Oscillations and Waves Revision Notes for Quick Exam Prep

You can expect a minimum of 1 - 2 questions from this chapter. Have a look at the number of questions asked from the Oscillations and Waves chapter in the past five years of the JEE Main exam.

Take the chance to elevate your preparation with our Oscillations and Waves Notes. It covers the whole JEE Main Physics Syllabus and you can download it for FREE.

Important Topics from Oscillations and Waves JEE Main 2026

Below are some important topics students must consider while studying the Oscillations and Waves chapter. These topics are picked from the previous year’s JEE Main exams. Hence, before downloading the Revision notes, you can go through the list of important topics in this chapter:

• Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)

• Damped and Forced Oscillations

• Waves

• Sound Waves

• Wave Optics

• Electromagnetic Waves

• Polarization

• Sound and Light Intensity

• Resonance Tubes and Pipes

• Wavefront and Rays

• Wave Motion in Strings

• Vibrations of Air Columns

Important Formulas on Oscillations and Waves for JEE Mains 2026

1. Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM):

• Displacement: $x(t) = A \sin(\omega t + \phi) $

• A: Amplitude

• $\omega $: Angular frequency $( \omega = 2\pi f $)

• $\phi $: Phase constant

• Velocity: $v(t) = \frac{dx}{dt} = A \omega \cos(\omega t + \phi) $

• Acceleration: $a(t) = \frac{d^2x}{dt^2} = -A \omega^2 \sin(\omega t + \phi) = -\omega^2 x(t) $

• Time Period: $T = \frac{2\pi}{\omega} $

• Frequency: $f = \frac{1}{T} = \frac{\omega}{2\pi} $

• Total Energy: $E = \frac{1}{2} m \omega^2 A^2 $

2. Spring-Mass System:

• Angular Frequency: $\omega = \sqrt{\frac{k}{m}} $ 

• k: Spring constant

• m: Mass

• Time Period: $T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{m}{k}} $

3. Simple Pendulum:

•  Time Period: $ T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{L}{g}} $

• L: Length of the pendulum

• g: Acceleration due to gravity

4. Wave Motion:

• Wave Equation: $y(x, t) = A \sin(kx - \omega t + \phi) $

• k: Wave number $ k = \frac{2\pi}{\lambda} $)

• $\lambda $: Wavelength

• Wave Speed: $v = f \lambda = \frac{\omega}{k} $

5. Sound Waves:

• Speed in Air: $v = \sqrt{\frac{\gamma R T}{M}} $

• $\gamma $: Ratio of specific heats

• R: Universal gas constant

• T: Temperature in Kelvin

• M: Molar mass of the gas

6. Doppler Effect:

• Apparent Frequency: $f' = f \left( \frac{v \pm v_o}{v \mp v_s} \right) $

• f: Source frequency

• v: Speed of sound in the medium

• $v_o $: Observer's velocity (positive if moving towards the source)

• $ v_s$: Source's velocity (positive if moving towards the observer)

7. Beats:

• Beat Frequency: $f_{\text{beat}} = |f_1 - f_2| $

• $f_1 $and $f_2 $: Frequencies of the two waves

Why are Notes of Oscillations and Waves Important for JEE Main 2026?

Rhythmic Universe:

Imagine the world as a grand orchestra where everything vibrates and sways to its own tune. This chapter introduces you to the mesmerizing world of oscillations and waves, where energy dances in captivating patterns.

Waves: Nature's Messengers:

Waves are like messengers, carrying energy through space and time. Whether it's the gentle lapping of water, the soothing sound of music, or the invisible signals connecting devices, waves are everywhere.

Oscillations: Motion in Harmony:

Oscillations are like the heartbeat of the universe. Objects move back and forth around their equilibrium positions, creating a symphony of motion. Think of a pendulum's soothing sway or the vibration of a guitar string.

Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM): The Cosmic Dance:

SHM is the superstar of oscillations. It's like watching a cosmic dance, where objects move with predictable patterns. It's the graceful motion of a swinging pendulum, a bouncing spring, or a vibrating tuning fork.

Types of Waves: Surfers of Energy:

Waves come in many flavours. Meet the transverse waves that wiggle like a snake and the longitudinal waves that compress and expand like a spring. These waves transport energy, whether it's light, sound, or even earthquakes.

Wave Propagation: Ripple Effect:

Waves ripple outwards, carrying energy from one place to another. Ever tossed a pebble into a pond? The ripples spread out, just like waves moving through air, water, or even solid materials.

Reflection and Refraction: Bouncing and Bending:

Waves love to play games of bouncing and bending. Watch how a mirror reflects light, or how a straw in a glass of water appears bent. These interactions reveal the playful nature of waves.

Sound Waves: Symphony of Vibrations:

Sound waves are your ticket to the world of music and communication. Discover how vibrations in the air create sound, from the sweet melody of a songbird to the booming thunder of a storm.

Electromagnetic Waves: Light's Magical Journey:

Ever wondered how we see the world around us? Enter electromagnetic waves, including visible light. They zip through space, revealing the colourful spectrum and allowing us to experience the beauty of our surroundings.

Benefits of learning Oscillations and Waves for JEE Mains with Vedantu’s Notes 

• Vedantu’s notes simplify complex topics like wave patterns and oscillatory motion, making it easier for students to grasp each concept without confusion.

• All important formulas are highlighted and organised, saving students from searching multiple sources, which helps in quicker revision before exams.

• The notes include step-by-step solutions to typical questions, showing students how to tackle problems and improve their problem-solving skills.

• Vedantu’s notes focus on topics that frequently appear in JEE Main exams, helping students concentrate on what truly matters for scoring well.

• The notes offer practice questions that reflect JEE Main standards, giving students the chance to strengthen their understanding and check their readiness.

• With Vedantu’s FREE PDF notes, students can study on the go, review topics at their own pace, and easily access material anytime.

Applications in Technology: Riding the Wave:

Oscillations and waves power much of our technology. From radio waves that bring news to your phone, to medical ultrasounds that peer inside your body, these concepts are at the heart of modern innovation.

Dive into the vibrant world of oscillations and waves! Imagine the beauty of synchronized motion, the magic of sound and light, and the countless ways in which these concepts shape our understanding of the universe. Get ready to ride the waves of energy and explore the symphony of oscillations on your JEE Main journey.

Formula-Memory Connection: Strengthening Knowledge with Revision Notes

Equations are more than just symbols –They're your secret code to solve problems in Physics. When you understand formulas, you can easily handle tricky ideas and feel more sure of yourself.  Use the equation with JEE Main Physics Revision notes to improve studying. Check out our JEE Main Physics formula pages and begin your journey to prepare for JEE Main now!

Other Important Links for JEE Main 2026 Oscillations and Waves 

Discover the links of extra resources beyond JEE Main 2026 Oscillations and Waves notes. Check out other important links that open doors to learning, practice papers, mock tests, and insights. Boost your readiness, conquer challenges, and embrace success by using these resources made just for JEE Main 2026.

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