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Laws of Motion appeared 34 times across 3 years — 3.9% of Physics. This question is from Spring-Block Dynamics with Friction.

Year 2026 2025 2024 Total
Questions 9 10 15 34

Two blocks of masses m and M, (M > m) , are placed on a frictionless table as shown in figure. A massless spring with spring constant k is attached with the lower block. If the system is slightly displaced and released then (μ =coefficient of friction between the two blocks)
Two blocks stacked with a spring connected to the bottom block for Q6
The diagram displays a smaller block of mass m placed on top of a larger block of mass M, which is connected to a horizontal spring on a smooth table.
(A) The time period of small oscillation of the two blocks is T = 2π (m + M)k (B) The acceleration of the blocks is a = (kx)/(M + m) (x = displacement of the blocks from the mean position) (C) The magnitude of the frictional force on the upper block is mk|x|M + m (D) The maximum amplitude of the upper block, if it does not slip, is μ(M + m)gk (E) Maximum frictional force can be μ (M + m)g. Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Solution & Explanation

Related Formula

For combined system performing simple harmonic motion without relative slipping:

T = 2π mtotalk a = -ω² x = -(k)/(M+m) x
Core Logic

Let's analyze each statement:

  • Statement (A): Since both blocks perform SHM together, the combined mass is (M + m). The spring constant is k. Thus, the time period of small oscillation is:
T = 2π √((M+m)/(k))

This is correct. (A is True)

  • Statement (B): When the system is displaced by x, the restoring spring force on the combined system is F = -kx. The common acceleration of the combined mass is:
a = -(kx)/(M+m) |a| = (k|x|)/(M+m)

This matches the expression (taking magnitude). (B is True)

  • Statement (C): The upper block of mass m moves solely due to the static frictional force f acting on it. Thus:
f = m a = m ( (kx)/(M+m) ) = (mkx)/(M+m)

Statement (C) claims the frictional force is (mμ|x|)/(M+m), which is incorrect because friction is determined by acceleration, not by coefficient of friction μ during static grip. (C is False)

  • Statement (D): For no slipping to occur, the maximum frictional force required at peak amplitude A must be less than or equal to the limiting static friction fL = μ mg:
fmax = (mkA)/(M+m) ≤ μ mg (kA)/(M+m) ≤ μ g A ≤ (μ(M+m)g)/(k)

Thus, the maximum amplitude is (μ(M+m)g)/(k). (D is True)

  • Statement (E): The maximum static frictional force between the blocks is fL = μ mg, not μ (M+m)g. (E is False)
Step 1: Conclusion

Only statements A, B, and D are correct. Hence, the correct option is (1).

Free body diagram of combined spring block system for Q6
The diagram displays a smaller block of mass m placed on top of a larger block of mass M, which is connected to a horizontal spring on a smooth table.
Free body diagram of combined spring block system for Q6
The diagram displays a smaller block of mass m placed on top of a larger block of mass M, which is connected to a horizontal spring on a smooth table.

Pattern Recognition

In stacked blocks with springs, always identify the force driving the non-spring-loaded block. Here, mass m is driven purely by friction, so f = m · a. Slipping begins when this required force exceeds flimit = μ m g. This simple boundary matches the derivation of maximum amplitude perfectly!

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Physics: Laws of Motion: Friction Class 11 Physics: Oscillations: Simple Harmonic Motion

Reference Study Guides

More Laws of Motion Previous-Year Questions — Page 7

Q31 jee_main_2024_31_jan_evening Pulley Systems and Tension
A light string passing over a smooth light fixed pulley connects two blocks of masses m₁ and m₂. If the acceleration of the system is g/8, then the ratio of masses is
Pulley Systems and Tension diagram for Q31 - JEE Main 2024 Evening
The image displays two masses suspended over a single fixed smooth pulley.
  • A. (9)/(7)
  • B. (8)/(1)
  • C. (4)/(3)
  • D. (5)/(3)

Solution

Related Formula
a = ((m₁ - m₂)g)/((m₁ + m₂))
Core Logic

Assuming m₁ > m₂, the net pulling force is (m₁ - m₂)g and the total mass to be accelerated is (m₁ + m₂).

Given that the acceleration of the system is a = (g)/(8).

Step 1: Algebraic Manipulation
(g)/(8) = ((m₁ - m₂)g)/((m₁ + m₂)) m₁ + m₂ = 8m₁ - 8m₂ 8m₂ + m₂ = 8m₁ - m₁

9m₂ = 7m₁

(m₁)/(m₂) = (9)/(7)
Pattern Recognition

For standard Atwood machines, a = g × Difference in massSum of mass. If a/g = 1/8, then (m₁-m₂)/(m₁+m₂) = 1/8, which can be solved using componendo and dividendo: m₁/m₂ = (8+1)/(8-1) = 9/7.

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Physics: Laws of Motion

Q42 jee_main_2024_31_jan_evening Friction on an Inclined Plane
A block of mass 5 kg is placed on a rough inclined surface as shown in the figure.
Friction on an Inclined Plane diagram for Q42 - JEE Main 2024 Evening
The image shows a 5 kg block on a rough plane inclined at 30 degrees, with coefficient of friction mu = 0.1.
If F₁ is the force required to just move the block up the inclined plane and F₂ is the force required to just prevent the block from sliding down, then the value of | F₁| - | F₂| is: [Use g = 10 m/s²]
  • A. 25√(3) N
  • B. 50√(3) N
  • C. 5 √(3)2 N
  • D. 10 N

Solution

Related Formula
fk = μ mg θ F₁ = mg θ + fk F₂ = mg θ - fk
Core Logic

To move the block up, the applied force F₁ must overcome both the downward gravitational component and the downward frictional force. To prevent it from sliding down, the applied force F₂ acts upwards and is aided by friction which acts upwards to oppose impending downward slip.

Friction on an Inclined Plane diagram for Q42 - JEE Main 2024 Evening
The image shows a 5 kg block on a rough plane inclined at 30 degrees, with coefficient of friction mu = 0.1.

Friction on an Inclined Plane diagram for Q42 - JEE Main 2024 Evening
The image shows a 5 kg block on a rough plane inclined at 30 degrees, with coefficient of friction mu = 0.1.

Step 1: Calculate Friction
fk = μ mg θ fk = 0.1 × 5 × 10 × (30°) fk = 5 × √(3)2 = 2.5√(3) N
Step 2: Force Equations

Moving up:

F₁ = mg θ + fk = 50 (30°) + 2.5√(3) = 25 + 2.5√(3)

Preventing slip down:

F₂ = mg θ - fk = 50 (30°) - 2.5√(3) = 25 - 2.5√(3)
Step 3: Difference calculation
|F₁| - |F₂| = (25 + 2.5√(3)) - (25 - 2.5√(3)) |F₁| - |F₂| = 2 × 2.5√(3) = 5√(3) N

Note: The official options had an anomaly where 5√(3) N was missing or evaluated as a bonus. Option 2 was listed as 50√(3) in the primary text. We track the closest logic path indicating Bonus.

Pattern Recognition

The difference between 'push up' and 'hold from sliding' forces on an incline is always precisely 2 fk (2 μ mg θ). Bypass calculating the mg θ terms entirely.

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Physics: Laws of Motion

Q jee_main_2024_31_jan_morning Pulley And Incline Friction
In the given arrangement of a doubly inclined plane two blocks of masses M and m are placed. The blocks are connected by a light string passing over an ideal pulley as shown. The coefficient of friction between the surface of the plane and the blocks is 0.25. The value of m, for which M = 10 kg will move down with an acceleration of 2 m/s² is : (take g = 10 m/s² and 37° = 3 / 4)
Pulley And Incline Friction diagram for Q43 - JEE Main 2024 Morning
Two blocks M and m on opposite sides of a double inclined plane linked by a rope over a top pulley. M is on the 53-degree slope and moving downwards, m is on the 37-degree slope.
  • A. 9 kg
  • B. 4.5 kg
  • C. 6.5 kg
  • D. 2.25 kg

Solution

Related Formula
Σ F = ma fk = μk N = μk mg θ
Core Logic

Pulley And Incline Friction diagram for Q43 - JEE Main 2024 Morning
Two blocks M and m on opposite sides of a double inclined plane linked by a rope over a top pulley. M is on the 53-degree slope and moving downwards, m is on the 37-degree slope.

Since block M moves down the incline, kinetic friction opposes its motion (acts upwards). Block m is pulled up the incline, so kinetic friction opposes its motion (acts downwards).

For M block (53^° slope):

Mg 53° - μ Mg 53° - T = Ma
Step 1: Tension Calculation

Given M = 10 kg, a = 2 m/s², μ = 0.25, g = 10 m/s². 53^° = 4/5 = 0.8, 53^° = 3/5 = 0.6.

10(10)(0.8) - 0.25(10)(10)(0.6) - T = 10(2) 80 - 15 - T = 20 65 - T = 20 ⇒ T = 45 N
Step 2: Evaluate mass m

For m block (37^° slope) moving upward:

T - mg 37° - μ mg 37° = ma

37^° = 3/5 = 0.6, 37^° = 4/5 = 0.8.

45 - m(10)(0.6) - 0.25(m)(10)(0.8) = m(2) 45 - 6m - 2m = 2m

45 - 8m = 2m

10m = 45 ⇒ m = 4.5 kg
Chapter Mix

Class 11 Physics: Laws Of Motion

Q jee_main_2024_31_jan_morning Circular Motion Friction
A coin is placed on a disc. The coefficient of friction between the coin and the disc is μ. If the distance of the coin from the center of the disc is r, the maximum angular velocity which can be given to the disc, so that the coin does not slip away, is:
  • A. (μ g)/(r)
  • B. √((r)/(μ g))
  • C. √((μ g)/(r))
  • D. μ√(rg)

Solution

Related Formula
fₛ ≤ μₛ N Fc = mrω²
Core Logic

Circular Motion Friction diagram for Q47 - JEE Main 2024 Morning
Circular Motion Friction diagram for Q47 - JEE Main 2024 Morning

Circular Motion Friction diagram for Q47 - JEE Main 2024 Morning
Circular Motion Friction diagram for Q47 - JEE Main 2024 Morning

To prevent the coin from slipping, the static friction must provide the necessary centripetal force for circular motion. f = mω² r

The normal force on the flat disc is N = mg. The maximum static friction is fmax = μ N = μ mg.

For no slipping:

m r ω² ≤ μ mg ω² ≤ (μ g)/(r) ωmax = √((μ g)/(r))
Chapter Mix

Class 11 Physics: Laws Of Motion

More Laws of Motion Questions — jee_main_2025_03_april_morning

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