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Topic Oscillation
Asked 3 times across 2 UPSC exams over 28 years (1992–2020), peaking in 1992.
Key insights
- Most tested in CSE — 2 of 3 PYQs
- Most asked in 1992
- Recurs across 3 years (1992–2020)
How it travelled across exams
First appearance in each exam — the same idea, reframed.
CSE 1992 → CAPF 2020
How the concept evolved
Long-running — most appearances (2 of 3) predate 2016, and it still returns.
Sample questions
You've seen the pattern — here are a few of the actual PYQs.
CAPF2020
Which one of the following statements regarding motion is correct?
- A All the periodic motions are necessarily simple harmonic
- B All the simple harmonic motions are necessarily periodic motions ✓
- C There is no co-relation between the simple harmonic motions and the periodicity of motion
- D The relation between the simple harmonic motion and periodic motion depends upon the mass of object undergoing the motion
✓ Correct answer: (B)
Science & Technology › Physics & Chemistry
CSE1994
In an electronic watch, the component corresponding to pendulum of a pendulum clock is a
- A transistor
- B crystal oscillator ✓
- C diode
- D balance wheel
✓ Correct answer: (B)
Science & Technology › Physics & Chemistry
CSE1992
Which one of the following will take place when a watch based on oscillating spring is taken to a deep mine?
- A It will become slow it will become fast ✓
- B
- C It will indicate the same time as on earth
- D It will stop working
✓ Correct answer: (A)
Science & Technology › Physics & Chemistry
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