Delhi Police Constable Exam  >  Delhi Police Constable Questions  >  The motion of a simple pendulum is approximat... Start Learning for Free
The motion of a simple pendulum is approximately SHM when:
  • a)
    The angle of oscillation is small
  • b)
    The angle of oscillation is large
  • c)
    The length of the pendulum is long
  • d)
    The mass of the pendulum is large
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
The motion of a simple pendulum is approximately SHM when:a)The angle ...
The motion of a simple pendulum is approximately SHM when the angle of oscillation is small.
View all questions of this test
Most Upvoted Answer
The motion of a simple pendulum is approximately SHM when:a)The angle ...
Understanding Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) in a Pendulum
A simple pendulum exhibits simple harmonic motion (SHM) primarily under specific conditions related to the angle of oscillation. Here's why the correct answer is option 'A':
Small Angle Approximation
- When the angle of oscillation is small (typically less than 15 degrees), the motion of the pendulum can be approximated as SHM.
- In this range, the restoring force acting on the pendulum is directly proportional to the displacement from the equilibrium position. This relationship is a key characteristic of SHM.
Mathematical Justification
- For a pendulum, the restoring force is derived from gravity. The formula for the angular displacement (θ) leads to the equation of motion resembling that of SHM when θ is small.
- Specifically, sin(θ) approximates to θ (in radians), allowing the motion to be simplified.
Limitations at Large Angles
- When the angle of oscillation is large, the approximation fails. The sin(θ) no longer equals θ, and the restoring force becomes nonlinear, deviating from SHM.
- This nonlinearity introduces complexities, such as varying periods and increased amplitude effects.
Other Factors
- The length of the pendulum and mass do not influence the approximation of SHM's fundamental nature. While they affect the period of oscillation, they do not change the condition under which the motion behaves as SHM.
Conclusion
- Therefore, for a simple pendulum to exhibit SHM, the angle of oscillation must be small (option A), ensuring a linear relationship between restoring force and displacement. This fundamental understanding is crucial for studying pendulum dynamics in physics.
Explore Courses for Delhi Police Constable exam

Top Courses for Delhi Police Constable

Question Description
The motion of a simple pendulum is approximately SHM when:a)The angle of oscillation is smallb)The angle of oscillation is largec)The length of the pendulum is longd)The mass of the pendulum is largeCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? for Delhi Police Constable 2025 is part of Delhi Police Constable preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the Delhi Police Constable exam syllabus. Information about The motion of a simple pendulum is approximately SHM when:a)The angle of oscillation is smallb)The angle of oscillation is largec)The length of the pendulum is longd)The mass of the pendulum is largeCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for Delhi Police Constable 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for The motion of a simple pendulum is approximately SHM when:a)The angle of oscillation is smallb)The angle of oscillation is largec)The length of the pendulum is longd)The mass of the pendulum is largeCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for The motion of a simple pendulum is approximately SHM when:a)The angle of oscillation is smallb)The angle of oscillation is largec)The length of the pendulum is longd)The mass of the pendulum is largeCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for Delhi Police Constable. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for Delhi Police Constable Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of The motion of a simple pendulum is approximately SHM when:a)The angle of oscillation is smallb)The angle of oscillation is largec)The length of the pendulum is longd)The mass of the pendulum is largeCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of The motion of a simple pendulum is approximately SHM when:a)The angle of oscillation is smallb)The angle of oscillation is largec)The length of the pendulum is longd)The mass of the pendulum is largeCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for The motion of a simple pendulum is approximately SHM when:a)The angle of oscillation is smallb)The angle of oscillation is largec)The length of the pendulum is longd)The mass of the pendulum is largeCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of The motion of a simple pendulum is approximately SHM when:a)The angle of oscillation is smallb)The angle of oscillation is largec)The length of the pendulum is longd)The mass of the pendulum is largeCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice The motion of a simple pendulum is approximately SHM when:a)The angle of oscillation is smallb)The angle of oscillation is largec)The length of the pendulum is longd)The mass of the pendulum is largeCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice Delhi Police Constable tests.
Explore Courses for Delhi Police Constable exam

Top Courses for Delhi Police Constable

Explore Courses
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev