Classical Mechanics MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Classical Mechanics - Download Free PDF
Last updated on Jun 28, 2025
Latest Classical Mechanics MCQ Objective Questions
Classical Mechanics Question 1:
For the transformation
Q=ln (1+𝑞1/2 cos 𝑝) ,𝑃 = 2𝑞 1/2 (1+𝑞1/2cos 𝑝) sin 𝑝
the generating function is
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Classical Mechanics Question 1 Detailed Solution
Solution:
F3 = F3(p, Q, t)
∂F3/∂p = -q, ∂F3/∂Q = -P
⇒ Q = log(1 + q1/2 cos p) ⇒ eQ = 1 + q1/2 cos p
⇒ (eQ - 1) / cos p = q1/2 ⇒ q = ((eQ - 1)2) / cos2 p
⇒ P = 2(1 + q1/2 cos p) q1/2 sin p ⇒ P = 2eQ q1/2 sin p ⇒ 2eQ(eQ - 1) tan p
⇒ ∂F3/∂p = -q = -((eQ - 1)2 / cos2 p) ⇒ F3 = -∫(eQ - 1)2 sec2p dp
⇒ F3 = - (eQ - 1)2 tan p + f1(Q) ........A
∂F3/∂Q = -P = -2(e2Q - eQ) tan p
F3 = -2 ∫ (e2Q - eQ) tan p + f2(p)
= - (eQ - 1)2 tan p + tan p + f2(p) ....(B)
Equating A and B: f1(Q) = 0, f2(p) = -tan p
So F3 = - (eQ - 1)2 tan p
Classical Mechanics Question 2:
A non-relativistic particle of mass 𝑚 and charge 𝑞 is moving in a magnetic field 𝐵⃗(𝑥,𝑦,𝑧). If 𝑣⃗denotes its velocity and {…}P.B. denotes the Poisson Bracket, then \( \epsilon_{ijk} \{ v_i, v_j \}_{P.B.} \) is equal to
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Classical Mechanics Question 2 Detailed Solution
Solution:
H = ( p – qA )2 / 2m + qφ
⇒ H = |p|2 / 2m + q2 |A|2 / 2m – (q / m) p · A
Use p = pxi + pyj + pzk
and A = Axi + Ayj + Azk
∂H/∂px = (px – qAx) / m = ẋ
∂H/∂py = (py – qAy) / m = ẏ
∂H/∂pz = (pz – qAz) / m = ż
Let us find {x, ẏ}:
{x, ẏ} = ∂x/∂x ∂ẏ/∂px – ∂x/∂px ∂ẏ/∂x + ∂x/∂y ∂ẏ/∂py – ∂x/∂py ∂ẏ/∂y
0 = – (1/m)(q) ( ∂Ay/∂x – ∂Ax/∂y ) = (q/m2)( ∇ × A )z = (q/m2) Bk
⇒ {vi, vj} = (q/m2) Bk εij ⇒ εijk {vi, vj} = (q/m2) Bl εijk εij
= (q/m2) Bl 2δkl = 2qBk / m2
Classical Mechanics Question 3:
The Lagrangian of a system is
\( L = \frac{15}{2} m \dot{x}^2 + 6 m \dot{x} \dot{y} + 3 m \dot{y}^2 - m g (x + 2 y) \)
Which one of the following is conserved?
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Classical Mechanics Question 3 Detailed Solution
Solution:
L = (15/2) m x2 + 6mxẏ + 3my2 − mg(x + 2y)
⇒ (∂L/∂ẏ) − ∂L/∂y = 0 ⇔ 6mẍ + 6mÿ + 2mg = 0 .......(2)
Use operation 2(1) − (2)
24mẍ + 6ẏ = 0 ⇒ d/dt (4x + y) = 0 ⇒ 4ẋ + ẏ = 0 ⇒ 12ẋ + 3ẏ = c
Classical Mechanics Question 4:
A frictionless track is defined by 𝑧 = 𝑧o - \( \frac{x^2}{4 z_0^2} \),as shown in the figure.
A particle is constrained to slide down the track under the action of gravity. The tangential acceleration at position (𝑥,𝑧) would be
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Classical Mechanics Question 4 Detailed Solution
Calculation:
Tangential acceleration is given by:
aθ = g ⋅ sinθ
z = z0 - (x2 / 4z0)
tanθ = (dz / dx) = - (x / 2z0) ⇒ sinθ = (x / √(x2 + 4z02)) ⇒ aθ = (g ⋅ x) / √(x2 + 4z02)
Classical Mechanics Question 5:
A particle of rest mass 𝑚o and energy 𝐸 collides with another particle at rest, with the same rest mass. What is the minimum value of 𝐸 so that after the collision, there may be four particles of rest mass 𝑚o ?
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Classical Mechanics Question 5 Detailed Solution
Solution:
For the first particle, the four-vector momentum before collision is:
( E / c , p, 0, 0 )
Second particle is at rest, so its momentum vector before collision is:
( m0c2 / c , 0, 0, 0 )
Where,
p2 = (E2 / c2) - m02 c2
The quantity:
∑i (E2 / c2 - p2)
is invariant before and after the collision.
Therefore,
((E + m0c2) / c)2 - p2 ≥ (4m0c2)2 / c2
⇒ ((E + m0c2) / c)2 - [(E2 / c2) - m02 c2] ≥ (4m0c2)2 / c2
For minimum energy,
((E + m0c2) / c)2 - [(E2 / c2) - m02 c2] = (4m0c2)2 / c2
⇒ E = 7 m0c2
Top Classical Mechanics MCQ Objective Questions
When an object undergoes acceleration
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Classical Mechanics Question 6 Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFThe correct answer is Option 1.Key Points
- When an object undergoes acceleration, it means there is a change in its velocity. This change in velocity can occur either in terms of speed, direction, or both.
- A force always acts on it:
- This statement is generally true.
- According to Newton's second law of motion, the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass (F = ma).
- So, if there's acceleration, there must be a force acting on the object.
Additional Information
- Acceleration is a fundamental concept in physics that describes the rate of change of velocity with respect to time.
- Velocity is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude (speed) and direction. Therefore, any change in speed, direction, or both constitutes acceleration.
- The formula for acceleration (a) is a = F/m where a is acceleration. F is the net force acting on an object and m is the mass of the object.
- This formula states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass.
- In simpler terms, if you apply a force to an object, it will accelerate, and the acceleration will be larger if the force is stronger or if the object has less mass.
- Acceleration can occur in various forms:
- Linear Acceleration: Change in speed in a straight line.
- Angular Acceleration: Change in rotational speed or direction.
- Centripetal Acceleration: Acceleration directed towards the center of a circular path.
- Acceleration can be positive or negative:
- Positive Acceleration: Speeding up in the positive direction.
- Negative Acceleration (Deceleration): Slowing down or moving in the opposite direction.
- Gravity is a common force causing acceleration. Near the Earth's surface, objects in free fall experience acceleration due to gravity, denoted as g (approximately 9.8 m/s²).
A ball, initially at rest, is dropped from a height h above the floor bounces again and again vertically. If the coefficient of restitution between the ball and the floor is 0.5, the total distance travelled by the ball before it comes to rest is
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Classical Mechanics Question 7 Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFConcept:
Projectile motion is the motion of an object thrown or projected into the air, subject to only the acceleration of gravity. The object is called a projectile, and its path is called its trajectory.
Calculation:
v = \(\sqrt{2gh} \) and v = e\(\sqrt{2gh} \)
0 = (ev)2 - 2gh1
h1 = \({e^2 × 2gh\over 2g}\) = e2h
Similarly, h2 = e4h
H = h + 2h1 + 2h2 +...∞
= h + 2(e2h + e4h + ... ∞)
= h + 2e2h(\({1\over 1-e^2}\))
= h × (\({1+ e^2 \over 1-e^2}\))
The coefficient of restitution between the ball and the floor is 0.5.
e = 0.5
H = 5h/3
The correct answer is option (2).
A uniform circular disc on the xy-plane with its centre at the origin has a moment of inertia I0 about the x- axis. If the disc is set in rotation about the origin with an angular velocity ω = ω0(ĵ + k̂), the direction of its angular momentum is along
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Classical Mechanics Question 8 Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFConcept:
We are using the angular momentum formula which is \(\overrightarrow{L}=I\overrightarrow{\omega}\) and then using this formula for \(x,y,z,\) planes.
By using matrices for values of \(L,\omega\) and \(I\) we get the value of magnitude and direction of angular momentum.
Explanation:
A circular disc is in rotation with the origin as center in \(xy\) plane.
Given,
- \(\omega=\omega_0(\hat j+\hat k)\) where \(\omega\) is angular velocity
- \(I_0\) is the moment of inertia
We are using formula for angular momentum
- \(\overrightarrow{L}=I\overrightarrow{\omega}\)
- \(I_{xx}=I_{yy}=I_0\)
For denoting angular momentum in \(x,y,z,\)planes we will use vector notations for angular momentum \(L\),
- \(\begin{bmatrix}L_x\\[0.3em]L_y\\[0.3em]L_z\end{bmatrix}\)\(=\begin{bmatrix}I_{xx} & I_{xy} & I_{xz} \\ I_{yx} &I_{yy} & I_{yz} \\[0.3em] I_{zx} & I_{zy} & I_{zz}\end{bmatrix}\)\(\begin{bmatrix}\omega_x\\[0.3em]\omega_y\\[0.3em]\omega_z\end{bmatrix}\)
- \(I_{xx}=I_{yy}=I_0\)
Using the perpendicular axis theorem,
- \(I_{xx}+I_{yy}=I_{zz}=I_0+I_0=2I_0\)
- \(\omega=\omega_0(\hat j+\hat k)\)
putting values of \(I\) and \(\omega\) in matrix equation, we get
- \(\begin{bmatrix}L_x\\[0.3em]L_y\\[0.3em]L_z\end{bmatrix}\)\(=\begin{bmatrix}I_0 & 0 & 0 \\ 0 &I_0 & 0 \\[0.3em] 0 & 0 & 2I_0\end{bmatrix}\)\(\begin{bmatrix}0\\[0.3em]\omega_0\\[0.3em]\omega_0\end{bmatrix}\)
By multiplication above matrices, we get
- \(\begin{bmatrix}L_x\\[0.3em]L_y\\[0.3em]L_z\end{bmatrix}\)\(=\)\(\begin{bmatrix}0\\[0.3em]I_0\omega_0\\[0.3em]2I_0\omega_0\end{bmatrix}\)
- \(\overrightarrow{L}=\overrightarrow{L_0}\hat j+2\overrightarrow{L_0}\hat k\)
This is the magnitude of angular momentum. The direction of angular momentum is \((\hat j +\hat 2k)\).
The minor axis of Earth's elliptical orbit divides the area within it into two halves. The eccentricity of the orbit is 0.0167. The difference in time spent by Earth in the two halves is closest to
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Classical Mechanics Question 9 Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFConcept:
We are using Kepler's law here which states that the radius vector drawn from the sun to the planet sweeps out equal areas in equal intervals of time.
- \(\frac{dA}{dT}=\frac{L}{2m}=\frac{A} {T}=constant\)
Explanation:
Using Kepler's second law,
- \(\frac{dA}{dT}=\frac{L}{2m}=\frac{A} {T}=constant\)
- \(A_1=\frac {\pi ab}{2}+2\times\frac{1}{2}\times b\times c\)
eccentricity(e)\(=\frac {c}{a}\)=>\(c=ea\)
- \(A_1=\frac {\pi ab}{2}+eba=ab(\frac {\pi} {2}+e)\)
- \(A_2=\pi ab-ab(\frac {\pi}{2}+e)=ab(\frac {\pi} {2}-e)\)
Now,
- \(\frac{T_1}{T_2}=\frac{A_1}{A_2}\)
- \(\frac{T_1}{T_2}=\frac {ab(\frac {\pi}{2}+e)} {ab(\frac {\pi}{2}-e)}=\frac {(\frac {\pi}{2}+e)} {(\frac {\pi}{2}-e)}\)
- \(T_1=\frac {\frac{\pi }{2}+e}{\pi}, T_2=\frac {\frac{\pi }{2}-e}{\pi}\)
- \(T_1-T_2=\frac{2e}{\pi}=\frac {2\times0.0167\times 365}{3.14}\approx3.9 days.\)
For the transformation x → X = \(\frac{α p}{x},\) p → P = βx2 between conjugate pairs of a coordinate and its momentum, to be canonical, the constants α and β must satisfy
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Classical Mechanics Question 10 Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFExplanation:
- Given the transformations \(X=\frac{α p}{x}\) and \(P = βx²\), we have to check them against the requirements of canonical transformations.
- The main requirement, among others, is that the Poisson bracket {X, P} = 1.
- In terms of partial derivatives, the Poisson bracket can be written as: \({X, P} = (\frac{∂X}{∂x})(\frac{∂P}{∂p}) - (\frac{∂X}{∂p})(\frac{∂P}{∂x})\)
- Substituting X and P from the problem statement, we get: \({X, P} = (\frac{∂(αp/x)}{∂x})(\frac{∂(βx²)}{∂p}) - (\frac{∂(αp/x)}{∂p})(\frac{∂(βx²)}{∂x})\)
- Computing partial derivatives, we get:\({X, P} = (\frac{-αp}{x²})(0) - (\frac{α}{x})(2βx) = -2αβ \)
- Setting the above equation to 1: \(-2αβ = 1\)
- Finally, \(1+2αβ = 0\)
Which of the following terms, when added to the Lagrangian L(x, y, \(\dot x\), \(\dot y\)) of a system with two degrees of freedom, will not change the equations of motion?
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Classical Mechanics Question 11 Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFConcept:
The Lagranges equation of motion of a system is given by
\({d \over dt} {\partial L \over \partial \dot{q}} - {\partial L \over \partial q} = 0\)
Calculation:
The Lagrangian L depends on
L(x,y,\(̇ x\),\(̇ y\))
\({d \over dt} {\partial L \over \partial \dot{x}} - {\partial L \over \partial x} = 0\)
\({d \over dt} {\partial L \over \partial \dot{ y}} - {\partial L \over \partial y} = 0 \)
L' = L(x,y,\(\dot x\),\(\dot{y}\))
\({d' \over dt'} {\partial L' \over \partial x} - {\partial L' \over \partial x} = {d \over dt} {\partial L \over \partial x} - {\partial L \over \partial x}+ \ddot{y} = 0\)
⇒\(\dot{y} = c_1\)
Similarly \(\dot{x} = c_2\)
The correct answer is option (2).
The trajectory of a particle moving in a plane is expressed in polar coordinates (r, θ) by the equations \(r=r_0 e^{β t} \text { and } \frac{d \theta}{d t}=ω\), where the parameters r0, β and ω are positive. Let vr and ar denote the velocity and acceleration, respectively, in the radial direction. For this trajectory
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Classical Mechanics Question 12 Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFExplanation:
We will first write the velocity vector in polar co-ordinates and write the radial velocity and radial acceleration and by differentiating we get the desired solution.
Given,-\(r=r_0 e^{β t} \text { and } \frac{d \theta}{d t}=ω\) ----------------1
Velocity in polar co-ordinates is given by the sum of radial and transverse velocity.
\(v=v_r+v_t=\dot r \hat{r}+r\dot \theta \hat{\theta}\)
Radial velocity \(v_r=\dot r\)
Radial acceleration \(a_r=(\ddot {r}-r\dot \theta^2)\)
Now, \(r=r_0 e^{β t} \) and \(\dot r=r_0 \beta e^{β t} \)
\(\frac{d v_r}{d t}=\)\(\beta ^2r_0 \beta e^{β t} \) => \(\frac{d v_r}{d t}\)\(>0\)
\(\ddot r=r_0 \beta^2 e^{β t} \) and \(\ddot \theta^2=\omega^2\)
\(a_r=\)\(\beta ^2r_0 \beta e^{β t} \) \(-r\omega^2\)\(=\)\(\beta ^2r_0 \ e^{β t} \)\(-r_0 \omega^2e^{β t}\)\(=\)\(r_0 \ e^{β t} (\beta^2-\omega^2)\)
If \(\beta=\omega\), \(a_r=0\) for some choices of parameters.
So, the correct answer is -\(\frac{d v_r}{d t}>0\) however, \(a_r=0\) for some choices of parameters.
The Hamiltonian of a system with two degrees of freedom is H = q1p1 - q2p2 + \(aq_1^2\) , where a > 0 is a constant. The function q1q2 + λp1P2 is a constant of motion only if λ is
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Classical Mechanics Question 13 Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFConcept:
The Hamiltonian of a system specifies its total energy—i.e., the sum of its kinetic energy (that of motion) and its potential energy (that of position)—in terms of the Lagrangian function derived in earlier studies of dynamics and of the position and momentum of each of the particles.
Calculation:
H = q1p1 - q2p2 + \(aq_1^2\) , where a > 0 is a constant.
f = (q1q2 + λp1p2)
\({df \over dt}\) = [f,H] + \({\partial f \over \partial t }\)
\({\partial f \over \partial t }\) = 0 ⇒ \({df \over dt}\) = [f,H] = 0
[f,H] = \([{\partial f \over \partial q_1}{\partial H \over \partial p_1}-{\partial f \over \partial p_1}{\partial H \over \partial q_1}]+[{\partial f \over \partial q_2}{\partial H \over \partial p_2}-{\partial f \over \partial p_2}{\partial H \over \partial q_2}]= 0\)
q2 . q1 - λ p2 (p1 + 2aq1) + q1(-q2) - λ p1(-p2) = 0
∴ λ = 0
The correct answer is option (1).
The Hamiltonian of a two particle system is H = p1p2 + q1q2, where q1 and q2 are generalized coordinates and p1 and p2 are the respective canonical momenta. The Lagrangian of this system is
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Classical Mechanics Question 14 Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFConcept:
We will use the relationship of Hamiltonian and Lagrangian which is given by
- \(H=\sum p_i \dot{q_i}-L\)
- For a two-particle system, we can write the above equation as \(H=p_1\dot{q_1}+p_2\dot {q_2}-L\)
Explanation:
Given, \(H=p_1p_2+q_1q_2\)
- \(H=p_1\dot{q_1}+p_2\dot {q_2}-L\)
- \(H=p_1p_2+q_1q_2\) (given)
substitute value of H, we get,
- \(L=p_1\dot{q_1}+p_2\dot {q_2}-p_1p_2-q_1q_2\)--------------------------------1
- Using Hamilton equations, \(\dot p=\frac{-\partial H}{\partial q}, \dot{q}=\frac{\partial H}{\partial p}\)
- \(\dot q_1=\frac {\partial H}{\partial p_1}=p_2\) and \(\dot q_2=\frac {\partial H}{\partial p_2}=p_1\)
- Put the value of \(p_1\) and \(p_2\) in equation 1, to get the value of Lagrangian
- \(L=p_1\dot{q_1}+p_2\dot {q_2}-p_1p_2-q_1q_2\) \(=\)\(L=\dot q_2\dot{q_1}+\dot q_1\dot {q_2}-\dot q_1\dot q_2-q_1q_2\)
- \(L=\dot q_2 \dot q_1-q_1q_2\)
So, the correct answer is \(L=\dot q_2 \dot q_1-q_1q_2\).
A system of two identical masses connected by identical springs, as shown in the figure, oscillates along the vertical direction.
The ratio of the frequencies of the normal modes is
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Classical Mechanics Question 15 Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFConcept:
We will first write lagrangian for a given condition then we use the equation for normal nodes which is given by \(|\hat V-\omega^2\hat T|=0\)
Explanation:
Given m are two identical masses, k is spring constant and \(x_1\) and \(x_2\)are displacement of spring first and spring second respectively.
- \(T=\frac {1}{2}mx_1^2+\frac{1}{2}mx_2^2\)
- \(V=\frac {1}{2}k[x_1-0]^2+\frac{1}{2}[x_2-x_1]^2\)
- \(V=\frac{1}{2}kx_1^2+\frac{1}{2}kx_1^2+\frac{1}{2}kx_2^2-kx_1x_2\)
- \(V=kx_1^2+\frac{1}{2}kx_2^2-\frac{kx_1x_2}{2}-\frac{kx_1 x_2}{2}\)
- Using matrix we can write operators of \(V\) and \(T\) as,
- \(\hat T=\begin{bmatrix} \frac{m}{2} & 0 \\[0.3em] 0 & \frac{m}{2} \\[0.3em] \end{bmatrix} \) and \(\hat V=\begin{bmatrix} k & \frac{-k}{2} \\[0.3em] \frac{-k}{2} & \frac{k}{2} \\[0.3em] \end{bmatrix} \)
- Put these values in equation-\(|\hat V-\omega^2\hat T|=0\) to get the ratio of normal modes of frequencies,
- \(|\hat V-\omega^2\hat T|=0\)
- \(k|\begin{bmatrix} (1-\frac{\omega^2}{2}) & \frac{-1}{2} \\[0.3em] \frac{-1}{2} &( \frac{1}{2}-\frac{\omega^2}{2}) \\[0.3em] \end{bmatrix} |=0\)
- \(\det \begin{bmatrix} (1-\frac{\omega^2}{2}) & \frac{-1}{2} \\[0.3em] \frac{-1}{2} & (\frac{1}{2}-\frac{\omega^2}{2}) \\[0.3em] \end{bmatrix} =0\)
- \((1-\frac{\omega ^2}{2})(\frac{1}{2}-\frac {\omega^2}{2})=0\)
- \(\frac{1}{2}-\frac{\omega^2}{2}-\frac {\omega^2}{4}+\frac{\omega^4}{4}-\frac{1}{4}=0\)
- \(2-2\omega^2-\omega^2+\omega^4-1=0 \)
- \(\omega^4-3\omega^2+1=0\)
- Solution of above equation is \(\omega^2=\frac {3\pm \sqrt5}{2}\)
- \(\therefore \omega_+=\sqrt \frac{3+\sqrt 5}{2}, \omega_-=\sqrt\frac{3-\sqrt {5}}{2}\)
- ratio of both frequencies \(=\frac {\omega_-}{\omega_+}=\frac{\sqrt {3-\sqrt 5}}{\sqrt{3+\sqrt 5}}\)
So, the correct answer is \(=\frac {\omega_-}{\omega_+}=\frac{\sqrt {3-\sqrt 5}}{\sqrt{3+\sqrt 5}}\)