When a particle of mass m moves on the x-axis in a potential of the form V(x) = kx2, it performs simple harmonic motion. The corresponding time period is proportional to $$\sqrt {{m \over k}} $$, as can be seen easily using dimensional analysis. However, the motion of a particle can be periodic even when its potential energy increases on both sides of x = 0 in a way different from kx2 and its total energy is such that the particle does not escape to infinity. Consider a particle of mass m moving on the x-axis. Its potential energy is V(x) = $$\alpha$$x4 ($$\alpha$$ > 0) for | x | near the origin and becomes a constant equal to V0 for (see figure).
The acceleration of this particle for $$|x| > {X_0}$$ is
The mass M shown in the figure below oscillates in simple harmonic motion with amplitude A. The amplitude of the point P is
A uniform rod of length L and mass M is pivoted at the centre. Its two ends are attached to two springs of equal spring constants $$k$$. The springs are fixed to rigid supports as shown in the figure, and the rod is free to oscillate in the horizontal plane. The rod is gently pushed through a small angle $$\theta$$ in one direction and released. The frequency of oscillation is
The $$x$$-$$t$$ graph of a particle undergoing simple harmonic motion is shown in the figure. The acceleration of the particle at $$t=4/3$$ s is
