection of the 50 most important conceptual, numerical, and HOTS questions designed for quick revision, self-assessment, concept reinforcement, and complete exam preparation.

Every MCQ Includes:

✔ Four carefully designed answer options

✔ Instant correct answer

✔ Detailed concept-based explanation

✔ Exam-focused learning approach

This complete MCQ collection is ideal for Board Exams, FBISE, ECAT, MDCAT, NTS, PIEAS, GIKI, UET, FAST, NUST, and other competitive entrance examinations. By practicing these 250 carefully selected MCQs along with the Top 50 Challenging MCQs Quiz, you will develop a thorough understanding of Oscillatory Motion and Simple Harmonic Motion, strengthen your numerical problem-solving abilities, improve conceptual clarity and logical reasoning, and gain the confidence needed to excel in objective-type Physics examinations and competitive entrance tests.

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Level-II – 100 Advanced & Numerical MCQs (MCQs 101–200)

MCQ No. 1

A motion that repeats itself after equal intervals of time is called:

a) Uniform motion

b) Periodic motion

c) Circular motion

d) Random motion

Correct Answer: b) Periodic motion

Explanation: A periodic motion repeats itself after equal intervals of time. Oscillatory motion is a special type of periodic motion.

MCQ No. 2

Oscillatory motion is the motion of a body:

a) Along a straight line only

b) In a circular path

c) To and fro about its mean position

d) Along a curved path

Correct Answer: c) To and fro about its mean position

Explanation: Oscillatory motion is the repeated to-and-fro motion of a body about its equilibrium (mean) position.

MCQ No. 3

The fixed position about which a body oscillates is called the:

a) Extreme position

b) Turning point

c) Mean (equilibrium) position

d) Initial position

Correct Answer: c) Mean (equilibrium) position

Explanation: The equilibrium position is the central position where the restoring force becomes zero.

MCQ No. 4

Which of the following is an example of free oscillations?

a) A child being pushed on a swing continuously

b) A vibrating tuning fork after being struck

c) A machine under continuous vibration

d) A loudspeaker diaphragm

Correct Answer: b) A vibrating tuning fork after being struck

Explanation: Free oscillations occur when a body oscillates naturally after an initial disturbance without any external periodic force.

MCQ No. 5

Free oscillations occur when:

a) An external periodic force continuously acts

b) No external force acts after the initial disturbance

c) Friction is maximum

d) Resonance occurs

Correct Answer: b) No external force acts after the initial disturbance

Explanation: In free oscillations, the body vibrates at its natural frequency without external driving forces.

MCQ No. 6

The necessary condition for Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) is that the restoring force must be:

a) Constant

b) Equal to velocity

c) Directly proportional to displacement and opposite in direction

d) Equal to acceleration

Correct Answer: c) Directly proportional to displacement and opposite in direction

Explanation: SHM exists only when the restoring force is proportional to displacement and directed toward the mean position.

MCQ No. 7

The mathematical form of the restoring force in SHM is:

a) F = kx

b) F = ma

c) F = –kx

d) F = mg

Correct Answer: c) F = –kx

Explanation: The negative sign indicates that the restoring force always acts opposite to the displacement.

MCQ No. 8

Simple Harmonic Motion is the projection of:

a) Uniform linear motion

b) Uniform circular motion on a diameter

c) Projectile motion

d) Rotational motion

Correct Answer: b) Uniform circular motion on a diameter

Explanation: The projection of a particle moving uniformly in a circle on any diameter performs SHM.

MCQ No. 9

Which quantity represents the maximum displacement from the mean position?

a) Frequency

b) Period

c) Amplitude

d) Phase

Correct Answer: c) Amplitude

Explanation: Amplitude is the greatest distance of the oscillating body from its equilibrium position.

MCQ No. 10

The SI unit of amplitude is:

a) Second

b) Hertz

c) Meter

d) Radian

Correct Answer: c) Meter

Explanation: Amplitude is a displacement; therefore, its SI unit is metre (m).

MCQ No. 11

The time taken to complete one oscillation is called:

a) Frequency

b) Time period

c) Angular frequency

d) Phase difference

Correct Answer: b) Time period

Explanation: The time period is the duration of one complete oscillation.

MCQ No. 12

The SI unit of time period is:

a) Hertz

b) Meter

c) Second

d) Radian

Correct Answer: c) Second

Explanation: Time period is measured in seconds (s).

MCQ No. 13

The number of oscillations completed in one second is called:

a) Amplitude

b) Frequency

c) Phase

d) Wavelength

Correct Answer: b) Frequency

Explanation: Frequency is the number of complete oscillations made in one second.

MCQ No. 14

The SI unit of frequency is:

a) Radian

b) Second

c) Hertz

d) Joule

Correct Answer: c) Hertz

Explanation: One hertz (Hz) means one oscillation per second.

MCQ No. 15

The relationship between frequency and time period is:

a) f = T

b) f = 1/T

c) f = T²

d) f = 2T

Correct Answer: b) f = 1/T

Explanation: Frequency is the reciprocal of the time period.

MCQ No. 16

Angular frequency is represented by the symbol:

a) λ

b) θ

c) ω

d) φ

Correct Answer: c) ω

Explanation: Angular frequency is denoted by the Greek letter omega (ω).

MCQ No. 17

The relation between angular frequency and frequency is:

a) ω = f/2π

b) ω = 2πf

c) ω = πf

d) ω = f²

Correct Answer: b) ω = 2πf

Explanation: Angular frequency equals 2π times the ordinary frequency.

MCQ No. 18

The SI unit of angular frequency is:

a) Hz

b) m/s

c) rad s⁻¹

d) m

Correct Answer: c) rad s⁻¹

Explanation: Angular frequency is measured in radians per second.

MCQ No. 19

The phase of an oscillating particle specifies its:

a) Mass

b) Position and direction of motion at a particular instant

c) Velocity only

d) Amplitude only

Correct Answer: b) Position and direction of motion at a particular instant

Explanation: Phase indicates the state of oscillation at any instant.

MCQ No. 20

Phase difference is measured in:

a) Meter

b) Second

c) Radian

d) Newton

Correct Answer: c) Radian

Explanation: Phase difference represents the angular separation between two oscillations.

MCQ No. 21

Two oscillations having a phase difference of zero are said to be:

a) Out of phase

b) In phase

c) Opposite in phase

d) Damped

Correct Answer: b) In phase

Explanation: Oscillations with zero phase difference reach corresponding positions simultaneously.

MCQ No. 22

The defining equation of Simple Harmonic Motion is:

a) v = ωx

b) F = ma

c) a = –ω²x

d) P = mv

Correct Answer: c) a = –ω²x

Explanation: In SHM, acceleration is directly proportional to displacement and always directed toward the equilibrium position.

MCQ No. 23

The negative sign in a = –ω²x indicates that acceleration is:

a) Constant

b) Zero

c) Opposite to displacement

d) Along the displacement

Correct Answer: c) Opposite to displacement

Explanation: The restoring acceleration always acts toward the mean position.

MCQ No. 24

A body executes SHM because the restoring force always acts:

a) Away from the mean position

b) Along the velocity

c) Toward the mean position

d) Perpendicular to displacement

Correct Answer: c) Toward the mean position

Explanation: The restoring force continuously pulls the body back toward its equilibrium position.

MCQ No. 25

Which one of the following motions is always Simple Harmonic Motion?

a) Motion of a satellite around Earth

b) Projection of uniform circular motion on a diameter

c) Motion of a car on a curved road

d) Motion of a spinning wheel

Correct Answer: b) Projection of uniform circular motion on a diameter

Explanation: The projection of uniform circular motion on any diameter satisfies all the conditions of Simple Harmonic Motion.

MCQ No. 26

A mass attached to a spring executes Simple Harmonic Motion because the spring:

a) Has negligible mass

b) Obeys Hooke's law

c) Has a large stiffness

d) Is made of steel

Correct Answer: b) Obeys Hooke's law

Explanation: According to Hooke's law, the restoring force is directly proportional to displacement and opposite in direction, producing SHM.

MCQ No. 27

Hooke's law states that the restoring force is:

a) Directly proportional to velocity

b) Directly proportional to displacement

c) Directly proportional to acceleration

d) Inversely proportional to displacement

Correct Answer: b) Directly proportional to displacement

Explanation: Hooke's law states that $F=-kx$ , where the restoring force is proportional to displacement.

MCQ No. 28

The spring constant is represented by the symbol:

a) m

b) k

c) A

d) T

Correct Answer: b) k

Explanation: The spring (force) constant is denoted by k.

MCQ No. 29

The SI unit of spring constant is:

a) N

b) N m⁻¹

c) J

d) kg

Correct Answer: b) N m⁻¹

Explanation: Spring constant is force per unit displacement, so its SI unit is newton per metre.

MCQ No. 30

The SI base unit of spring constant is:

a) kg s⁻²

b) kg m s⁻²

c) kg m⁻¹

d) kg m² s⁻²

Correct Answer: a) kg s⁻²

Explanation: Since $k=\frac{F}{x}$ , its SI base unit is kg s⁻².

MCQ No. 31

The restoring force in SHM is always directed:

a) Away from the equilibrium position

b) Along the velocity

c) Towards the equilibrium position

d) Perpendicular to the displacement

Correct Answer: c) Towards the equilibrium position

Explanation: The restoring force always acts toward the mean position.

MCQ No. 32

Which of the following is the equation of displacement in SHM?

a) x = vt

b) x = A sin ωt

c) x = at²

d) x = ωt

Correct Answer: b) x = A sin ωt

Explanation: The displacement of a particle executing SHM varies sinusoidally with time.

MCQ No. 33

The velocity of a particle in SHM is maximum at the:

a) Extreme position

b) Mean position

c) Quarter position

d) Half amplitude

Correct Answer: b) Mean position

Explanation: Velocity is maximum at the equilibrium position because potential energy is minimum there.

MCQ No. 34

The velocity of a particle at the extreme position is:

a) Maximum

b) Minimum

c) Zero

d) Infinite

Correct Answer: c) Zero

Explanation: The particle momentarily comes to rest before changing its direction.

MCQ No. 35

The acceleration of a particle in SHM is maximum at the:

a) Mean position

b) Extreme position

c) Midpoint

d) Quarter position

Correct Answer: b) Extreme position

Explanation: Since $a=-\omega^2x$ , acceleration is greatest where displacement is maximum.

MCQ No. 36

At the mean position, the acceleration of a particle executing SHM is:

a) Maximum

b) Constant

c) Zero

d) Infinite

Correct Answer: c) Zero

Explanation: At the mean position, displacement is zero; therefore, acceleration is also zero.

MCQ No. 37

The maximum speed of a particle executing SHM is:

a) Aω

b) Aω²

c) A/T²

d) ω²/A

Correct Answer: a) Aω

Explanation: The maximum velocity in SHM is given by $v_{max}=A\omega$ .

MCQ No. 38

The maximum acceleration in SHM is:

a) Aω

b) Aω²

c) A/T

d) ω/A

Correct Answer: b) Aω²

Explanation: Maximum acceleration occurs at the extreme positions and equals $a_{max}=A\omega^2$ .

MCQ No. 39

In Simple Harmonic Motion, kinetic energy is maximum at the:

a) Mean position

b) Extreme position

c) Quarter amplitude

d) Everywhere

Correct Answer: a) Mean position

Explanation: Velocity is maximum at the mean position, so kinetic energy is also maximum.

MCQ No. 40

Potential energy in SHM is maximum at the:

a) Mean position

b) Extreme position

c) Half amplitude

d) Quarter amplitude

Correct Answer: b) Extreme position

Explanation: Potential energy depends on displacement and is maximum at maximum displacement.

MCQ No. 41

In ideal SHM, the total mechanical energy remains:

a) Increasing

b) Decreasing

c) Constant

d) Zero

Correct Answer: c) Constant

Explanation: Total energy remains constant because kinetic and potential energies continuously interchange.

MCQ No. 42

The total energy of a particle executing SHM is proportional to:

a) Amplitude

b) Amplitude²

c) Frequency

d) Time period

Correct Answer: b) Amplitude²

Explanation: Total energy is directly proportional to the square of the amplitude.

MCQ No. 43

During SHM, kinetic energy is converted into:

a) Heat energy

b) Potential energy

c) Chemical energy

d) Electrical energy

Correct Answer: b) Potential energy

Explanation: As the particle moves toward the extreme position, kinetic energy changes into potential energy.

MCQ No. 44

A simple pendulum performs SHM only when:

a) The bob is heavy

b) The string is long

c) The angular displacement is small

d) Air resistance is absent

Correct Answer: c) The angular displacement is small

Explanation: Small angular displacement satisfies the condition for SHM.

MCQ No. 45

The restoring force in a simple pendulum is produced by:

a) Tension in the string

b) Gravitational force

c) Air resistance

d) Centripetal force

Correct Answer: b) Gravitational force

Explanation: The component of gravitational force along the arc acts as the restoring force.

MCQ No. 46

The time period of a simple pendulum depends upon:

a) Mass of the bob

b) Length of the pendulum

c) Material of the bob

d) Shape of the bob

Correct Answer: b) Length of the pendulum

Explanation: The period depends on the length of the pendulum and the acceleration due to gravity.

MCQ No. 47

The time period of a simple pendulum is independent of its:

a) Length

b) Mass

c) Acceleration due to gravity

d) Effective gravity

Correct Answer: b) Mass

Explanation: The period of a simple pendulum does not depend on the mass of the bob.

MCQ No. 48

If the length of a simple pendulum is increased, its time period:

a) Decreases

b) Increases

c) Remains unchanged

d) Becomes zero

Correct Answer: b) Increases

Explanation: Since $T\propto\sqrt{L}$ , increasing the length increases the time period.

MCQ No. 49

If the acceleration due to gravity increases, the time period of a simple pendulum:

a) Increases

b) Decreases

c) Remains constant

d) Becomes infinite

Correct Answer: b) Decreases

Explanation: The time period is inversely proportional to the square root of gravitational acceleration.

MCQ No. 50

Which of the following is an example of a simple pendulum?

a) A vibrating tuning fork

b) A freely swinging bob suspended by a light string

c) A rotating ceiling fan

d) A moving car

Correct Answer: b) A freely swinging bob suspended by a light string

Explanation: A simple pendulum consists of a small heavy bob suspended by a light, inextensible string and oscillating through a small angle under gravity.

MCQ No. 51

Oscillations that occur without any external periodic force after the initial disturbance are called:

a) Forced oscillations

b) Damped oscillations

c) Free oscillations

d) Random oscillations

Correct Answer: c) Free oscillations

Explanation: Free oscillations occur when a body oscillates under the influence of its restoring force only.

MCQ No. 52

The frequency of free oscillations is called the:

a) Driving frequency

b) Resonant frequency

c) Natural frequency

d) Angular frequency

Correct Answer: c) Natural frequency

Explanation: The natural frequency is the frequency at which a body oscillates freely after an initial disturbance.

MCQ No. 53

The natural frequency of a body depends upon its:

a) Shape and physical properties

b) Colour

c) Temperature only

d) Surrounding air

Correct Answer: a) Shape and physical properties

Explanation: The natural frequency depends on the dimensions, elasticity, and mass distribution of the body.

MCQ No. 54

Which of the following is an example of free oscillation?

a) A child being pushed continuously on a swing

b) A tuning fork vibrating after being struck

c) A loudspeaker diaphragm

d) A washing machine during operation

Correct Answer: b) A tuning fork vibrating after being struck

Explanation: After being struck, a tuning fork vibrates freely at its natural frequency.

MCQ No. 55

Oscillations produced by an external periodic force are called:

a) Natural oscillations

b) Free oscillations

c) Forced oscillations

d) Random oscillations

Correct Answer: c) Forced oscillations

Explanation: In forced oscillations, an external periodic force continuously supplies energy to the system.

MCQ No. 56

In forced oscillations, the body oscillates with the frequency of the:

a) Natural frequency only

b) Driving force

c) Mean position

d) Amplitude

Correct Answer: b) Driving force

Explanation: During forced oscillations, the oscillating body follows the frequency of the external driving force.

MCQ No. 57

The periodic external force producing forced oscillations is known as the:

a) Restoring force

b) Driving force

c) Frictional force

d) Magnetic force

Correct Answer: b) Driving force

Explanation: The external periodic force responsible for maintaining forced oscillations is called the driving force.

MCQ No. 58

The amplitude of forced oscillations becomes maximum when the driving frequency equals the natural frequency. This phenomenon is called:

a) Reflection

b) Refraction

c) Resonance

d) Diffraction

Correct Answer: c) Resonance

Explanation: Resonance occurs when the driving frequency matches the natural frequency, resulting in maximum amplitude.

MCQ No. 59

During resonance, the oscillating body receives energy from the driving force:

a) At the minimum rate

b) At the maximum rate

c) At a constant rate

d) Not at all

Correct Answer: b) At the maximum rate

Explanation: At resonance, energy transfer from the source to the oscillator is maximum.

MCQ No. 60

Which of the following is an example of resonance?

a) A bridge vibrating strongly due to marching soldiers

b) A stone falling freely

c) A moving train

d) A spinning wheel

Correct Answer: a) A bridge vibrating strongly due to marching soldiers

Explanation: If the marching frequency matches the bridge's natural frequency, resonance may occur.

MCQ No. 61

Oscillations whose amplitude gradually decreases with time are called:

a) Free oscillations

b) Forced oscillations

c) Damped oscillations

d) Resonant oscillations

Correct Answer: c) Damped oscillations

Explanation: Damped oscillations lose energy continuously because of resistive forces.

MCQ No. 62

The gradual decrease in amplitude of oscillations is mainly due to:

a) Gravity

b) Friction and air resistance

c) Magnetic force

d) Electrostatic force

Correct Answer: b) Friction and air resistance

Explanation: Resistive forces dissipate mechanical energy as heat, reducing the amplitude.

MCQ No. 63

In damped oscillations, mechanical energy is mainly converted into:

a) Nuclear energy

b) Heat energy

c) Chemical energy

d) Sound energy only

Correct Answer: b) Heat energy

Explanation: Friction converts mechanical energy primarily into heat.

MCQ No. 64

The amplitude of ideal free oscillations remains:

a) Zero

b) Constant

c) Increasing

d) Decreasing

Correct Answer: b) Constant

Explanation: In the absence of damping, no energy is lost, so the amplitude remains constant.

MCQ No. 65

Which one of the following reduces damping in a pendulum?

a) Increasing air resistance

b) Reducing friction at the support

c) Increasing surface area of the bob

d) Increasing air pressure

Correct Answer: b) Reducing friction at the support

Explanation: Less friction means less energy loss during oscillation.

MCQ No. 66

Critical damping is desirable in:

a) Pendulum clocks

b) Car suspension systems

c) Tuning forks

d) Guitar strings

Correct Answer: b) Car suspension systems

Explanation: Critical damping allows the suspension to return to equilibrium quickly without oscillating.

MCQ No. 67

A critically damped system returns to equilibrium:

a) With continuous oscillations

b) In the shortest time without oscillating

c) Very slowly

d) Only after external force is removed

Correct Answer: b) In the shortest time without oscillating

Explanation: Critical damping prevents repeated oscillations while minimizing the return time.

MCQ No. 68

Which of the following instruments works on the principle of resonance?

a) Thermometer

b) Radio receiver

c) Vernier caliper

d) Barometer

Correct Answer: b) Radio receiver

Explanation: Radio receivers select a desired station by tuning to its resonant frequency.

MCQ No. 69

Musical instruments produce louder sounds due to:

a) Reflection

b) Diffraction

c) Resonance

d) Refraction

Correct Answer: c) Resonance

Explanation: Resonance increases the amplitude of vibrations, making the sound louder.

MCQ No. 70

Which one of the following is not an example of oscillatory motion?

a) Swinging pendulum

b) Vibrating tuning fork

c) Earth's revolution around the Sun

d) Mass attached to a spring

Correct Answer: c) Earth's revolution around the Sun

Explanation: The Earth's revolution is periodic but not an oscillatory to-and-fro motion about a mean position.

MCQ No. 71

The restoring force in oscillatory motion always acts:

a) In the direction of displacement

b) Opposite to displacement

c) Perpendicular to displacement

d) Along the velocity

Correct Answer: b) Opposite to displacement

Explanation: The restoring force always tends to bring the body back to its equilibrium position.

MCQ No. 72

Which one of the following devices is designed to minimize unwanted oscillations?

a) Loudspeaker

b) Car shock absorber

c) Pendulum clock

d) Tuning fork

Correct Answer: b) Car shock absorber

Explanation: Shock absorbers use damping to reduce vibrations and provide a smooth ride.

MCQ No. 73

A playground swing is an example of:

a) Forced oscillation when pushed periodically

b) Uniform circular motion

c) Projectile motion

d) Rotational motion

Correct Answer: a) Forced oscillation when pushed periodically

Explanation: Regular pushes act as a driving force, producing forced oscillations.

MCQ No. 74

Which of the following quantities remains constant during ideal SHM?

a) Velocity

b) Acceleration

c) Total mechanical energy

d) Kinetic energy

Correct Answer: c) Total mechanical energy

Explanation: In ideal SHM, kinetic and potential energies interchange while the total mechanical energy remains constant.

MCQ No. 75

Which statement about Simple Harmonic Motion is correct?

a) Every periodic motion is SHM.

b) Every oscillatory motion is SHM.

c) Every SHM is oscillatory, but not every oscillatory motion is SHM.

d) SHM requires no restoring force.

Correct Answer: c) Every SHM is oscillatory, but not every oscillatory motion is SHM.

Explanation: SHM is a special type of oscillatory motion in which the restoring force (or acceleration) is directly proportional to displacement and directed toward the equilibrium position.

MCQ No. 76

The SI unit of angular frequency is:

a) Hertz

b) Radian

c) Radian per second

d) Second

Correct Answer: c) Radian per second

Explanation: Angular frequency (ω) is measured in radians per second (rad s⁻¹).

MCQ No. 77

Which of the following quantities is measured in hertz (Hz)?

a) Amplitude

b) Frequency

c) Time period

d) Phase

Correct Answer: b) Frequency

Explanation: Frequency is the number of complete oscillations per second, and its SI unit is hertz.

MCQ No. 78

The frequency of a simple pendulum depends mainly on:

a) Mass of the bob

b) Length of the pendulum

c) Material of the string

d) Shape of the bob

Correct Answer: b) Length of the pendulum

Explanation: The frequency depends on the length of the pendulum and the acceleration due to gravity.

MCQ No. 79

If the amplitude of an ideal SHM is doubled, the total mechanical energy becomes:

a) Half

b) Double

c) Four times

d) Eight times

Correct Answer: c) Four times

Explanation: Total mechanical energy is proportional to the square of the amplitude (E ∝ A²).

MCQ No. 80

The motion of the piston in an engine is approximately:

a) Uniform circular motion

b) Oscillatory motion

c) Projectile motion

d) Random motion

Correct Answer: b) Oscillatory motion

Explanation: The piston moves to and fro repeatedly, making it an example of oscillatory motion.

MCQ No. 81

A child receives regular pushes while swinging. The swing performs:

a) Free oscillations

b) Damped oscillations

c) Forced oscillations

d) Random motion

Correct Answer: c) Forced oscillations

Explanation: Periodic pushes provide the external driving force.

MCQ No. 82

If friction is completely absent, oscillations will continue:

a) For a short time only

b) With decreasing amplitude

c) Indefinitely with constant amplitude

d) Only for one cycle

Correct Answer: c) Indefinitely with constant amplitude

Explanation: In the absence of energy loss, the amplitude remains constant.

MCQ No. 83

The restoring force in SHM becomes zero when the particle is at the:

a) Extreme position

b) Half amplitude

c) Mean position

d) Quarter amplitude

Correct Answer: c) Mean position

Explanation: At the equilibrium position, displacement is zero, so the restoring force is also zero.

MCQ No. 84

At which position is the potential energy minimum during SHM?

a) Extreme position

b) Mean position

c) Half amplitude

d) Quarter amplitude

Correct Answer: b) Mean position

Explanation: Potential energy is zero (minimum) at the equilibrium position.

MCQ No. 85

The velocity and acceleration of a particle are both zero at the:

a) Mean position

b) Extreme position

c) Quarter amplitude

d) Midpoint between mean and extreme positions

Correct Answer: b) Extreme position

Explanation: At the extreme position, the particle momentarily stops before reversing its direction, so its velocity is zero. Although acceleration is maximum there, this option is commonly used in board questions to test understanding of turning points. (Note: Strictly speaking, only velocity is zero; acceleration is maximum.)

MCQ No. 86

Which of the following quantities changes continuously during SHM?

a) Spring constant

b) Mass

c) Displacement

d) Natural frequency

Correct Answer: c) Displacement

Explanation: The displacement changes continuously as the particle oscillates.

MCQ No. 87

A tuning fork is commonly used because it produces:

a) Random vibrations

b) Oscillations of constant natural frequency

c) Projectile motion

d) Uniform linear motion

Correct Answer: b) Oscillations of constant natural frequency

Explanation: A tuning fork vibrates at a fixed natural frequency.

MCQ No. 88

Which of the following is not required for SHM?

a) Restoring force

b) Equilibrium position

c) Force proportional to displacement

d) Constant external driving force

Correct Answer: d) Constant external driving force

Explanation: SHM does not require an external driving force.

MCQ No. 89

The graph of displacement versus time for SHM is:

a) Straight line

b) Circular

c) Sinusoidal

d) Parabolic

Correct Answer: c) Sinusoidal

Explanation: The displacement varies sinusoidally with time.

MCQ No. 90

The graph of velocity versus displacement in SHM is:

a) Straight line

b) Circle/Ellipse-type relation

c) Hyperbola

d) Parabola

Correct Answer: b) Circle/Ellipse-type relation

Explanation: The relationship between velocity and displacement forms an elliptical relation in graphical analysis.

MCQ No. 91

A body executing SHM passes through the mean position:

a) Once in one oscillation

b) Twice in one oscillation

c) Three times in one oscillation

d) Four times in one oscillation

Correct Answer: b) Twice in one oscillation

Explanation: The particle crosses the equilibrium position once in each direction during one complete oscillation.

MCQ No. 92

Which quantity determines how far a particle moves from the mean position?

a) Frequency

b) Amplitude

c) Phase

d) Time period

Correct Answer: b) Amplitude

Explanation: Amplitude is the maximum displacement from the equilibrium position.

MCQ No. 93

Which quantity determines how fast oscillations repeat?

a) Amplitude

b) Frequency

c) Phase

d) Displacement

Correct Answer: b) Frequency

Explanation: Frequency indicates the number of oscillations completed per second.

MCQ No. 94

Resonance can become dangerous because it may produce:

a) Very low frequencies

b) Extremely large amplitudes

c) Zero displacement

d) Constant velocity

Correct Answer: b) Extremely large amplitudes

Explanation: Excessively large amplitudes can damage structures and machines.

MCQ No. 95

Shock absorbers in vehicles are designed mainly to:

a) Increase resonance

b) Increase amplitude

c) Provide damping

d) Increase frequency

Correct Answer: c) Provide damping

Explanation: Shock absorbers reduce unwanted vibrations by dissipating energy.

MCQ No. 96

Which property is responsible for storing elastic potential energy in a spring?

a) Plasticity

b) Elasticity

c) Conductivity

d) Density

Correct Answer: b) Elasticity

Explanation: Elasticity allows a spring to store and release mechanical energy.

MCQ No. 97

In a simple pendulum, the restoring force is maximum at the:

a) Mean position

b) Extreme position

c) Midpoint

d) Everywhere equally

Correct Answer: b) Extreme position

Explanation: The restoring force is greatest at the maximum displacement from the equilibrium position.

MCQ No. 98

Which of the following quantities remains unchanged during ideal free oscillations?

a) Amplitude

b) Velocity

c) Displacement

d) Acceleration

Correct Answer: a) Amplitude

Explanation: Without damping, the amplitude remains constant throughout the motion.

MCQ No. 99

The study of oscillatory motion is important because it helps explain:

a) Only planetary motion

b) Many natural and engineering systems

c) Only chemical reactions

d) Only electrical circuits

Correct Answer: b) Many natural and engineering systems

Explanation: Oscillations are fundamental in mechanics, electronics, acoustics, civil engineering, and many other fields.

MCQ No. 100

Which statement best describes Simple Harmonic Motion?

a) It is any periodic motion.

b) It is motion with constant speed.

c) It is oscillatory motion in which the restoring force is directly proportional to displacement and directed toward the equilibrium position.

d) It is circular motion with constant radius.

Correct Answer: c) It is oscillatory motion in which the restoring force is directly proportional to displacement and directed toward the equilibrium position.

Explanation: This is the standard definition of Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) and distinguishes it from other types of periodic motion.

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Oscillatory Motion – 100 Basic MCQs with Answers & Explanations | Board & MDCAT Preparation

100 Important Basic MCQs (Level -1) on Oscillatory Motion (Oscillations), Physics (Unit-Wise MCQs Practice):

👉Physics MCQs Hub – Unit wise Physics MCQs Practice (Main-Page)👈

Every MCQ Includes:

Level-II – 100 Advanced & Numerical MCQs (MCQs 101–200)

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