Question

Which of the following statements is not correct about periodic and oscillatory motion?

• A. If the motion repeats itself after a certain fixed interval of time, it is called periodic motion.
• B. The to and fro motion of a body about a fixed point is called oscillatory motion.
• C. All periodic motions can be called oscillatory motions.
• D. All oscillatory motions can be called periodic motions.

Answer 1

The correct option is C

All periodic motions can be called oscillatory motions.

Oscillatory motion: A to and fro or back and forth motion of a body about its mean position in a fixed interval of time. For example, the motion of a pendulum.

Periodic motion: Any motion that repeats itself at regular interval of time. For example, the motion of planets around the Sun, the motion of a pendulum.

All oscillatory motions are periodic but NOT all periodic motions are oscillatory. For example, the motion of a planet around the Sun is periodic but not oscillatory.