The "Oscillations and Waves" is an important chapter in the NEET Physics section which weighs about 12% of overall marks in Physics, that approximately covers about 3-4 questions. This unit covers fundamental topics including Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM), wave motion, and Doppler effect which helps understanding the behavior of oscillating systems and wave phenomena.

SHM is especially important because it guides the understanding of oscillatory systems like springs and pendulums. The wave material covers the study of transverse waves, longitudinal waves, standing waves, and wave interactions which provide insight for wave phenomena. It is essential to understand these core ideas and practice related problems in order to perform well in this chapter in the NEET exam.

Not only mastering the chapter, but practicing NEET Previous year questions is also necessary as it gives an idea of the format of the questions. Along this, it also boosts your confidence in how to solve the questions.

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Some important questions of Oscillations & Waves based on NEET Previous Year Questions are given below with detailed solutions.

Question 1:

If \( x = 5 \sin\left(\pi t + \frac{\pi}{3}\right) \, \text{m} \) represents the motion of a particle executing simple harmonic motion, the amplitude and time period of motion, respectively, are:

[NEET UG - 2024]

A. 5 cm, 2 s

B. 5 m, 2 s

C. 5 cm, 1 s

D. 5 m, 1 s

View Solution

Question 2:

The two-dimensional motion of a particle, described by \( \vec{r} = \left( \hat{i} + 2 \hat{j} \right) A \cos(\omega t) \), is a/an:

[NEET UG - 2024]

A. Parabolic path

B. Elliptical path

C. Periodic motion

D. Simple harmonic motion

View Solution

Question 3:

A particle executing simple harmonic motion with amplitude \( A \) has the same potential and kinetic energies at the displacement:

[NEET UG - 2024]

A. \( 2\sqrt{A} \)

B. \( \frac{A}{2} \)

C. \( \frac{A}{\sqrt{2}} \)

D. \( A\sqrt{2} \)

View Solution

Question 4:

Two pendulums of length 121 cm and 100 cm start vibrating in phase. At some instant, the two are at their mean position in the same phase. The minimum number of vibrations of the shorter pendulum after which the two are again in phase at the mean position is:

[NEET UG - 2023]

A. 11

B. 9

C. 10

D. 8

View Solution

Question 5:

A body is executing simple harmonic motion with frequency 'n', the frequency of its potential energy is:

[NEET UG - 2021]

A. 4n

B. n

C. 2n

D. 3n

View Solution

Question 6:

A spring is stretched by 5 cm by a force of 10 N. The time period of the oscillations, when a mass of 2 kg is suspended by it, is:

[NEET UG - 2021]

A. 0.628 s

B. 0.0628 s

C. 6.28 s

D. 3.14 s

View Solution

Question 7:

The phase difference between displacement and acceleration of a particle in a simple harmonic motion is:

[NEET UG - 2020]

A. π rad

B. 3π/2 rad

C. π/2 rad

D. zero

View Solution

Question 8:

Identify the function which represents a periodic motion

[NEET UG - 2020]

A. ewt

B. loge (wt)

C. sin(wt) + cos(wt)

D. e-wt

View Solution

Question 9:

The distance covered by a particle undergoing SHM in one time period is (amplitude = A):

[NEET UG - 2019]

A. zero

B. A

C. 2A

D. 4A

View Solution

Question 10:

The displacement of a particle executing simple harmonic motion is given by y = A0 + A sin ωt + B cos ωt. Then the amplitude of its oscillation is given by:

[NEET UG - 2019]

A. √(A02 + (A + B)2)

B. A + B

C. A0 + √(A2 + B2)

D. √(A2 + B2)

View Solution

Question 11:

Average velocity of a particle executing SHM in one complete vibration is:

[NEET UG - 2019]

A. Aω²/2

B. zero

C. Aω

D. Aω

View Solution

Question 12:

A pendulum is hung from the roof of a sufficiently high building and is moving freely to and fro like a simple harmonic oscillator. The acceleration of the bob of the pendulum is 20 m/s² at a distance of 5 m from the mean position. The time period of oscillation is:

[NEET UG - 2018]

A. 2πs

B. 2s

C. πs

D. 1s

View Solution

Question 13:

The fundamental frequency in an open organ pipe is equal to the third harmonic of a closed organ pipe. If the length of the closed organ pipe is 20 cm, the length of the open organ pipe is:

[NEET UG - 2018]

A. 13.2 cm

B. 12.5 cm

C. 8 cm

D. 16 cm

View Solution

Question 14:

A body of mass m is attached to the lower end of a spring whose upper end is fixed. The spring has negligible mass when the mass m is slightly pulled down and released, it oscillates with a time period of 3 s. When the mass m is increased by 1 kg, the time period of oscillations becomes 5 s. The value of m in kg is:

[NEET UG - 2016]

A. 3/4

B. 4/3

C. 16/9

D. 9/16

View Solution

NEET Exam Pattern

According to NTA guidelines, the NEET 2025 Exam pattern has been changed. The pattern is now reverted to pre-COVID format in which there will be no choices in the questions.

There will be 180 questions in the NEET exam 2025, instead of 200. The sections are divided into equal questions, 45 questions each in Physics, Chemistry and 90 questions in Biology (45 questions each in Zoology and Botany). The time duration will be 3 hours. There are slight changes in syllabus also. You can check the latest NEET syllabus.

Subject Wise Analysis of NEET Exam

The NEET exam challenges students’ knowledge in three major subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Here is a detailed subject-wise analysis of the NEET exam, showing the weightage of each subject.

Subject No. of Questions Marks Difficulty Level
Physics 45 180 Moderate to Difficult
Chemistry 45 180 Moderate
Biology (Botany + Zoology) 90 (45 + 45) 360 Easy to Moderate

Check: NEET Exam Analysis

This analysis is on the basis of the NEET Previous Year Questions Pattern and their level of difficulty. It can be different as per the exam every year. The NEET exam pattern is based on the latest 2025 pattern as per the NTA guidelines.

NEET Physics Paper Pattern

The NEET Physics paper is designed to assess a student's understanding of core Physics concepts at the senior secondary level. It consists of 45 questions, covering various topics such as Mechanics, Electrodynamics, Optics, Thermodynamics, and Modern Physics. These questions carry a significant weightage in the overall exam score, requiring students to have a strong grasp of theoretical principles and problem-solving techniques. The Physics paper plays a crucial role in determining the overall NEET score, and proper time management and conceptual clarity are key to scoring well in this section.

Here is a detailed description of the Physics section in the NEET exam:

1. Total Number of Questions:

  • The Physics section consists of 45 questions in total.

2. Marking Scheme:

  • Each correct answer awards +4 marks.
  • For each incorrect answer, -1 mark is deducted.
  • If a question is left unanswered, 0 marks are awarded (no penalty).

3. Types of Questions:

  • The questions are multiple-choice format, each having 4 options, with one correct answer.
  • The Physics questions will test your knowledge of various concepts, ranging from Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Electrodynamics, Optics, and Modern Physics.

4. Weightage of Topics:

The topics covered in the Physics section are distributed as follows:

  • Mechanics: Includes questions on laws of motion, work and energy, rotational motion, gravitation, etc.
  • Electrodynamics: Includes questions on electrostatics, current electricity, magnetic effects, and electromagnetic induction.
  • Optics and Wave Phenomena: Questions on light, reflection, refraction, and wave properties.
  • Thermodynamics and Kinetic Theory: Questions on laws of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and kinetic theory of gases.
  • Modern Physics: Includes topics like atomic structure, nuclear physics, and dual nature of matter.

5. Duration:

  • The total time allotted for the entire NEET exam is 3 hours (180 minutes). For Physics, this means you need to manage time efficiently to answer all 45 questions within the given time frame.

6. Strategy:

  • Focus on key concepts and formulas from each topic.
  • Practice problem-solving, as Physics questions often require applying theoretical knowledge to practical situations.
  • Prioritize questions based on your comfort with topics. Start with the ones you find easier to answer.

By understanding the NEET Physics exam pattern and topics, you can plan your preparation effectively and manage your time during the exam to maximize your score.

Chapter-Wise Distribution and Weightage Analysis for NEET Physics

The NEET Physics syllabus involves a lot of Topics and Comprehending the chapter-wise weightage can help you manage your preparation better. Here is a chapter-wise distribution and weightage analysis based on previous trends in NEET:

1. Mechanics (20% - 25%)

These are some key topics on which students can focus:

  • Laws of Motion
  • Work, Energy, and Power
  • Rotational Motion
  • Gravitation
  • Properties of Matter
  • Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)

Mechanics is an essential section that includes a large number of questions. A solid understanding of these types of problems should help you solve the majority of the Physics problems.

2. Electrodynamics (20% - 25%)

This topic includes some important topics:

  • Electrostatics
  • Current Electricity
  • Magnetic Effects of Current
  • Electromagnetic Induction
  • Alternating Current

Electrodynamics encompasses considerable areas from Electrostatics and Magnetism, often appearing in NEET Physics. To do well on the exam, it's crucial to have a solid understanding of these topics since they are important.

3. Optics (10% - 12%)

The optics chapter consists of these important topics:

  • Reflection and Refraction
  • Lens and Mirrors
  • Wave Optics
  • Optical Instruments

Optics is considered a moderately weighted chapter in NEET, which contains several conceptual and numerical-based questions. Understanding the principles of light and its behavior in different media is also important.

4. Thermodynamics and Kinetic Theory of Gases (8% - 10%)

Some of the key topics in thermodynamics are:

  • Laws of Thermodynamics
  • Heat Transfer
  • Kinetic Theory of Gases
  • Engines and Refrigerators

Though it is not a lengthy chapter but it can be a scoring chapter if prepared well.

5. Modern Physics (12% - 15%)

The important topics of modern physics are:

  • Dual Nature of Matter
  • Atomic Structure
  • Nuclear Physics
  • Electronic Devices

This unit has become increasingly important in recent years, carries a significant weightage in NEET.

6. Fluid Mechanics and Properties of Matter (6% - 8%)

The important topics of fluid mechanics are:

  • Fluid Statics and Dynamics
  • Viscosity
  • Surface Tension

7. Waves and Sound (6% - 8%)

  • Key Topics:
    • Wave Motion
    • Sound Waves
    • Doppler Effect

8. Work, Energy, and Power (3% - 5%)

  • Key Topics:
    • Work-Energy Theorem
    • Conservation of Energy
    • Power

Also read: Physics Syllabus

Detailed Topic-Wise Weightage for Physics in NEET UG 2025

A brief chapter wise breakdown with expected weightage and number of questions from NEET Physics Section is given below

Chapter Weightage (%) Expected Number of Questions
Mechanics 20% - 25% 9 - 11 questions
Electrodynamics 20% - 25% 9 - 11 questions
Optics 10% - 12% 5 - 6 questions
Thermodynamics and Kinetic Theory of Gases 8% - 10% 4 - 5 questions
Modern Physics 12% - 15% 5 - 7 questions
Fluid Mechanics and Properties of Matter 6% - 8% 3 - 4 questions
Waves and Sound 6% - 8% 3 - 4 questions
Work, Energy, and Power 3% - 5% 1 - 2 questions

Key Points:

  • The estimation of the number of questions is determined by the percentage weight and the absolute number of Physics NEET questions (45).
  • The topics with a size that allow for more questions, like Mechanics, Electrodynamics, and Modern Physics, have a higher weightage than topics with less size, such as Work, Energy, and Power.
  • Focus on the chapters with a higher weightage but do not throw away the small chapters; these topics can contribute a few marks that may matter a lot.

Class-wise distribution of topics

Below is the chapter-wise distribution of NEET Physics topics divided into Class 11 and Class 12 topics along with the expected number of questions.

Class 11 Topics:

Chapter Weightage (%) Expected Number of Questions
Mechanics 20% - 25% 9 - 11 questions
Properties of Matter and Fluid Mechanics 6% - 8% 3 - 4 questions
Waves and Sound 6% - 8% 3 - 4 questions
Work, Energy, and Power 3% - 5% 1 - 2 questions

Class 11 Total Expected Questions: 16 - 21

Class 12 Topics:

Chapter Weightage (%) Expected Number of Questions
Electrodynamics 20% - 25% 9 - 11 questions
Optics 10% - 12% 5 - 6 questions
Thermodynamics and Kinetic Theory of Gases 8% - 10% 4 - 5 questions
Modern Physics 12% - 15% 5 - 7 questions

Class 12 Total Expected Questions: 23 - 29

Summary:

  • Class 11 Topics: Focus on foundational topics like Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics, Waves, and Work-Energy. These contribute to a significant portion of the exam with an expected 16-21 questions.
  • Class 12 Topics: Electrodynamics, Optics, Thermodynamics, and Modern Physics are heavily weighted in NEET, with an expected 23-29 questions.

Also Read: NEET Chapter Wise Weightage

NEET Previous Year Question Papers PDF with Answer Key and Solution

Year Question Paper PDF
2024 Download PDF
2023 Download PDF
2022 Download PDF
2021 Download PDF
2020 Download PDF
2019 Download PDF

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is oscillation and waves important for NEET?

Answer. Indeed, Oscillations and Waves is an essential chapter for NEET, weighing about 12% of the NEET Physics. It deals with fundamental concepts that help understand diverse physical phenomena, making it important both as conceptual knowledge and for numerical problem solving.

Q2. Is oscillation a difficult chapter?

Answer. For some students, oscillations can be difficult because students are required to understand several concepts in particular, Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM), energy in SHM, and the mathematics involved. However, if they practice consistently and develop a foundational understanding of the underlying principles, it becomes quite reasonable, and students eventually master oscillations.

Q3. Which chapter is SHM Class 11?

Answer. SHM (Simple Harmonic Motion) is a part of Class 11 Physics (Fun fact: it's part of the notes on Mechanical Waves and Oscillation). SHM deals with oscillatory motion, energy in SHM, and related topics (amplitude, frequency, and angular velocity).

Q4. What is the difference between a wave and a vibration or oscillation?

Answer. Vibration or oscillation is the to-and-fro movement of an object around a fixed point, usually within the same object. For example, when considering the motion of a pendulum or the motion of a vibrating string, one is describing oscillations.

Whereas, a wave is a disturbance that travels through space or a medium and transports energy without transporting matter. Waves are caused by oscillations, but unlike oscillations, they transport energy over a distance. For example, sound waves or waves on the surface of water involve the movement of particles which carry energy through the medium.