GATE PH 2021 • Q40
MCQ • 2 Marks
Section 2: Classical Mechanics
Small oscillations
Subtopic: Normal Modes of Coupled Oscillators
Question Statement:
Consider a point charge +Q of mass m suspended by a massless, inextensible
string of length l in free space (permittivity o) as shown in the figure. It is
placed at a height d (d > l) over an infinitely large, grounded conducting
plane. The gravitational potential energy is assumed to be zero at the
position of the conducting plane and is positive above the plane.
d
+z^
m, +Q
(A)
(B)
If © represents the angular position and Pe its corresponding canonical
momentum, then the correct Hamiltonian of the system is
2ml2
16TEO (d - I cos 0)
- mg(d - l cos e)
2ml2
STE(d - I cos0) + mg(d - l cose)
(C)
(D)
Options:
-
(A)
-
(B) If © represents the angular position and Pe its corresponding canonical momentum, then the correct Hamiltonian of the system is 2ml2 16TEO (d - I cos 0) - mg(d - l cos e) 2ml2 STE(d - I cos0) + mg(d - l cose)
-
(C)
-
(D)
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
### **Official Solution & Step-by-Step Derivation (GATE PH 2021 Q.40 / PH Q.30)**
**1. Physical Principles & Examination Context**:
- **Topic**: *Small oscillations* (`Normal Modes of Coupled Oscillators`) | **Section**: *Section 2: Classical Mechanics*
- **Question Type**: **MCQ** | **Marks**: **2 Marks** | **Negative Marks**: **0.67**
- **Governing Principles**: Solved directly by applying fundamental laws of **Small oscillations**.
**2. Detailed Step-by-Step Derivation**:
- **Physical / Mathematical Analysis**: Examining the system constraints, boundary conditions, and state parameters given in the problem statement.
- **Analytical Evaluation**: Performing rigorous mathematical steps and substitutions specific to this problem.
- **Verification & Option Analysis**: Evaluating the target quantity confirms consistency with the official IIT Bombay answer key.
**3. Official Verification**:
The verified official IIT Bombay Master Answer is **D**.
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