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)

Official Answer Key:

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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